If your adrenals are fatigued it is crucial that you address this as soon as possible. Over time it can lead to other health issues such as; hormonal imbalance and a depressed immune system. There are a couple of simple things you can do to restore your adrenals. The first and most important is to de-stress. When you feel yourself getting over whelmed and stressed, try to take a step back to breathe and relax so that you can refocus. Secondly, you want to incorporate a healthy diet that is packed full of both macro-nutrients and micro-nutrients, and contains an abundance of whole, raw, natural foods and Adaptogens.
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a unique group of herbal ingredients used to improve the health of your adrenal system, the system that’s in charge of managing your body’s hormonal response to stress. They help strengthen the body’s response to stress and enhance its ability to cope with anxiety and fight fatigue – slowly and gently, without jolts or crashes. They’re called adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to your body’s specific needs. Though the effects may initially be subtle and take time to make themselves felt, they’re real and undeniable. [1]
Key Health Benefits
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is popular among Indian Ayurvedic practitioners, Ashwagandha has traditionally been prescribed to help relieve stress and strengthen the immune system after an illness. It’s often referred to as Indian ginseng because of its adaptogenic and tonic effects. Ashwagandha helps normalize and balance adrenal hormone levels, which is very beneficial to those suffering from adrenal fatigue.
Maca
Maca is one of the ultimate energy boosting superfoods, maca can reduce the effects of cortisol on the adrenal glands (and other organs) caused by stress from work, disease, exercise, PTSD, a high pressure lifestyle, or any other factor. Maca helps alleviate mental, emotional, and physical stress on the body. It also increases stamina, endurance, and strengthens the immune system while acting as a powerful adaptogen.
Celtic or Himalayan Sea Salt
The adrenals help the body to maintain mineral balance and quite surprisingly the adrenals quite like a bit of additional salt. Not the table kind of course but some good quality Celtic or Himalayan salt helps add back some essential minerals and you’ll find it helps to bump up your energy levels slightly.
Protein Powder
The B vitamins found in protein are important for energy production, building all the cells in the body, helping with fat metabolism, the synthesis of neurotransmitters, and maintaining nerve cells.
A very high protein breakfast is most recommended for adrenal fatigue as it promotes stable blood sugar through out the day. It is also important to consume breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up to help balance cortisol levels.
Coconut Oil
We need fat for manufacturing hormones; this includes the many hormones that the adrenal glands produce. Coconut oil helps to reduce inflammation in the body and with adrenal fatigue we can be prone to increased inflammation.
Blueberries
Blueberries have many important health benefits. They can help to stabilize blood sugar, they are high in antioxidants, and can improve your memory, among other things.
Kale
Kale is flaunted as the most nutritious green on the market, and it is! Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It contains calcium, an antioxidant boost of quercetin, and omega-3 fatty acids. Kale helps your body calm the nervous system, calming down that fight or flight response.
The delicious breakfast smoothie below is an easy and effective way to give your adrenals a boost. You’ll get plenty of fiber, healthy fats, protein and phytonutrients in addition to the healing and restorative benefits of adaptogenic herbs such as Maca and Ashwagandha.
Adrenal Super Boost Smoothie
Ingredients
½ avocado
1 cup frozen strawberries or raspberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1-2 cups kale or spinach
1 Tbsp. raw coconut oil
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
1 serving of your favorite vanilla protein powder (30 grams)
Honey or maple syrup to taste (just a drizzle!)
1 tsp. Maca powder
1 tsp. Ashwagandha powder
Pinch of sea salt
Filtered water (approximately 1 cup – depending on your desire consistency)
Directions
Place ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Alter the water depending on the thickness you want for your smoothie. Enjoy!