Turmeric may help to alleviate stress-related depression and improve the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. In addition, turmeric also appeared to improve protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which plays a key role in memory and cognitive function.
There are incredible health benefits to including turmeric in your diet, and it can especially help with adrenal fatigue. Detoxification is essential for optimal health. Those with adrenal fatigue should consider mild detox plans as they tend to have more fragile systems.
Turmeric boosts stress-tolerance
These healing herbs are known to keep you calm under pressure and increase resilience to any form of pressure. Turmeric does just that, by normalizing specific physiological pathways, decreasing cortisol (the stress hormone) and elevating serotonin levels (the happy hormone).
The suggested treatments for healthy adrenal function are a diet low in sugar, caffeine, and junk food, and “targeted nutritional supplementation” that includes vitamins and minerals: Vitamins B5, B6, and B12. Vitamin C. Magnesium.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid, is great for adrenal support. Indeed, high levels of vitamin C are stored in the adrenal glands, and vitamin C helps support the production of cortisol. When your adrenal glands don't have enough vitamin C, they actually try to create even more cortisol.
The adrenal fatigue theory suggests that prolonged exposure to stress could drain the adrenals leading to a low cortisol state. The adrenal depletion would cause brain fog, low energy, depressive mood, salt and sweet cravings, lightheadedness, and other vague symptoms.
Symptoms said to be due to adrenal fatigue include tiredness, trouble falling asleep at night or waking up in the morning, salt and sugar craving, and needing stimulants like caffeine to get through the day. These symptoms are common and non-specific, meaning they can be found in many diseases.
Turmeric is well known for it's anti-inflammatory properties. The active constituent within turmeric is curcumin which can be very helpful for hormonal conditions, in particular for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).
Since the liver has an important role in metabolising estrogen for elimination, turmeric can have an impact on hormone regulation via this mechanism. In addition, turmeric helps women managing some symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes and joint pain given its anti-inflammatory properties.
Large amounts of turmeric might interfere with the effects of estrogen. Taking turmeric along with estrogen might decrease the effects of estrogens. Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.
Perform simple, low-intensity movement. Get up and go for a walk for a half hour in the morning—just get low-level general movement. This will help with mental performance too. Perform daily stress-management, self-care activities, such as deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and journaling.
Ginger root helps modulate adrenal function. Ginger also helps fight inflammation produced by cortisol.
Adding lemon to your water is a great way to alkaline your body. Many people with adrenal fatigue have highly acidic bodies. To help neutralize this, try drinking a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon in it daily. The right balance of minerals is essential for healthy adrenal glands.
Recovery from adrenal fatigue can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years. Each individual has a unique set of symptoms and an individual response to treatment. The recovery process depends upon the stage and severity of the adrenal exhaustion.
I have personally dealt with adrenal fatigue in the past, and I can vouch for magnesium and cortisol's role in calming stress levels and rehabilitating hormonal systems. Magnesium helps to regulate cortisol levels, allowing for more balanced hormone production which is essential in our fast paced culture.
Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is the most important factor when it comes to your adrenal health. Ensuring you are getting between 7 and 9 hours sleep every night allows your adrenal glands time to rest and rejuvenate. It is also important to get to sleep well before midnight, preferably by 10pm or 11pm.
Adrenal insufficiency can be caused by Addison's disease, a pituitary disorder or another disorder. Some symptoms of this life-threatening dysfunction include extreme exhaustion, lack of appetite (leading to weight loss), diarrhea, nausea, low blood pressure and low blood sugar.
You should also make sure that you are getting enough vitamins in your daily routine. Specifically, vitamins such as magnesium, B and C can help prevent adrenal fatigue. Magnesium aids in calming and supporting the nervous system, improving your quality of sleep, reducing stress levels, and boosting energy production.
Many people who suffer from adrenal fatigue are sensitive to chemicals in foods. Here are some recommended fruits for those with adrenal fatigue: papaya, mango, plums, pears, kiwi, apples, and cherries. Fruits to avoid would be bananas, raisins, dates, figs, oranges, and grapefruit.
Eating eggs daily when you're suffering from adrenal fatigue is a good way to provide your body with high quality protein as well as healthy, high quality fat. Starting your day with two eggs could help speed recovery from adrenal fatigue. Try eating those eggs raw, soft boiled, or over-easy as much as possible.
Avoid foods high in sugar and saturated fat and limit or avoid processed meats, refined grains, soft drinks, and fried foods.