53: How to Recover from Adrenal Fatigue

What is adrenal fatigue and what are symptoms of adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is a very common issue—especially among women—but its diagnosis is controversial which is why it can be difficult to get support and find solutions.  In this episode we want to share 4 triggers for adrenal fatigue as well as recovery tips so that you’re feeling refreshed and uplifted. 

Adrenal fatigue is poor adrenal function due to an overwhelm of physical, mental and/or emotional stress. Your adrenals are responsible for stress management. 

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue 

• Unusual and unexplained fatigue even after a solid night’s sleep
• Difficulty in handling stress (feel overwhelmed easily)
• Feeling difficult to get up early in the morning
• Mild depression
• Cravings for salty, sugary and fatty foods
• Craving for caffeine
• Insomnia – getting a second wind around 10:00 / 11:00 at night
• Weak immune system
• Anger, fear and anxiety
• Increased allergies
• Weakness in the muscles, muscle and bone loss
• Skin issues
• Imbalance of hormones
• Menopausal symptoms or increased PMS
• Lightheadedness when sitting, standing or lying down
• Memory disruption – issues with memory and focus

4 Triggers for Adrenal Fatigue 

1. Stress: physical, emotional, mental 
   1. This type usually builds up overtime and can be from a toxic relationships, stressful job, or burnout 
   2. It’s essential to find a way to cope and handle these types of situations 
2. Diet
   1. Overconsumption of sugar puts added stress on adrenals and pancreas 
   2. Creates extra insulin production and can lead to energy crashes 
   3. Contributes to overweight and obesity 
3. Disrupted Sleep 
   1. Sleep is critical for healing and repair of the cells/body 
   2. People suffering from adrenal fatigue have a limited time window to get to bed and after a certain time they will get a second wind and be up even later 
   3. Sleep from 7am to 9/10am can be really restorative for those suffering from adrenal issues 
4. Toxic Load 
   1. Create hormone disruption and interference with adrenal function 
   2. Ideal to have natural, toxin-free environment 

Recovery Tips 

• Keep in mind that this takes time, it’s not going to happen in a few times or over the weekend 
• Need consistent follow through and restfulness 
• Need foundation of a healthy diet. Avoid processed food, sugar, soy, and hormone disrupting foods 
• Supplement with vitamins and minerals as the body is in a depleted state. B vitamins are crucial! 

1. Rest as much as possible 
2. Create low stress environments 
3. Frequent eating/snacking 
4. Move your body 
5. Create restoration time 
6. Use adaptogens for extra support: holy basil, milk thistle, adrenal complex 
7. Functional health tests: hormone panel, environmental toxicity, and micronutrients 

Featured in this episode…

Adrenal Complex 

Adaptogens for Health & Healing Podcast