‘Adrenal fatigue’ isn’t widely accepted amongst mainstream medical practitioners. However, there are many integrative and holistic practitioners that acknowledge adrenal fatigue exists and there’s lots you can do to modify your lifestyle to bring your body back into balance.
You’ll also find lots of information online about strategies you can implement to help heal.
Here are some modifiable lifestyle factors you might consider:
Sleep
Are you getting enough (or too much) sleep? Proponents of the theory that adrenal fatigue is an actual disease urge sufferers to get at least 9 hours of sleep a night, and to rest after meals if possible, but at least at midmorning and again at mid-afternoon. Mainstream medicine also recommends getting 7-8 hours of sleep to reduce stress.
Exercise
Are you getting enough exercise? With regard to exercise, adrenal fatigue is said to benefit most by relaxing exercises, such as slow walks or yoga, rather than more strenuous exercise to lose weight or build muscles. Mainstream medicine may prefer that you eventually get more strenuous exercise, to promote a healthy heart and maintain a healthy weight, but certainly, they have no problem with yoga or walking!
Toxic Chemicals
Are you using a lot of toxic chemicals in your home or on your body?
It is also believed that sufferers of adrenal fatigue may be sensitive to the toxins found in cleaning products around the house, and they recommend the purchase of more natural or organic varieties. Again, you would probably find little argument with this suggestion from mainstream medicine, provided it is not taken to unreasonable extremes.
Diet
Are you eating a healthy, balanced diet? Members of both mainstream and alternative medicine have found benefits to eating several small meals a day rather than the typical 3 larger meals, and that theory also holds true for advocates of the theory of adrenal fatigue.
Opt for a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, high in fibre and antioxidants. This would be a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fish, whole grains, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and green tea.
Proponents of the theory of adrenal fatigue state that the condition responds best to a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, with an emphasis on eating protein in some form at every meal. This would be a diet very similar to the anti-stress diet, although perhaps containing more protein.
Both modern medicine and alternative medicine practitioners suggest cutting down on caffeine, sugar, fat, alcohol and other unhealthy options in your diet. Keep a food journal and determine where you need to make changes.
Stress Management
Stress is normal, and the human body is equipped to handle stress through the release of hormones. But we must give our bodies enough “downtime” from this stress to allow them to reset hormone levels and return to their normal non-stressful functioning.
Both mainstream medicine and alternative medicine practitioners agree that an important step in stress management is to take the time to identify what is stressful in your current life, and determine what changes can be made to reduce this stress. If you become easily upset by world news, then limit the amount of time spent watching TV news programs or reading the newspaper or online news sites. If you have difficulty sleeping at night, try turning off the TV at least an hour before bedtime and doing something relaxing, such as reading a good book, taking a warm bath or shower, or meditating. Get in touch with your body and your mind, and you may find the symptoms of adrenal fatigue and other stress-related ailments melting away. If these steps do not ease your symptoms, see a doctor immediately. Your symptoms may be an indication of a physical ailment that requires medical treatment.
Tips & Warnings
- Using a journal will help you make sure you are staying on track.
- Don’t give up too soon – give the changes you are making time to work!
- If you are not feeling well, see a doctor. Your symptoms may be a sign of something more serious.