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Adrenal glands are thumb-sized glands that sit on top of your kidney and produce over fifty hormones that drive almost every bodily function. These functions are essential to life. The function of the adrenal glands is to release specific hormones into the bloodstream, which then helps regulate your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, as well as respond to stress.

The adrenal glands are made up of two parts; the cortex and medulla; both produce different hormones. The medulla produces stress hormones; including adrenaline, which can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

The cortex is the largest part of the adrenal glands and is divided into three zones. Each of the three zones is responsible for producing specific hormones; cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA. The cortisol hormone controls the body’s use of carbs, fats, and proteins.

The cortisol hormone also suppresses inflammation. Aldosterone assists in regulating the blood’s pH, and DHEA converts into male and female hormones.

Factors That May Influence Adrenal Fatigue?

1. Diet

A diet full of processed foods, refined sugar, and ingredients that cause inflammation can put stress on the body, therefore worsening or causing adrenal fatigue.

2. Stress

When taking on life’s everyday stress your adrenal glands have to work overtime.

3. Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough sleep and depending on caffeine and even wine can be a factor in sleep deprivation which causes the adrenals to use up the stress hormones to keep you awake.

Symptoms That May Occur When Your Adrenal Glands Are Overworked Include:

-Chronic inflammation

-Sudden weight gain

-Digestive problems

-Depression

-Brain fog

-Fatigue

-Anxiety

-Salt cravings

-Inability to manage stress

-Exhaustion

-Insomnia

-Puffiness under the eyes

-Dark circles under the eyes

-Low functioning thyroid

Natural Ways To Care For And Heal Your Adrenals

While you may take medication prescribed by your doctor or store-bought supplements, there are other natural ways to care for and potentially heal your adrenal fatigue. These small changes can make a huge difference.

1. Diet

Try a nutrient-rich diet high in whole plant-based foods. This means lots of fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds, legumes and beans. Avoid refined sugar and processed foods as much as possible.

2. Exercise

Focus on more low-impact and less high-impact exercises and cardio. High impact exercises cause physical stress on the body. Try yoga, or take a walk.

3. Salt Bath

By bathing in Epsom salt you are replenishing the magnesium your body has burned from stress.

4. Adaptogenic Herbs

Healing plants like ashwagandha, licorice root, and Rhodiola have been known to calm the body.

5. Hydration

Keeping the body hydrated is key to transporting nutrients and hormones to the cells.

6. Sleep and Rest

By getting between 7-9 hours of sleep and resting the body, you are minimizing the emotional and physical stress you are putting on the body, which allows your adrenals to not work so hard.

7. Eliminate Caffeine

Avoid coffee, caffeine, and other stimulants that may overwork the adrenals. These products keep your body in a constant state of alert, causing the adrenals to burnout. If you find it hard to kick the coffee or caffeine habit, try matcha green tea. Although matcha has caffeine, it’s a cleaner caffeine and doesn’t give the same feeling as regular coffee.

If you’ve ever experienced any of the above symptoms see a medical professional and have them test you, or look into the at-home testing kits. Let us know if you’ve had adrenal problems and how you healed them.

Elissa Mirsky, known to most as Elle, is a published author and former editor-in-chief of Bold Magazine. She believes food shouldn’t be boring and every meal should be fashionably edible. Follow her on Instagram @mylifebeingelle where she is documenting her journey to eat well, live life, and love self.