It is a proven fact that a little stress is essential for everyday functioning and helping an individual go about their daily routine. But too much of everything, especially stress, could turn out to be dangerous! A number of medical complications can arise due to excessive stress, some of which are strongly supported by scientific evidence while some are viewed with scepticism due to a lack of evidence.
Regardless, one such condition associated with chronic stress is “adrenal fatigue” – a condition, still not fully understood, but easy to get under control!
If you are experiencing issues like fatigue, unexplained body aches, hair loss, etc., because of your stressful lifestyle, you might be a victim of this condition. In this blog post, I’m going to throw some light on the symptoms and causes associated with adrenal fatigue and then share five effective remedies for you to tackle this problem and live your life to the fullest.
Understanding adrenal fatigue
It is my firm belief that in order to defeat pain and disease, you must first understand them. This is why, before reading about the symptoms and causes, it’s important for you to understand what adrenal fatigue actually is. Adrenal fatigue refers to a range of symptoms that result from chronic stress.
Our body naturally produces low levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) which, as discussed above, is healthy for everyday routine. However, our bodies can also overproduce it if we are subjected to too much stress on a daily basis. Excessive cortisol can affect the most essential glands we have – the adrenal glands (located above our kidneys). What makes them so special is the fact that they regulate EVERY hormone in the body. With the adrenal glands not working properly, a number of symptoms associated with hormone imbalances can arise. And when multiple non-specific symptoms start arising, that’s when you know you have adrenal fatigue. The condition has three stages which are outlined below:
- High Cortisol (“Wired and Tired”) – The early stage which is characterised by anxiety and high alert levels.
- High/Low Cortisol (“Stressed and Tired”) – Characterised by high anxiety levels followed by fatigue, as well as sugar and caffeine cravings.
- Low Cortisol (“Burnout”) – Final stage, characterised by chronic fatigue, depression, and low immunity.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue
The symptoms of adrenal fatigue include:
- Feeling lethargic all the time
- Body aches
- Loss of hair
- Low immunity
- Insomnia
- Extreme craving for sugar and caffeine
- Depression
- Reduced sex drive
- The Usual Culprits
- There are a number of causes behind adrenal fatigue. Some common ones include:
- Unbalanced/poor/inadequate diet
- Addiction to caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants
- Inactive lifestyle
- Emotional trauma
- A personal matter which might be stressing the individual out
How to tackle adrenal fatigue
I hope that, by now, you have a better understanding of adrenal fatigue, its causes, and its symptoms. Now, without further ado, I’m going to share with you five effective natural remedies for this condition. Let’s get started!
1. Water
Where there is water, there is life. This life-sustaining substance is the number-one cure for almost every disease, which is why I have decided to mention it first. Keeping yourself hydrated at all times will ensure optimal performance of all organs and help your body get rid of toxins. Moreover, dehydration has been associated with an increase in cortisol levels, which is reason enough to remain hydrated at all times.
To ensure maximum hydration and effectively combat adrenal fatigue, drink at least 2 litres of water every day.
2. Sleep
Sleep allows the body to recharge and repair itself. Getting an adequate amount of rest each day is the secret behind a fully functioning body. You should try to get anything from 8 to 10 hours of sleep every day, regardless of how busy your routine is. Make a habit of getting everything sorted out before 10 PM and tucking yourself into bed on time. However, because of high cortisol levels, you could find falling asleep to become a bit of a problem. If you are suffering from insomnia due to adrenal fatigue, I suggest trying out valerian root, a herbal remedy that induces sleep.
3. Pure essential oils
Pure essential oils are extremely effective in reducing stress levels and helping with insomnia. Here’s a tip: apply the oils to your skin or at the edges of your pillow before going to sleep. This will help you fall asleep much faster and enjoy a good night’s rest. You could also apply them during the day to calm your body and take on your routine with all you’ve got. The three most effective pure essential oils for adrenal fatigue are:
- Lavender Oil – Has soothing qualities
- Cinnamon Bark Oil – Boosts immunity and energy levels
- Rosemary Oil – Known to reduce cortisol levels
4. Whole foods
Your adrenal glands love organic whole foods. A nutrient-rich diet, especially one high in fibre and vitamins can work wonders when it comes to curing adrenal fatigue. Some examples of healthy whole foods include nuts, seeds, fresh fruits and greens, cold-pressed oil, etc.
On the other hand, there are a few items which you should eliminate from your diet, including:
- Processed meat
- Refined sugar
- Artificial food colourings
- Addictive substances
5. Exercise & meditation
An active lifestyle is yet another effective cure for all diseases. Daily exercise is a proven remedy for increased stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Moreover, it also aids in the creation of endorphins which are known to improve mood and help counter depression. Along with exercise, take some time out for meditation and allow your mind and body to relax completely.
In conclusion…
By incorporating whole foods into your diet, developing a habit of going to sleep on time with the help of pure essential oils, and taking some time out for daily workout sessions, you can beat adrenal fatigue! As an ending note, I’d just like to advise you to take things slow and not let the little things stress you out.
