FIGHTING THE FATIGUE

fatigue fighting the

Written by Celine Wallace | Photo by Jacqueline Pilar Model Stephanie Peterson with Wilhelmina Styled by Delaney Willet Hair by Colleen Konowitz | Makeup by Heather Roach

“...although we live in a burn out culture, it doesn't mean you have to subscribe to the lifestyle.”

If phrases like “I'm exhausted” and “I'm burnt out” have become the norm for you, adrenal fatigue could be the reason. The concept links stress exposure to adrenal exhaustion, which causes a lack of energy.

What are adrenals you ask? They are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys and produce several hormones, among them, cortisol, which our bodies release in short bursts when we are under stress. The adrenal fatigue theory is that prolonged exposure to stress drains the adrenal glands, leading to a low cortisol state. This depletion then causes brain fog, decreased energy, depressive mood, salt and sweet cravings, and lightheadedness.

So what’s one to do? To begin, consider a fundamental question: why would your adrenals be drained? Take a close look at what types of stress affect you. For many, the fast pace of modern life and being connected to our devices 24/7 is to blame.

If living a hectic lifestyle is catching up with you, here are some actionables that you can implement today to bring yourself back on the path to better adrenal health, and finally have the energy to do the things you love. 1. Clean up your diet Keep it fresh and organic. Your gut is linked to your brain, and studies often refer to your tummy as your second brain, so if you want a clear head, make sure you are eating three healthy meals a day that are evenly spaced out to allow your body adequate time to digest. Eliminate refined sugar, and focus on magnesium-rich foods that support the adrenal glands. Dark leafy greens, fatty fish, avocado, and soaked nuts, seeds, and legumes are good sources of magnesium to include in your diet.

2. Limit screen time Using TVs, tablets, smartphones, or laptops before bed delays your body’s internal clock (a.k.a. circadian rhythm), and suppresses the sleep hormone melatonin. If you have to be on the computer at night, try to put the laptop down an hour before bed to allow your body to produce melatonin to have a restful night’s sleep, or wear blue light blocking glasses.

3. Improve your sleep The best way to heal your body is through sleep. Taking a sleep support supplement like magnesium will help you decompress at the end of a long day. People with low magnesium often experience restless sleep, with frequent waking during the night. You may even discover you don’t have adrenal fatigue and that you simply have a magnesium deficiency, as insomnia is also a common symptom of low magnesium.

4. Cut down on coffee I know this can be one of the hardest because caffeine is addictive, but my rule is to have one cup and make it good. Even better—eliminate coffee and caffeine. But, if you're like me and love your morning cup of joe, then drink it before midday, to allow your hormones enough time to process the caffeine without it affecting your circadian rhythm.

5. Take Adaptogen supplements Adaptogens, which are anti-stress supplements, combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, ease depression and anxiety, and help you metabolize stress. Ashwagandha is a good place to start as an entry-level herbal modulator to restore hormone balance and support the adrenal glands by promoting stress resistance and energy throughout the day.

I know the activities above can seem tedious, yet they are the foundation of better health and will boost your energy and vitality. Let's face it, you wouldn't be reading this article if you didn't want to feel better. Keep in mind, healing your adrenals is not an overnight process; doctors suggest that it takes 6-9 months to fully recover from mild adrenal fatigue, 12-18 months for moderate adrenal fatigue, and two years or more to recover from severe adrenal fatigue. This can seem overwhelming, yet stress got you here over time, so let's get you out of here before we do any more damage. Your health is the most important thing you have, so invest in yourself because although we live in a burn out culture, it doesn't mean you have to subscribe to the lifestyle.*