Have you ever had an “adrenaline rush”? Whether it was a the burst of energy you needed while rappelling down a mountainside, or the quick reaction time to avoid crashing into an opening door when biking past a parked car, you had a fast – almost automatic – reaction to some outside stress. Now, chances are also pretty good that after that initial rush, you felt really drained, at least for a few moments, like it sapped the last of your strength. That’s a normal response while your body is recovering from the stressor. But imagine feeling that fatigued all the time. That’s not normal. It’s actually a symptom of adrenal dysregulation, more commonly called adrenal fatigue.
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands are two small glands about the size of an acorn, one atop each kidney. They help the body fight stress and fatigue, and control the “fight or flight” hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Chronic stress causes adrenal depletion
If your adrenal glands are constantly asked to work overtime, the unending tide of stress hormones uses up your reserves. You may notice that that you’re increasingly overwhelmed, suffer from unaccountable brain fog or just feel strangely tired all the time. You could be suffering from adrenal fatigue, making even the most routine task seem insurmountable.
Natural remedies for adrenal fatigue
Fortunately, if you are suffering from adrenal fatigue, there are some natural ingredients that can help you feel ready to face each day with the energy and vitality you deserve.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a favorite for immune support and key for the adrenal gland health, too. During stress, the adrenal glands store this antioxidant to protect against free-radical damage. Excessive stress depletes this vital nutrient from the adrenal glands.
DHEA
Another “must have” nutrient is DHEA. In our bodies, this hormone is synthesized by the adrenal glands, and is well-known for its ability to “recharge your batteries” and help you feel more energetic.
L-tyrosine
The amino acid L-tyrosine helps your mind and body respond to stressful situations. While L-tyrosine (also known simply as “tyrosine”) is found in food sources including cheese and yogurt, you’re not guaranteed a standard amount with either of those sources, so supplementation is a smart option.
Licorice
Extract from licorice is one of my favorites. It can help slow the breakdown of the beneficial adrenal hormones, making them more available to the body. Because licorice can extend the “shelf life” of adrenal hormones, it means the adrenal glands themselves have less work to do just trying to catch up.
Di huang
Another fascinating herbal ingredient is rehmannia (Rehmanniaglutinosa), also known as di huang. It is native to northern China, and was used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic to increase energy. That’s understandable, because the extract from the root of the herb contains a compound called catalpol, which helps stimulate production of adrenal hormones.
Pregnenolone
Speaking of hormones, I’d like to mention that they are not all bad. In fact, there’s a good one to add to your regimen called pregnenolone. It’s a building block for DHEA, and is naturally produced by healthy adrenal glands.
B vitamins
Two members of the vitamin B family are excellent additions, too. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P), the most bioactive (meaning it doesn’t have to be converted) form of vitamin B6, helps form serotonin and dopamine, two natural “feel-good” chemicals produced by the body. Pantothenic acid helps create cellular energy from the foods you eat – including dietary fats.
Adrenal extract
Last, a pure, clean, healthy bovine source of adrenal extract provides the naturally occurring compounds and nutrients for extra support. Look for an extract that is from range-raised cattle in Argentina.
Give your adrenal glands the natural boost they need
If you want to stop feeling groggy and feel alive, vibrant and ready to face challenges again, consider this adrenal-rebuilding combination. Before long, you’ll have the energy and stamina you’ve been missing!
More health tips
Summer slimdown: 7 simple tips to lose weight
27 Sneaky ways to burn off 500 calories
SpeedX workout: Take your fitness to the next level
Leave a Comment