Fixing Fatigue Most of Us Are More Than Just “Tired,” Here’s How to Fix It – It’s become normal to feel tired.
In our fast-paced world, the demands on us are unprecedented. It’s easy to explain away a constant feeling of tiredness. I used to be the queen of rationalizing my fatigue.
Some of my common excuses were:
- I didn’t sleep enough
- I had a long day
- Work was stressful
- I was pregnant, and being pregnant meant being tired
- I have three kids and work full-time
There’s nothing normal about feeling depleted every day. We’re justified in recognizing how busy we are, but we’re missing a huge piece of how to counteract constant tiredness: the adrenal glands.
The missing link.
The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys, one on each side, and they play a role in everything from running errands to balancing our energy levels.
According to Anthony William, the Medical Medium, our adrenals produce 56 different blends of adrenaline. There are 36 blends for everyday activities like getting up in the morning and driving to work and 20 for uncommon circumstances like the death of a loved one or giving birth.
Our adrenals kick in when we’re faced with perceived danger – the “fight or flight” response. I say “perceived” because most of us do not encounter actual daily danger to our lives. However, the threats of losing our job or being late for an important meeting are perceived dangers that trigger adrenaline to deal with a crisis.
Adrenaline blends released in charged situations are harsh and corrosive. They are meant to be a stop-gap – a burst of energy for an acute problem. Today’s stresses demand more than our adrenals and bodies are designed to handle.
This constant draw on the adrenals causes them to burn out. After too much overactivity, the adrenals can become underactive – a major cause of tiredness.
In addition to stress, food habits are a big factor. Caffeine in coffee, chocolate, and many teas (black, green, matcha, and kombucha) activates the adrenals, which is why we feel energized when we consume these foods. False energy from corrosive adrenaline covers up fatigue and other symptoms and burns the adrenals out over time, worsening the problem.
The epidemic of adrenal fatigue.
Wondering if adrenal fatigue is a factor in your day-to-day? Below are common indicators of adrenal imbalance:
- Feeling tired early in the day, or any other time, despite good sleep
- Feeling tired all day and then feeling wired and energetic in the evening
- Being exhausted but unable to sleep
- Waking up tired after a full night of sleep
- Constant sweat under the armpits, even when you’re not exerting yourself
- Continual thirst and craving for salt
- Blurry vision and trouble focusing
- Cravings for stimulants Addiction to exercise or other “adrenaline rushes” (even for fun)
If you experience any of the above, you are likely dealing with weakened or imbalanced adrenals. If you check more than one, you are likely dealing with adrenal fatigue.
How to heal – 8 key steps
After three major adrenal crashes of my own, I’ve built a much stronger relationship with my adrenals and how to care for them. Here are the most beneficial things I’ve used to support hundreds of clients and help my adrenals recover.
Graze.
Eating regularly maintains blood sugar levels, which protects your adrenals from having to supply your brain with backup fuel. For those with more severe fatigue, grazing every 90 minutes is helpful.
Address an underlying chronic viral infection. Most people have no idea they have an underlying viral infection, which is another major factor in fatigue. For me, this was a big piece. Incorporating proper antiviral protocols, such as those offered by Medical Medium (with both diet and supplements), is critical.
Prioritize sleep.
So many of us struggle with good sleep. Establish a better sleep routine (get to bed by 10 pm) and use bedtime supplements like melatonin, GABA, and lemon balm for deeper rest.
Quit caffeine and other stimulants.
Caffeine triggers adrenaline in the same way as stressful events – do your best to avoid it in all forms. Minimize adrenalizing activities like scary movies, intense TV shows, strenuous exercise, or emotional arguments.
Eat glucose-rich foods
Your body runs on glucose. Eating high-fat diets will keep you stuck if you are struggling with adrenal fatigue. For maximum benefit, combine glucose-rich foods (apples, dates, raw honey, potatoes) with good sources of whole-food mineral salts (celery sticks, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach).
Utilize adrenal support supplements.
Herbs and supplements play a critical role in providing support to the adrenals. Examples include licorice root, ashwagandha, magnesium glycinate, and vitamin C.
Manage stress.
Stress in our world is unavoidable, so learning to accept and manage stress is critical. Meditation and prayer are tools that have been crucial for me. Relaxing music and mindful breathing may also be helpful. Find tools that work for you.
Find peace.
This is easier said than done. For me, peace has come from clearing my body of poisons and toxins while supporting my mental and emotional well-being. Both physical and spiritual healing are equally crucial.
Be patient; you can heal.
It takes time to establish a new relationship with stress. Conditions like adrenal fatigue don’t form overnight, and it takes commitment to turn things around. But I can tell you from experience that recovery is possible.
It’s time to recognize that constant tiredness is not normal. And that it is possible to live a vibrant life free from exhaustion. It is our birthright to be healthy, energized, and joyfully present in our lives.
Start with the essential steps above that speak to you, and go from there. With time, you’ll rediscover a feeling of vitality that you’ll now know how to maintain and protect. Connect with Muneeza: http://www.muneezaahmed.com/links
16-Adrenal Healing Snacks: http://flowcode.com/p/ho4OuU06j?fc=0