Tired, sluggish, gaining weight, and stressed? It could be your Adrenal Glands

Here are some of the common symptoms of adrenal fatigue:

Low energy levels

Trouble sleeping at night but want to sleep during the day

Cravings for salt and/or sugar

Feeling confused and overwhelmed

Impaired cognitive functions- brain fog, lack of concentration

Blood sugar irregularity

Poor libido

If you have more than one of these symptoms you should read this.

Worn-out adrenals can affect the whole body and that natural support implemented before something else goes wrong may save you from a more serious diagnosis. Thankfully, there are a number of safe and supportive herbs and supplements to help you with this. Remember to listen to your body, and to monitor your progress as you experiment with a natural approach. We all react differently to therapeutic agents. If you know you are sensitive, vary your dosages accordingly, and consider working with an experienced herbalist.

	Astragalus root (A. membranaceus). Astragalus aids in the body’s natural ability to adapt to stress, bolstering the immune system so you stay well while helping to regulate normal blood sugar levels and alleviate insulin resistance.
	Cordyceps (C. sinensis). Cordyceps is a prized antioxidant fungus that can slow aging and take a load off the adrenals by supporting the immune system, balancing the inflammatory response and helping to stabilize blood sugar.
	Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus, formerly called Siberian ginseng). Eleuthero is an adaptogenic herb that can help protect us against the negative effects of stress, while decreasing fatigue, enhancing mental clarity, helping to balance blood sugar, and even perhaps supporting bone remodeling as well.
	Rhodiola rosea (“golden root”). Rhodiola is another adaptogenic herb that protects against stress-related fatigue and “burnout”; increases mental clarity; and offers immune and blood sugar support. An added benefit of Rhodiola is its antidepressant and antianxiety effects.
	Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Well known for supporting adrenal balance, licorice root aids in increasing energy and endurance. Though many of the above herbs can be used relatively freely of restrictions, certain forms of licorice can increase blood pressure and lower potassium and thus, licorice should be used with care and guidance. Adrenal fatigue, in many instances, is accompanied by low blood pressure, so licorice taken at the appropriate times and dosages can be of benefit in those cases. However, this herb is best taken under the care of an herbalist or a functional medicine practitioner Vitamin B3. Niacin is important for the health of the adrenal glands. Deficiency symptoms include insomnia, nausea, tender gums, depression, and irritability. Some fresh herbs that are full of Vitamin B3 are Alfalfa, Burdock Root, Dandelion, Fathen, Fenugreek, Kelp, Parsley, and Sage.  Vitamin D is also really essential for a healthy Thyroid. You can find Vitamin D in any kind of greens, alfalfa, watercress, and of course the Sun, but for those who live in climates with gloomy weather try other alternatives.

Here are some other supportive lifestyle measures you can take to ensure a full adrenal recovery:

• Sleep. Resist the temptation to burn the candle at both ends! Getting 8-10 hours a night of sleep is one of the best ways to restore your adrenal glands. It’s best to turn in early if you can. Drink herbal tea or consider a natural herbal supplement to help you wind down. And if you need one and can, take a nap during the day.
• Modify your exercise. Some people feel great after they exercise. If this is you, stick with it. Others feel drained with exercise and it’s important to take it slow. Mornings are best for aerobic exercise because this is when your cortisol is naturally highest, but try not to let your heart rate go above 90 beats per minute. It’s recommended that relaxing walks, yoga, or any kind of exercise that restores you instead of draining you.
• Eat well and often. Eating certain foods, and at specific times of the day can help you return to a natural cortisol rhythm and avoid the “crash and burn” of sugar/caffeine highs and lows. One important point: a hungry body puts stress on the adrenals, so don’t let yourself go too long without a meal or a snack.
• Relieve stress. Schedule a massage or enlist a partner or friend to give you one; practice yoga, t’ai chi or qi gong; put up your feet and enjoy a cup of tea; or call a loved one just to talk. Cultivate the practices that best relieve tension and stress for you. Even just five minutes a day of quiet breathing or meditation can do wonders for your adrenals.
• Play. Take a good look at your life, and let go of as many of the things that drain you as possible, replacing them with those that fulfill you. Engage with the people, activities, and work you most enjoy: go to the beach, play with your children, go dancing — whatever you have fun doing, give yourself permission to do it during this time of healing. Your adrenals will soak these experiences up with pleasure.