Stage 1 Adrenal Fatigue
Are you just plain tired . . . of being tired?
Do you find yourself struggling to get through the day, experiencing mood swings, trouble focusing, or feel like your hormones are just irritable?
It’s time to address that hidden root issue of adrenal fatigue, and learn how to tap into a deeper well of energy and vitality.
As we have been discussing, in our most recent Thrive Live micro series, the progression and complete realm of adrenal fatigue, I want to dig deeper into the first phase. Stage 1 is an early, but crucial phase to recognize. This is when the lights start flashing and we want to address it before it progresses further. By recognizing the symptoms, setting treatment goals, and adopting lifestyle interventions, you can take control of your adrenal health and be set to engage with life and thrive.
Stage 1 Adrenal Fatigue
Stage 1 is the Overstimulation phase. Your adrenals are on wired hyperdrive shooting out too much cortisol and DHEA. This can trigger difficulty sleeping, hypertension, headaches, high blood sugar, palpitations, agitation, irritable bowels, imbalanced hormones (think more hot flashes, PMS, breast tenderness, cramps . . the hormonal works), fatigue, energy crashes, and brain fog.
As we dive into this phase, stress management and bringing the body out of hyperdrive become the key focus.
Stress Management
Implementing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises are great at lowering cortisol aka your stress hormone levels.
Balanced Diet
Focusing on a well-balanced diet that is rich in whole foods, emphasizing vegetables, eating the rainbow, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar. You want to balance your blood sugar to stabilize the cortisol through the day.
Exercise
Engage in gentle, moderate exercise like walking or swimming to avoid overstimulation of the adrenal glands.
Time Management
Prioritize tasks and avoid overcommitting to reduce daily stressors. Have you scheduled some self care time in for yourself on a daily basis?
Social Support
Reach out to your friends, family, and community to help you cope with emotional challenges.
Sleep Hygiene
Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Adrenal Support
Some of my favorite supplements are combinations that help to calm down the nervous system, relax the mind and physical body, and modulate the cortisol response.
Blends like magnesium, theanine, ashwagandha, rhodiola, chamomile, lemon balm are great for calming down Stage 1.
Adaptogenic herbs: Adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Ginseng can help regulate the body’s response to stress, improving energy levels and reducing fatigue.
Vitamin C: a potent antioxidant that supports adrenal function and helps manage cortisol levels
Magnesium: Magnesium aids in relaxation and can reduce stress-related symptoms often seen in stage 1 adrenal fatigue
Omega-3 fatty acids: these promote anti-inflammatory responses and can help manage stress-related inflammation
Eleuthero: aka Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that can enhance energy levels and resilience to stress.
Holy Basil: one of my favorite herbs. It is calming and adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to stressors more effectively.
We will be going into deeper detail this week in Thrive Live! where we will cover the treatment goals, key herbs, and recommendations specific to Stage 1 adrenal fatigue.
If you are interested in checking out Thrive Live!, click HERE for a free 14 day trial. Thrive Live gives you bite sized natural health lessons that focus all about the forgotten chapter to our vitality. Thrive Live helps you find the root answers and solutions to having more energy, feeling good again with balanced moods and hormones, so that you can authentically engage on a higher level to enjoy life and thrive.
If you are ready to dive into reversing your stage 1 adrenal fatigue, always consult with a healthcare professional for personal guidance.
