The sneaky imbalance affecting 8 out of 10 fatigued women.

Is it just me, or do we all seem to be more tired than ever? Overwhelming exhaustion seems to be the most frequent concern among my readers and followers these days – no one seems to be able to get out of bed in the morning!

So what’s to blame? I find that as many as 8 out of 10 women starting in their twenties and thirties are suffering from some type of adrenal slowdown or burnout.

The adrenals, small walnut-size glands that sit on top of the kidneys, act as the body’s “fight or flight” glands and produce important hormones like adrenaline and the body’s stress hormones – cortisol and DHEA.

When we are overwhelmed with the unrelenting stressors of today’s world, the adrenal glands just can’t keep up. In fact, looking at my clients’ Salivary Hormone Testing and Tissue Mineral Analysis reports since January 2009, nearly one half of all women suffer from low levels of stress-fighting cortisol and rejuvenating DHEA.

Common Signs of Adrenal Burnout

Does this sound like you?

• Overwhelmed by stress
• Always tired, especially around 7am, 11am and 3pm
• Cravings for caffeine and sugary foods to boost energy
• Cravings for salt
• Trouble sleeping through the night
• Suffering from “Night owl” syndrome – getting a second wind late in the evening
• Constantly fighting belly fat
• Dark circles or bags under your eyes

5 Solutions to Restore Your Energy

When you feel a dip in energy, never reach for a quick fix like caffeine or artificial stimulants which only force the adrenals into overdrive. This over-stimulation forces the adrenals to secrete high levels of cortisol which causes fat to stockpile around the belly – enter today’s belly fat “phenomenon.”

Follow these suggestions to nurture and rebuild your adrenal glands for sustained energy levels:

1. Reduce Your Stress Levels

Set aside time to relax each day – escape with a good book, work in the garden, start an exercise routine, or take a walk. 

2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

The hours before midnight seem to be the most beneficial for adrenal rejuvenation, so be in bed by 10pm, and try for 7 hours or more.

3. Take Essential Minerals

Sodium: Low levels of sodium are common with adrenal burnout. I find that taking ¼ to 1 teaspoon good quality salt daily helps to balance cortisol levels. Salt is especially important if low blood pressure is an issue.

Potassium: Under prolonged stress, potassium can easily get out of whack resulting in blood sugar abnormalities. I recommend taking 99 mg potassium chloride daily.

4. Power Up with Protein

Keep metabolic fires burning by consuming 20 grams of protein with each meal. Not only does protein boost metabolism by up to 25% for about 12 hours, it keeps blood sugar/insulin levels steady. Choose from organic, hormone-free protein sources like eggs, lean beef, lamb, poultry, fish, seafood, tofu and tempeh. Or, for an excellent protein boost on-the-go, sip a smoothie made with clean protein powder like Fat Flush Whey Protein or Fat Flush Body Protein, which both contain 20 grams of protein per serving.

5. Rebuild Adrenal Function

Take a supplement like UNI KEY’s Adrenal Formula that contains adrenal glandular tissue, an extract from bovine adrenal glands that carries the DNA/RNA blueprint of the adrenal gland that promotes cell healing and gland function and repair. Adrenal Formula also contains important revitalizing nutrients including vitamin C, pantothenic acid, zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin A and tyrosine. Start with 1 caplet three times daily at 7 am, 11 am and 3 pm. If blood pressure is 90/60 or below, consider upping the dosage to two caplets three times daily at the “adrenal times.”

Along with these 5 solutions, I’ve compiled my best advice for adrenal fatigue in this article so that you can live your best, more energized life!