What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

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Adrenal fatigue is related to the adrenal glands that are also simply called the adrenals. The adrenal glands are involved in the body’s response to stress. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the stress response of the body is not working properly. ’There are two adrenal glands in the human body, one on top of each kidney. 

The adrenal glands produce two classes of hormones: catecholamines and steroid hormones. The essential hormones released by the adrenal glands help regulate blood pressure, the blood’s pH level, the heart rate, immune system, inflammation, metabolism, potassium and sodium levels, and various  stress response hormones including adrenaline, cortisol, and noradrenaline. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system which is responsible for creating and releasing hormones into the bloodstream. 

It took some time for the medical community to recognize adrenal fatigue as a real issue in people’s health, but it appears to now be common knowledge online.  Adrenal insufficiency—on the other hand—is an accepted medical diagnosis. The difference between the two is that adrenal insufficiency may be life threatening.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

 Adrenal fatigue is a general term used to describe a variety of symptoms ranging from fatigue, sleep disturbances, weakness, and craving sugar and salt. 

If you are someone who experiences afternoon crashes, hair loss, feels lethargic, or has uncontrollable food cravings, your adrenals may be stressed. All these symptoms are indications that the body is in need of recalibration. Reaching out for caffeine orsugary snacks for a quick pick-up will do more harm than good. These foods are not supportive to the adrenals.

Reiki & Natural Remedies for Adrenal Fatigue

Reiki Practitioners are familiar with the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are covered in one of the back hand positions of Reiki. In the field of energy therapy, the adrenal glands are primarily associated with the Root Chakra and are also linked to the Solar Plexus Chakra. The practice of Reiki supports the adrenal glands by promoting relaxation and helping to relieve stress .

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views adrenal fatigue as a kidney deficiency and/or lack of life-force energy/Chi. 

Anything you can do to help relieve stress in your life will bring great benefit to your adrenal glands.

You may want to add some of the following natural remedies to your herb and supplement protocol to help the body if you have one or more of the symptoms and patterns previously stated. 

1)    Schisandra—This herb helps the body’s response to stress and helps the immune system.  

2)    Holy basil—Abundant remedial properties including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic. This herb is helpful with stress. Use in teas. 

3)Chamomile—Soothing..This herb is helpful to the body’s circadian pattern. Reaches the parasympathetic nervous system. Promotes deeper sleep at night. Use as a tea. 

4)    Mushrooms—Chaga, Rishi, Cordyceps, etc.  – These medicinal mushrooms support the immune system, and have long been used to treat infections. Throughout Asia, there are over 100 different types of mushrooms used in the treatment of cancer. Drink as tea for healthy replacement to caffeine or sugar drinks. These mushrooms help relieve anxiety, fight depression, modulate stress, and promote energy in the body as well as mental clarity. 

5)    Ashwagandha – Great at reducing stress. Supports the immune system. Helps cognitive function. Elevates energy, Improves vitality and enances quality and duration of sleep.

Foods that harm when you have Adrenal Fatigue are caffeine and sugar.

Supportive Foods to Adrenal Glands

• Asparagus

• Coconut water

• Cauliflower

• Fibre – kidney beans, chickpeas

• Fruits -- especially berries

• Leafy greens

• Minerals – Sodium/ Sea salt – Himalayan or Celtic (grey), magnesium, and potassium. If you have adrenal fatigue, your body is utilizing minerals at a fast rate.

• Nuts – don’t overeat if you’re sensitive to any.

• Sea weed cooked in healthy oils (avocado, olive) offers tons of nutrients – supports thyroid,

• Vitamin C rich foods

• Wild caught fish  

Prepare meals with fat and protein first, then add in healthy carbohydrates.

Fruits by themselves spike blood sugar. This further dysregulates the body and exacerbates conditions and problems already there.

Ways to Help Your Adrenal Glands 

Apart from ensuring your diet includes many of the supportive foods mentioned previously, the following are ways you can support not only your adrenals but your overall well-being. 

• Getting out in nature is a powerful de-stressor. Take time to enjoy life.

• Physical activity such as walking keeps energy moving. This is important for overall wellness.

• Allow time for your body to rest. There’s a big difference between stretching your capacities here and there and continually pushing yourself to no limit. The latter is stressful ton the body.

• Find healthy ways to relieve stress such as listening to relaxing music, meditation, practicing Reiki, taking relaxing baths, and so on.

• Make restorative sleep a priority. This helps the body recover from stress.  Wind down before going to bed by turning down the lights, and avoiding excessive stimulation and blue light. This helps the body prepare for sleep.

• Unplug from devices regularly. Give your mind time to fully connect with your body.