How to Stimulate Your Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are endocrine glands responsible for epinephrine and adrenaline production. They are also vital in helping produce the hormone cortisone in the body. Adrenal fatigue is often caused by prolonged or heightened stress, lack of rest, poor nutrition and a failure within the body to cope with toxic buildup once the adrenals are depleted. Depression, decreased sexual drive, irritability, compulsive behaviors, hypoglycemia and an inability to sleep are common symptoms with this syndrome. Help stimulate adrenal glands with proper nutrition and lifestyle changes to help replenish and heal these important glands.
Things You'll Need
- Healthy diet
- Vitamin and mineral supplementation
- DHEA (optional)
- Progesterone (optional)
Instructions
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Eat small, frequent meals (five to six) throughout the day. Add high-quality foods to your diet with protein, healthy fats and complex calories to maintain proper glucose levels in the body. Lean meats, beans, organic vegetables and nuts increase energy levels in the body and help support the adrenals.
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Avoid vegetable oils such as canola and corn and replace with healthier oils such as coconut and olive oil. Trade regular table salt for natural sea salt and buy organic meat and vegetables whenever possible. Add digestive aids containing golden seal, slippery elm, licorice and fenugreek, which are excellent sources to help you to better assimilate nutrients from foods.
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Replace lost nutrients from your depleted adrenals with supplementation. Adrenal fatigue sufferers often have low levels of magnesium and zinc, which aid digestion and help produce energy. Vitamins C, E, B-6 and B-Complex support the adrenal cascade, and kelp and milk thistle help to remove toxic buildup in the body.
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Make a list of things you can do to reduce stress. Remove yourself from activities and commitments that are not vitally necessary and look for ways to reduce stress in the workplace or consider a career change.
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Ask your doctor about hormone replacement therapy. DHEA, a basic adrenal hormone, converts itself within the body to produce other vital hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. Women may also consider the addition of a progesterone cream, as progesterone is used by the body when overtaxed adrenals pump excess cortisol into the body. Both of these are over-the-counter medications, but consult your doctor before using them.
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Exercise, even if you think you don't have the energy for it. Exercise is a well-known stress reliever and can increase energy levels and improve mood. Even moderate exercise, such as brisk walking for 20 minutes, four times a week can help, but avoid competition-type sports, as this could increase your stress levels.
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Tips & Warnings
Doctors sometimes prescribe cortisol replacement therapy for adrenal fatigue.
Often adrenal fatigue is accompanied by hypothyroidism; have your doctor test your thyroid gland if you are diagnosed with adrenal fatigue.
