Daily living causes much stress, which is not easy on the adrenal glands. Combine stress with poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and too much caffeine, and you have a recipe for the development of what is known as adrenal fatigue.
The adrenal glands (also known as supra-renal glands) are triangle-shaped endocrine glands that sit atop the kidneys. They are chiefly responsible for regulating the stress response through the synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamine, including cortisol and adrenaline.
When the adrenals are tired, the body may experience a number of different symptoms. They are often vague and may seem unrelated; but the most common symptoms caused by tired or worn-out adrenal glands are listed below:
- Excessive sweating or perspiration from little activity
- Lower back pain and/or knee weakness or pain, especially on the side
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Dizziness
- Muscle twitches
- Low blood sugar
- Heart palpitations
- Sensitivity to light, or difficulty seeing at night
- A craving for salt
- Low stamina for stress, and easily irritated
- Excessive mood responses after eating carbohydrates such as pasta, breads and sugar
- Chronic infections (bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast)
- Low blood pressure
- Light-headedness upon standing up
- Tired but wired feeling, poor sleep
- Cravings for sweets and carbs, and/or intolerance to alcohol
- Premature aging
- Dry, unhealthy skin with excess pigmentation
- Lack of libido
- Cystic breasts
- Tendency to startle easily
- Negative response to thyroid hormone
If you suspect you might have tired adrenals, it’s important to address the issue before symptoms worsen or other problems develop. Talk with your doctor or another healthcare provider. The adrenal glands are extremely important to a healthy immune system and they are a vital component of proper thyroid function.
Natural Ways to Support Your Adrenals
- Get some sleep. You must rest if you are going to help your adrenals get stronger again. That means going to bed every night at the same time, making sure to get approximately 8 hours of sleep each night. Make this a priority and stick with it. Your adrenals need their beauty sleep!
- Eliminate sugar and processed carbohydrates. Sugar and simple carbs from soda and junk foods put stress on the adrenals. Adrenal glands help to regulate blood sugar levels, so taking care of them will help prevent development of diabetes or aid in managing the disease.
- Eat high-quality animal protein foods, organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, beans and grains as much as possible. Choose to spend your money on quality over quantity.
- Quit the coffee habit and drink plenty of fresh filtered water every day.
- Reduce your stress levels through exercise and activity, meditation, socialization with loving friends and family, or any form of positive stress release that works for you. You may not be able to change what stresses you out, but you can better control how you respond to it!
Remember, our health is the most vital part of our lives. Taking steps now to prevent problems in the future is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us!