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Coming to terms with adrenal fatigue can be challenging. Nobody truly anticipates what it’s like to combat constant exhaustion throughout your daily activities. And odds are, if you’re dealing with adrenal fatigue right now, you’ll do anything to put an end to it! Fortunately, there are things you can do to initiate adrenal fatigue recovery.
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue is a condition that’s caused by sluggish adrenal glands. People with adrenal fatigue fight a daily struggle with hormonal imbalances. And it can be extremely difficult to correct!
Irregular hormones associated with adrenal fatigue do more than just make you tired.
Other symptoms include:
- Severe mood swings
- Amplified emotions
- Energy peaks and valleys
- Confusion
- Strange food cravings
- Restless nights
It is thought that adrenal fatigue is caused by extreme stress sustained over long periods of time or coming down heavily all at once. This causes your body’s cortisol (stress hormone) levels to plummet, leaving you feeling unlike yourself.
How Long Does Adrenal Fatigue Recovery Take?
Rapid recovery for adrenal fatigue is possible! But how long it will take really depends on your unique circumstances. If your symptoms are especially severe, a full recovery will take longer than someone with milder symptoms.
Adrenal fatigue recovery also comes easier to those who address their symptoms proactively. If you have adrenal fatigue, you should solicit the help of a doctor or other medical expert! They can help guide you down the quickest road to feeling better again.
If you’re wondering about the worst-case scenario, some cases of adrenal fatigue last as long as two years. But don’t be discouraged or frightened by the idea! Every situation is different. The most important ingredients for your recovery are perseverance and patience.
9 Strategies to Help You Reach Adrenal Fatigue Recovery
There are many strategies that will lead you toward adrenal fatigue recovery. Here is a list of nine expert tips to try.
Get Tested by Your Doctor to Eliminate Other Concerns
Step one for any medical conundrum is to notify your doctor. Even if your symptoms match adrenal fatigue syndrome exactly, you have to check with a professional to be absolutely sure.
Your doctor will test your adrenal glands using fluid samples from your body. They will rule out parasitic invasions, bacterial issues, or overproduction of yeast. There are many things, from blood sugar levels to hemoglobin, that can stand in your way of a full recovery!
After your tests come back within the normal range, your doctor will support you on your journey towards recovery from adrenal fatigue.
Cut Out Caffeine
You might have thought that caffeine was part of the solution. In fact, a cup of coffee might be your only energy source lately. But caffeine actually inhibits your body’s natural energy systems from kicking into gear.
Caffeine may help you feel energized for a few hours, but when it wears off, the crash is extreme. Unfortunately, the only way to fight the caffeine lows is to ditch the caffeine highs. When the effects of adrenal fatigue have faded, you can consider implementing coffee and soda back into your life.
Increase Your Magnesium Intake
Magnesium supplements are your adrenal glands’ best friend! Consuming a supplement or multivitamin that contains magnesium can help your body regulate hormone production and expedite your adrenal fatigue recovery. They can completely transform your day.
You can also try magnesium-rich foods, like fish, beans, spinach, kale, or avocado. Snacks rich in magnesium will help you fight off your adrenal fatigue symptoms and hold them at bay.
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast Within an Hour of Waking Up
Adrenal fatigue recovery will definitely be easier if you consistently fuel your body throughout the day. Be sure not to skip a healthy breakfast within an hour of opening your eyes!
Even if breakfast isn’t usually part of your routine, you will experience loads more energy with it than without.
Examples of healthy breakfasts are:
- Oatmeal and berries
- Fruit and vegetable smoothies
- Eggs scrambled with veggies
- Yogurt with nuts, berries, or seeds
You don’t have to overcomplicate your first meal of the day. Just steer clear of processed, sugary foods. Your adrenal glands will be so much happier if you do!
Start An Adrenal Fatigue Recovery Diet
Obviously, healthy eating doesn’t end at breakfast time. Focusing on an adrenal fatigue recovery diet will resolve your adrenal fatigue symptoms much faster than leaving it to chance.
Foods high in fiber and protein are the way to go. They give you far more energy than sugars and carbohydrates do.
What’s more, protein and fiber are much easier on your digestive system, which works closely with your adrenal system. Be gentle on your insides for optimal healing results.
Related: 8 Foods For Adrenal Fatigue You Should Eat (and Which To Avoid)
Avoid Intense Workouts
Remember, adrenal fatigue syndrome is the product of stress. Your adrenal glands can’t make a full recovery if you constantly beat them down with physical strain from vigorous exercise.
But you can’t be a couch potato, either! Replace long runs with low-impact walks. Consider slow-movement exercises like yoga or pilates to build strength and endurance without pushing you past your limits.
Even some light gardening or tinkering with an old car are considered to be good, gentle, movement.
Reduce Stress
Think about where stress comes from in your life. Maybe extra assignments at work send you over the edge, or active weekends leave no room for rest. As you journey toward adrenal fatigue recovery, avoid as much excess stress as you can.
This could mean asking for help more often or cutting back on unnecessary commitments. It can be frustrating to have to rely on others or miss out on fun things! But it will all be worth it when you make a full recovery.
Keep Up Your Hydration
Drinking water is crucial for your health no matter what! But working towards adrenal fatigue recovery makes hydration even more important.
And don’t chug your water all in one go! Aim to have small sips of liquid throughout your day.
The total amount of water that you consume per day should be between two and four liters (depending on your size). It’s better to aim for more if you’re not sure.
Water makes your body systems work more efficiently. It flushes out toxins and allows your adrenal glands to recover at a steadier pace overall. Be sure not to skip this tip!
Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule
Sleep is your body’s natural recovery system, which means you will likely need more of it if you’re combatting adrenal fatigue. Coincidentally, one of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue is poor quality sleep.
So how do you ensure that you’re getting enough rest while you heal from adrenal fatigue?
- Incorporate restful activities before bed, like meditation or journaling.
- Get to bed early so you have enough time to fall asleep.
- Cut out screen time before bed.
- Practice the same routine before bed each night so your body and mind can prepare for sleep.
The more sleep you accomplish at night, the more energy you’ll store for the following day. In time, you’ll find that your adrenal glands have completely recovered. Then you’ll be able to incorporate an extra-late night every now and then!
Adrenal fatigue recovery is much faster if you keep your eye on the prize! Be sure to implement some or all of these surefire tips to feel like yourself (or better) in less time.
And in the distant future, you can always utilize this list any time you’re feeling overwhelmed or tired. Adrenal care (or stress management) is a marathon, not a sprint!
