Every single person knows that the adrenal glands are endocrine glands which are producing a variety of essential hormones, and here are included adrenaline and steroids, aldosterone, and cortisol; when there is not enough production of one or more of these hormones, then this results in adrenal fatigue.
You will feel fatigued, but also there are other signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiencies, such as skin discoloration, lightheadedness, digestive problems, irritability, poor sleep, low blood pressure, unexplained weight loss, and body aches. This condition can be diagnosed by blood tests and special stimulation tests, which can show inadequate levels of adrenal hormones. But this condition is not a type of condition which can be fixed overnight. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue, then you need to have patience and commit to a strict regimen to restore the proper functioning of your adrenal glands.
You need to talk with your doctor about which is the best natural treatment for you. You can drink green tea or basil tea two or three times per day. Also, you should avoid sweetened and sugar beverages that have little nutritional value.
9 Natural treatments for adrenal fatigue
Contents
Diaphragmatic breathing
You should practice relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing because they can help to prevent the adrenal glands from releasing constant steam of hormones that are keeping your body in a hypervigilant state. When you are practicing diaphragmatic breathing, then this can help you to restore your energy as well as fight anxiety and stress, which often take a toll on your adrenal function and energy level.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a very important nutrient for our adrenal as well as overall health. This is a very important antioxidant that plays a key role in cortisol in your adrenal glands [1]. Vitamin C is also important for catecholamine synthesis, i.e., the production of dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. This works as an essential building block for the recovery of your adrenal glands. Vitamin C can boost your immune system, and also it can protect your body the free radicals. Tomatoes, sprouts, strawberries, potatoes, peppers, oranges, kiwis, grapefruits, and broccoli are some of the best sources of Vitamin C. Also, you can take Vitamin C supplements, but firstly, you need to talk with your doctor.
Magnesium-rich foods
We know that magnesium is very important for our adrenal health. This is a very important element for breaking down glucose into energy. Also, there are some cases when a slight deficiency of magnesium can affect your energy levels and stamina [2].
Also, this can result in depression. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue, then you need to check your magnesium levels. If you have discovered that your magnesium levels are low, then you need to include more magnesium-rich foods in your diet. The recommended daily intake amount of magnesium for women is 300 mg and for men is 350 mg. dark chocolate, bananas, avocados, soybeans, fish, seeds, nuts, and dark leafy greens are some good sources of magnesium.
Also, there is another option you can make, and that is to mix one tablespoon of unsulfured blackstrap molasses in one glass of hot milk or just water. You should drink this home remedy once per day. Also, you can take magnesium supplements, but first, you need to speak with your doctor.
Coconut oil
Virgin, organic coconut oil is a well–balanced fat that can help you to fight adrenal fatigue, and also this will keep your energy levels high. Coconut oil has healthy fats, especially medium–chain triglycerides. They are easily digested, and also they are used as a form of direct energy. Also, this can help to sustain energy levels.
When you take coconut oil in moderate amounts, then it can help to reduce abdominal fat, which increases adrenal fatigue. You should eat one to two tablespoons of extra–virgin coconut oil every day. Also, you can add coconut oil to your morning coffee or to your smoothies. Also, you can add coconut oil to your baked goods. You can use coconut oil to practice oil pulling every morning because this will keep your body free from toxins. Talk with your doctor about the complete procedure of oil pulling.
Licorice root
One of the best adaptogen herbs for regulating cortisol levels is licorice root. This home remedy has glycyrrhizin acid, which can inhibit cortisol breakdown, which helps to restore normal levels of this hormone. This natural cure can boost the levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which is another stress-fighting hormone.
There was one study that was done in 2011 in which it said that this natural cure helps the body regulate cortisol which in turn gives your adrenal glands a break. Also, this natural cure can maintain energy levels and also it can increase endurance. You should add one teaspoon of licorice powder to one cup of hot water. You should cover it and let it steep for ten minutes, and then you should strain this natural cure. You should drink this home remedy two or three times per day for a period of one week. Also, you can take licorice supplements, but you need to talk with your doctor before you take them. You should never use licorice in excess amounts because it can raise your blood pressure levels.
Stay hydrated
We know that our bodies need water to function properly, and our adrenal glands are not an exception. When you don’t drink enough amounts of water, then this can cause dehydration which is also a hallmark of adrenal fatigue. Water makes up 65–70% of total body weight, but when there is less amount of water in your body, and then this affects your energy.
Also, water can help to build stamina because it fights muscle fatigue. You should drink plenty of water at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure your body has the energy to function throughout the day. Also, you can drink a lot of healthy homemade vegetable or fruit juices. Also, you need to cut down the alcoholic and caffeinated beverages because they can lead to dehydration. [3]
Vitamin B Complex
There are several B vitamins that play an important role in cell metabolism to keep our energy levels high [4]. Vitamin B6 helps in the creation of adrenal hormones. Vitamin B5 helps produce coenzyme A and aids cellular respiration and the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B15 helps with energy production, the maintenance of red blood cells, and cell repair. When you improve your metabolic pathways by giving your body the much–needed Vitamins B, then this can easily boost your energy levels and also it will alleviate adrenal fatigue. You should eat foods that are rich in Vitamin B, such as dairy products, fortified breakfast cereals, beans, and whole grains. Also, you can opt to take Vitamin B complex supplements because they have the right balance of different important B Vitamins, but you need to talk with your doctor about the appropriate dosage.
Physical activity
This may seem counterintuitive, but when you stay physically active, then this can help to fight against adrenal fatigue [5]. But there is no need for doing vigorous activities. You should do simple exercises such as swimming, dancing, jogging or walking because they can keep you active and also they will reduce your body weight. This will help you to improve the function of your adrenal glands. Also, when you are doing exercises, then you are keeping your body free of toxins which is important for increased stamina as well as higher metabolism. You should avoid excessive cardio or endurance training because these activities are really hard on our adrenal glands. Also, you should not overstress the adrenal glands by setting unattainable exercise goals.
Ashwagandha
This is an adaptogen herb that regulates many systems in our bodies in which are also included the adrenal glands [6]. This natural cure is very helpful for our adrenal glands to adjust to stress. It does this by producing stress hormones when you need them, and it stops producing them when you do not need these hormones. It can improve sleep, improve immune function and reduce anxiety.
All of these factors are very important for the function of our adrenal glands. Also, this natural cure functions as an antioxidant. The recommended dose of this natural treatment is 500 mg per day. You need to talk with your doctor before you start using ashwagandha supplements.
References
[1] Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and edfficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. 2012;34(3):255-62.
[2] Choi JY, dela Peña IC, Yoon SY, et al. Is the anti-stress effect of vitamin C related to adrenal gland function in rat? Food Science and Biotechnology. 2011;20(2):429-35.
[3] Cuciureanu MD, Vink R. Magnesium and stress. Magnesium in the Central Nervous System (Vink R, Nechifor M, ed.). 2011. University of Adelaide Press.
[4] Sannarangappa V, Jalleh R. Inhaled corticosteroids and secondary adrenal insufficiency. The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal. 2014;8:93-100.
[5] Stough C, Simpson T, Lomas J, et al. Reducing occupational stress with a B-vitamin focussed intervention: a randomized clinical trial: study protocol. Nutrition Journal. 2014;13:122.
[6] Alghadir AH, Gabr SA. Physical activity and environmental influences on adrenal fatigue of Saudi adults: biochemical analysis and questionnaire survey. Journal of Physical Therapy Science. 2015;27(7):2045-51.
