He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth…Psalm 104:14

This month I want to continue writing about adrenal fatigue and exhaustion, and hopefully some of you will understand more about this condition and how to correct this. The following information comes from Dr. Axe’s website at draxe.com.

WHAT CAUSES ADRENAL FATIGUE?

Adrenal fatigue is a condition where your body and adrenal glands can’t keep up with the tremendous amount of daily stress. Sometimes misunderstood as an autoimmune disorder, adrenal fatigue can mimic precursors to other common illnesses and disease. Wellness doctors and practitioners believe that an episode of acute stress or prolonged, chronic stress can cause adrenal glands to become overloaded and ineffective.

Stressful experiences like death of a loved one, divorce or surgery, exposure to environmental toxins and pollution, prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions entail feelings of helplessness. Negative thinking and emotional trauma, poor diet (including crash diets and inconsistent nutrition) and lack of exercise, pain, food sensitivities, surgery, reliance on stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks and rheumatoid arthritis all contribute to adrenal fatigue and exhaustion.

Stress can cause extreme fatigue. One study found that students undergoing chronic, long-term stress when prepping for medical exams at the end of their educational careers impaired the students’ cortisol awakening response. By limiting this surge in cortisol that naturally occurs every morning when you wake up to help you feel alert, stress inhibits your ability to wake up fully, no matter how much sleep you get.

Treatment for adrenal fatigue involves reducing stress on your body and your mind, eliminating toxins, replenishing your body with healthy foods and supplements. In every case of adrenal recovery, diet is a huge factor. Next, you want to add nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and have healing qualities.

Some of the top superfoods for adrenal health include coconut, olives, avocado and other healthy fats, cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.) fatty fish (e.g., wild-caught salmon), free-range chicken and turkey and bone broth.

Also, nuts such as walnuts and almonds, seeds such as pumpkin, chia and flax, kelp and seaweed, Celtic or Himalayan sea salt and fermented foods rich in probiotics all help overcome adrenal fatigue because they’re nutrient-dense, low in sugar and have healthy fat and fiber.

There are certain herbs, spices and essential oils that can help to fight adrenal fatigue and support an energetic, vibrant life. Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, rhodiola rosea and schisandra may help to lower cortisol levels and mediate stress responses within the body. By using these herbs in food preparation, you can alleviate strain on your adrenal glands. Also, vitamins that include a good B complex and vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin D such as Rainbow Light Women’s Multivitamins allow the body to heal. Until next time!

Alice Russell, also known as “MeMe,” is a guest columnist. Her email address is letstalkherbs@gmail.com.