Are Your Adrenals Fatigued?
The adrenals are two small glands that sit on top of our kidneys and they play an important role in our metabolism and energy production, reproductive cycles, mood/anxiety/depression, immune system, blood pressure, sleep, and more. Our sex hormones, stress hormone (cortisol), adrenaline (and more) are produced by our adrenal glands. Needless to say, these glands are important!
When we are under prolonged stress - mental, emotional, physical - our adrenal glands have to work really hard. This stress can be overexercising or underexercising, it could be work- or home-related, it could be poor digestion and eating habits, a lack of sleep, pain and inflammation, and more.
What are some symptoms of adrenal fatigue?
- fatigue and lethargy - food cravings - feeling unrefreshed after an adequate amount of sleep - mood swings - menstrual changes and fertility issues - weight change - weak immune system - hair loss - loss of libido - skin changes - other
What you can do about all of this:
Rest: get proper rest and sleep, don't overdo it, say no to extra responsibility, relax, laugh, turn the volume down on long and intense workouts and opt for walking (in nature), gentle yoga, stretching, short workouts, swimming etc.
Get your minerals: zinc and magnesium are two minerals that are crucial alongwith many others - perhaps a multivitamin and/or therapeutic dosages of different minerals will help. Consult with a healthcare practitioner.
Take some vitamins: The B vitamins and vitamin C get used up very quickly by the body when it's under stress (and especially if you're on the pill), so getting these vitamins (and others) is important. It's also a good idea to get your iron, B12, vitamin D, and thyroid checked.
Use adaptogenic herbs: Adaptogens are a group of herbs that help regulate the body's response to stress (like licorice, holy basil, ashwagandha, rhodiola, and more. Finding the proper fit for your symptoms and body is important, so consult with someone who knows what they're talking about!
Optional but effective: take a vacation!
idea to make sure iron, B12, vitamin D, and thyroid hormone levels are okay.
