Magnesium, Magnesium, Magnesium
Magnesium, and magnesium-rich foods, such as fatty fish, avocado, legumes, and leafy greens, support the health of the adrenal glands, balancing hormone production levels, and lessening the effects of adrenal fatigue.
Studies show that ashwagandha can also reduce cortisol levels. One study found that those who consumed the ashwagandha extract saw reduced cortisol levels and a 44% improvement in mental health compared to the placebo group. By managing cortisol levels, ashwagandha may help alleviate adrenal fatigue.
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.
In addition, increased consumption of green tea significantly reduced elevated levels of adrenal stress hormones; cortisol, DHEA, ACTH and corticosterone, and increased the cortisol:DHEA ratio in the control and adolescents who stuttered.
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.
Adrenal fatigue is thought to occur when the adrenals have been overworked to a degree that they can no longer secrete levels of cortisol that are adequate for optimal function. Potential stressors include environmental and dietary influences, as well as anxiety and emotional stresses.
More specifically, vitamin C is needed for the production of cortisol in the adrenal glands. Consequently, when vitamin C levels are low, the body cannot produce the necessary amount of cortisol when combatting stress. This results in adrenal fatigue.
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.
Most people with adrenal fatigue will recover quite quickly but severe symptoms may take some months to recover, or even longer. The time for recovery will vary enormously from person to person and will also depend on the cause of stress and the severity of symptoms.
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.
A great way to determine how much salt you need comes right out of James Wilson's “Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Syndrome.” Wilson recommends trying ¼ tsp of salt in 8 ounces of water. If the water tastes better – not salty, but perhaps more satisfying – it is a signal that your body needs the salt.
Bananas are also rich in nutrients that promote adrenal health. For starters, bananas are known to contain a significant amount of vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine, which is essential for proper adrenal gland function.
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.
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.
Yogurt and Berry Bowl
Yogurt is a great breakfast option because it an easy way to start your morning with protein to keep you full and probiotic bacteria, which have been shown to help support mental function and offset stress-hormone cortisol.
An avocado is an excellent source of unsaturated fats, which are an important building block for the body's natural production of hormones. These hormones, like cortisol, are important in regulating stress as part of the NEM stress response, and play an important role in relieving adrenal fatigue.
The adrenal cocktail focuses on three nutrients: vitamin C, sodium, and potassium. These are key to maintaining adrenal health (more on the adrenals, below). This trio also helps maintain hormone stability, proper hydration, and electrolyte balance.