Most, if not all, of us have experienced adrenal fatigue at some point in our lives. This is our body’s way of telling us that there is something wrong. A common symptom of adrenal fatigue — which is a hormone imbalance typically caused by chronic stress — is often an intense craving for stimulants or sweets; however before you reach for that cup of coffee or that bar of chocolate, try making one of these healthy, all-natural remedies.

Lemon & Sea salt

Fatigue affects potassium and sodium levels. This drink counters the electrolyte imbalance. The added Himalayan salt gives an additional vitamin C boost. In an 8-oz glass, simply squeeze half a lemon and add ¼-tsp of sea salt. The lemon alkalizes the water which improves gut function. A healthy gastrointestinal system is also associated with the reduction of fatigue. To gain the full effects, drink this each morning and afternoon, before any major meal. As a breakfast drink, it primes the stomach for the day.

Vitamin C extreme

Adrenal fatigue exhausts vitamin C rapidly. Prevent any deficiency by drinking a high vitamin C drink. All the ingredients here contain incredible amounts of antioxidants. To make, blend one cup or freshly-squeezed orange juice with ½-cup spinach, ¼-cup blueberries, ¼-cup lemon juice, and a pinch of Himalayan salt. Drink this one to two times daily.

Valerian root tea

The root is believed to elevate levels of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that regulates nerve cells. Valerian roots are known to have a calming effect. It is no wonder that wellness experts suggest valerian root for insomnia patients. Valerian root tea can lower your stress levels and improve the quality of your sleep thereby reducing fatigue. Take a blend of valerian and chamomile every night before you go to bed.

Licorice root tea

This herbal medicine is a known antidepressant, comparable to St. John’s Wort. Studies have shown the root to reduce stress in the adrenal glands. Regularly taking this will restore adrenal function.

Matcha green tea

Matcha is loaded with antioxidants. These improve the immune system and reduces the risk of infection. Matcha is also naturally energizing. Studies prove that matcha does not give the dreaded “sugar crash” often associated with common stimulants such as processed chocolate and coffee.

Do I have adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue disrupts the normal production of certain hormones and neurotransmitters. Each case is different but there are some common symptoms to watch out for. The most common is a craving for salty foods. When the adrenal glands are fatigued, we tend to excrete essential nutrients in our urine. Our body tries to compensate for the loss by signaling a need for foods that are rich in sodium and potassium. We may also find ourselves craving sweets or coffee.

Here are some other common symptoms:

• Difficulty waking up: You need sleep to recover from fatigue and restore proper body function. Those suffering from adrenal fatigue find it difficult to get up each morning. They wake up feeling tired, even after a long sleep.
• Irritability: Fatigue makes it difficult to handle everyday stresses. Those who are constantly tired are often irritable and waspish.
• Higher energy in the evenings: Fatigue causes your body to be out of whack. Irregular hormone levels can cause some people to feel groggy in the morning and extremely alert in the evening. This makes sleeping properly even more difficult.
• Weakened immune system: Your body is not working as it should. Fatigue significantly increases your chance of infection. Stress can cause cortisol levels to fluctuate. Too little cortisol can cause chronic inflammation while too much can result in Cushing’s syndrome, a debilitating endocrine disorder.

Take note that adrenal fatigue may also cause: Anxiety, frequent urination, weight gain, dizziness, depression and anxiety, joint pain, low sex drive, dry skin, and loss of muscle tone.

Sources include:

HealthyHolisticLiving.com

AdrenalFatigueSolution.com

HealthyFocus.com

HerbWisdom.com