Adrenal fatigue is a common cause of fatigue and tiredness, which are symptoms that affect a large percentage of people. It can be difficult to initially diagnose adrenal fatigue because its symptoms mimic those of many other conditions. Another added difficulty is that modern science shuns adrenal fatigue and considers it a part of alternative medicine. Fortunately, there are ways to combat the symptoms of this condition.
Cut Down On Sugar
One of the best ways to immediately tackle adrenal fatigue is by cutting down on sugar consumption. Excessive amounts of sugar can have highly adverse effects on the body as well as the mind. On a scientific level, overeating sugar can rapidly increase blood sugar levels, causing a release of hormones, which in turn results in lower blood sugar levels. This is where the adrenal glands step in an attempt to increase healthy levels. If you eat too much sugar, your adrenal glands will be unable to regulate blood sugar levels correctly.
Sleep More
You probably already know that sleep is essential for good health. Even so, many people neglect this basic fact and barely get 6 hours of sleep per day. The recommended amount of sleep for an average adult is between 7 and 8 hours of sleep per night, although this figure changes from person to person. There are some things you can do to increase your sleep levels, as well as sleep quality. Turn off unnecessary distractions at least thirty minutes before bed, including TVs, lights, and mobile phones. You can also consider doing meditation.
Cut Down On Unhealthy Fats
One of the biggest culprits of all kinds of diseases ranging from those of the circulatory system to those that affect digestive healthy is unhealthy trans fats. These fats are abundantly found in highly processed foods like junk food, fast foods, and fatty foods. Unsaturated fats, on the contrary, can help increase cholesterol levels. This type of fat is found in coconut oil, olives, and certain butter. By increasing your consumption of healthy fats, you can help reduce symptoms of adrenal fatigue by reducing fat levels and improve heart health.
Improve Your Breathing Technique
A problem that many doctors encounter nowadays is patients who aren’t breathing the optimal way. While there is no wrong and right way to breathe, there are certain things you can do to get the most oxygen with the least amount of effort. The key is to take deep and controlled breaths, which have been shown to have positive effects on oxygen intake, helping the body to relax. At the same time, it allows for the adrenal glands to improve their function, and it can potentially even increase life expectancy.
Eat More Vegetables
Have you been eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day? If not, you’re not following basic guideline when it comes to nutrition. Many – if not most – dietitians will be quick to point out that fruits and vegetables have to form the base of your diet and for many different reasons. They supply the body with the necessary nutrients and minerals, not to mention the energy they provide for the mind. The adrenals also benefit from a healthy diet, so it’s high time to take a look at how and what you’re eating. There are endless ways to combine healthy ingredients – you just have to be creative!
Drink Green Tea
Did you know that tea has been used for centuries as a natural way to treat different ailments, including upset stomach, acne, and conditions of the immune system? Green tea is especially renowned for its copious amounts of antioxidants and vitamins, which make it a great weapon against adrenal fatigue. Start drinking more green tea – and aim for organic – and you’ll notice the benefits it has for your health. One of its main components, phytochemicals, is known to help support adrenal gland function. You can enjoy a cup or two of green tea per day, and you can also find it in pill form.
Practice Meditation
Not everything you do has to be related to food and diet; sometimes, the best remedy is that which targets the mind and soul. In this regard, meditation is one possible way to help treat adrenal fatigue. Moreover, meditation can help reduce stress, which can drain your energy and worsen symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Try practicing meditation at least a few times per week, preferably early in the morning or right before bed. You can combine this with other healthy practices, such as breathing exercises and yoga. Just remember to stretch after your session.
Eat More Protein
You can combat the negative effects of adrenal fatigue by increasing protein consumption. There are a variety of meats and other sources of protein, including lean proteins that have healthy levels of fat. For example, chicken provides a healthy dose of protein without other unhealthy components. Turkey is another similarly healthy protein, as is salmon. You can also get protein from things like beans and eggs. You can also consider eating 40 grams of protein in the morning to get things going, and helping the adrenal glands to work better.
Consume Natural Salt
Among the different natural remedies that help target adrenal fatigue, natural salts are one of the most effective. Natural salts are well-known as a treatment form because they have naturally high amounts of trace minerals, which may help increase the activity levels of the adrenal glands. There are different types of salts, but perhaps the best-known one is Himalayan salt, which comes from a mountainous region in Asia and is loaded with healthy minerals. However, you should only consume this in moderation, as not to overload the body with salt.
Maintain A Regular Sleep Schedule
Besides getting a good night’s sleep (at least 7 to 8 hours), you should also aim to maintain a fixed, regular, and constant sleep schedule. An occasional deviation is understandable and perhaps unavoidable, but the main idea is to go to bed within the same time frame every day. You should set a daily goal by which time you should be in bed, and try to comply with it as much as you can. After a few weeks of following your routine, your sleep quality should become greatly improved. The effects on the adrenal glands will also be positive, and your symptoms will improve.