by Feeling Great | Jul 14, 2023 | Adrenal Health
Adrenal Fatigue Treatment Australia: Are You Just Tired or Truly Burnt Out?
Feeling Drained? Find Out If It’s Adrenal Fatigue
Do you wake up exhausted, struggle through the day, and rely on coffee, sugar, or energy drinks just to function? Feeling wired at night but sluggish in the morning? If this sounds familiar, your cortisol levels may be imbalanced—a key sign of adrenal fatigue.
Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, should be highest in the morning to help you feel awake and energized. But when stress becomes chronic, cortisol drops too low, leaving you fatigued. On the flip side, if cortisol remains high at night, you may feel anxious, restless, and struggle to unwind.
Many people ask their doctor, “Why am I so tired?”, only to be told their blood work is normal. Standard tests often fail to detect adrenal fatigue in its early stages. That’s why a holistic approach is essential for recovery.
What Are the Adrenal Glands & Why Do They Matter?
Your adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, produce cortisol and adrenaline—hormones that regulate stress, metabolism, and energy levels. In today’s high-stress world, these hormones can become imbalanced, leading to burnout, hormonal issues, and chronic fatigue.
Common Signs of Adrenal Fatigue:
- Morning exhaustion – Needing caffeine to wake up
- Afternoon crashes – Feeling sluggish & craving sugar
- High stress & anxiety – Feeling overwhelmed or on edge
- Poor sleep – Struggling to fall or stay asleep
- Weight gain around the belly – Slower metabolism & fat storage
- Low libido & mood swings – Feeling disconnected & unmotivated
The 3 Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
Stage 1 – Alarm Phase (High Cortisol & Adrenaline)
At this stage, your body is in constant fight-or-flight mode, even if the only stress is from work, life, or emotional pressure.
Symptoms:
- Irritability, anxiety & panic attacks
- Increased heart rate & blood pressure
- Intense sugar cravings & belly fat storage
- Trouble falling asleep despite exhaustion
What to do: Cut back on caffeine, sugar, and processed foods to lower stress on your adrenals.
Stage 2 – Adaptation Phase (Cortisol Drops, Adrenaline Stays High)
Over time, your body struggles to keep up, and cortisol levels drop, leaving you constantly fatigued.
Signs:
- Exhaustion—feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck
- Wired at night, but too tired in the morning
- Muscle pain, brain fog & low mood
- Hormonal imbalances & low libido
What to do: Support adrenal function with stress management, proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
Stage 3 – Exhaustion Phase (Severely Low Cortisol & Adrenal Shutdown)
At this point, your adrenal glands struggle to function, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout.
Symptoms:
- Severe exhaustion & frequent waking at night
- Depression, low motivation & hopelessness
- Increased risk of diabetes & immune issues
What to do: Professional guidance is crucial to restore adrenal balance and rebuild energy levels.
Ready to Restore Your Energy Naturally?
Don’t wait until burnout takes over your life. The sooner you address adrenal fatigue, the easier it is to recover and feel your best again. How about food that helps heal adrenal fatigue? Read this!
Book a consultation today and start your journey back to feeling fantastic—every single day!
by Feeling Great | Jun 17, 2023 | Adrenal Health
7 Steps to Healing Adrenal Fatigue
Healing Adrenal Fatigue – Feeling Burnt Out? You’re Not Alone
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “Wow, I feel exhausted!”? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us experience burnout, but what does it truly mean? And more importantly, how do you heal from it?
What Is Adrenal Fatigue?
Adrenal fatigue occurs when stress disrupts your adrenal glands’ ability to produce cortisol in the right amounts at the right times. – MindBodyGreen
I recently worked with a young, hardworking mother who was the perfect example of burnout. In her early 30s, she had just welcomed her first child while juggling a demanding career in emergency services. She held herself to high standards, never making excuses.
She came to me struggling with stubborn weight gain, low libido, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite following a rigorous exercise routine, she was losing muscle mass and gaining weight around her midsection. Even after cutting carbs, nothing changed.
Her energy crashed mid-afternoon, leaving her reliant on caffeine. Despite sleeping through the night, she still woke up exhausted. With an upcoming promotion, she worried about her foggy brain and low stamina.
We ran salivary adrenal testing and confirmed she was in Stage 3 adrenal fatigue. Instead of the usual high-to-low cortisol curve, her levels were completely flatlined. Her DHEA, progesterone, active thyroid hormone (T3), iron, zinc, and magnesium were all low.
After following an adrenal recovery plan, she felt better within six weeks and successfully completed her promotion training. With continued commitment, she would feel stronger than ever within six months!
Understanding the Stages of Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue progresses in three stages, each with unique symptoms:
1: Wired but Tired
- Cortisol levels remain high, especially at night
- Difficulty falling asleep, leading to insomnia
- Weight gain around the abdomen
- Feels energized but in a “wired” and restless way
2: Stressed and Tired
- Wakes up at 3 AM and struggles to fall back asleep
- Energy levels remain low throughout the day
- Cortisol peaks early in the day, then flattens out
- Midday or early evening energy crashes
3: Burnout
- Extreme exhaustion, even after a full night’s sleep
- Flat cortisol curve (low all day)
- DHEA, thyroid hormones, and essential nutrients are depleted
- Increased risk of autoimmune disease
The 7-Step Protocol to Healing Adrenal Fatigue
1. Follow the Adrenal Diet
- Eliminate inflammatory foods (processed sugar, refined carbs, and allergens like dairy or gluten)
- Focus on brightly colored vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
- Avoid strict low-carb diets, which can increase stress on the body
2. Prioritize Sleep
- Get to bed by 10 PM to prevent cortisol spikes after 11 PM
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
3. Replace Essential Nutrients
- Support hormonal balance and energy production with:
- Magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, B vitamins (B5 & B6), omega-3 fats
- B12 for energy and immune support
4. Stay Hydrated
- Reduce caffeine and alcohol to prevent dehydration
- Drink at least 2 liters of water daily, adding fresh lemon juice or Himalayan sea salt for mineral balance
5. Use Adaptogenic Herbs
- Adaptogens help balance cortisol and support adrenal recovery
- The right herbs depend on your stage of adrenal fatigue
6. Incorporate Restorative Movement
- Avoid high-intensity exercise, which can worsen adrenal fatigue
- Instead, try gentle yoga, walking in nature, and deep breathing exercises
7. Shift Your Mindset
- Ask yourself: “Is my definition of success harming my health?”
- Many people burn themselves out striving for perfection
- Letting go of perfectionism can dramatically lower stress levels
Where Do You Stand?
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you may be somewhere on the adrenal fatigue spectrum. You can also read this Adrenal Fatigue Treatment Australia about adrenal fatigue, if you think it’s helpful? Share us your thoughts!
Take the First Step Toward Healing!
📩 Email: juliesmethurst.info@gmail.com to learn more
📅 Book a Consultation and start your journey to better health!
Your energy, focus, and vitality can be restored. Healing starts today!
by Feeling Great | Apr 25, 2023 | Adrenal Health, Body
10 Foods to Help Heal Adrenal Fatigue
Support Your Adrenal Health Naturally
Every day, many people push through overwhelming exhaustion, relying on caffeine, sugar, and nicotine just to stay upright. In Australia alone, ongoing fatigue affects over 1.5 million people, with adrenal fatigue being a major contributor.
Your adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, produce cortisol, a hormone that should be high in the morning to help you wake up and gradually decrease throughout the day for restful sleep. When this balance is disrupted, your energy, mood, and metabolism suffer.
Signs You May Have Adrenal Fatigue
- Constant sugar or salt cravings
- Struggling to get going in the morning
- Energy crash in the afternoon
- Low libido
- Waking up frequently at night
- Feeling shaky or unfocused without food
- Difficulty losing weight
- Getting a second wind late at night
- Aches, pains, and mood swings
To accurately assess adrenal function, a saliva test can measure cortisol levels throughout the day. CLICK HERE to book an Adrenal Discovery Session and take the first step toward recovery.
3 Things to Cut Back On for Adrenal Health
1. Caffeine
Although it may feel like a lifesaver, coffee, energy drinks, and even green tea force your adrenals to work overtime. Over time, this depletes your body, leaving you even more exhausted.
✔ Try these alternatives: Roasted dandelion root, rooibos tea, peppermint, licorice, or chamomile tea.
2. Nicotine
Smoking keeps your adrenals under constant stress, using up vital energy reserves. Quitting is tough, but boosting your energy naturally first can make it easier.
✔ Healthy swap: Practice deep abdominal breathing and spend time outdoors for a natural energy boost.
3. Sugar & Refined Carbs
Sugary snacks and processed foods may offer a quick fix, but they also trigger inflammation, digestive issues, and energy crashes. Cutting back can stabilize energy and improve adrenal recovery.
✔ Better options: Fresh fruits, vegetables, quinoa, chia seeds, nuts, and buckwheat.
Top 10 Foods for Adrenal Recovery
1. Leafy Greens
Packed with minerals and vitamins, these help alkalize the body and reduce inflammation.
✔ Enjoy as salads, smoothies, or kale chips.
2. A Variety of Vegetables
Aim for a rainbow of colors to get a mix of nutrients. Combine starchy (sweet potatoes, pumpkin, beetroot) with low-glycemic (spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms).
✔ Try them in stir-fries, soups, and roasted dishes.
3. Avocado
Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, it supports brain and adrenal health.
✔ Guacamole is a quick and tasty option.
4. Turkey
Contains tryptophan, which boosts serotonin, promoting relaxation and better sleep.
5. Oysters
High in zinc, protein, and sea minerals, oysters reduce stress and support libido.
6. Coconut Oil
Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which fuel brain function and balance hormones.
✔ Use it for cooking or add it to smoothies.
7. Wild-Caught Fish
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish reduces inflammation and supports hormonal health.
✔ Try this easy recipe for a nutrient-packed meal!
8. Chamomile Tea
Helps calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and soothe digestion.
9. Rooibos Tea
A natural cortisol balancer, this caffeine-free tea helps regulate adrenal function.
10. Kefir (Coconut Water-Based)
Supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for brain health and adrenal balance.
✔ Try coconut kefir for an extra probiotic boost.
11. Eggs
A fantastic source of protein and phospholipids, essential for adrenal repair.
Take Control of Your Energy
If you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, stress, or adrenal burnout, you don’t have to go through it alone. CLICK HERE to book an Adrenal Discovery Session and start your journey to feeling great again!
📩 Have questions? Email me at juliesmethurst.info@gmail.com – I’d love to help!
by Feeling Great | Oct 8, 2018 | Adrenal Health
7 Powerful Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy
Why Infrared Sauna Therapy Are a Game-Changer for Your Health
Sweating is one of the most effective ways to detoxify your body and improve circulation. Your skin is often called the “third kidney” because it plays a huge role in eliminating toxins.
But what if you can’t exercise due to an injury or health condition? That’s where infrared sauna therapy comes in. It allows you to sweat effortlessly, providing a wide range of health benefits, from pain relief and detoxification to relaxation and weight loss.
Many people, including those with chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and recurring infections, swear by infrared saunas for recovery and overall well-being.
Let’s dive into the seven key benefits of infrared sauna therapy!
1. Strengthens Your Immune System
Raising your body temperature in an infrared sauna mimics a fever, triggering your immune system to respond. This process encourages the production of white blood cells and antibodies, giving your immune system a natural boost.
🔥 Great for:
- Fighting lingering infections
- Recovering from colds and viruses
- Supporting overall immune health
If you frequently feel run-down or fatigued, regular infrared sauna sessions can help your body defend itself.
2. Promotes Deep Relaxation & Better Sleep
We all know that warmth helps us relax, but infrared saunas take this to the next level. By improving circulation and heart rate, they create a mild cardiovascular effect, similar to light exercise.
🧘 How it helps:
- Releases endorphins and serotonin (the “happy hormones”)
- Promotes a sense of calm and well-being
- Supports better sleep patterns
Feeling stressed or struggling with sleep? Try an infrared sauna session before bed to wind down and relax.
3. Powerful Detoxification
Detoxing isn’t just about what you eat—it’s also about what you sweat out. Sweating is one of the body’s primary detox pathways, alongside breathing, urination, and digestion.
🚀 Infrared saunas are up to 7x more effective than traditional saunas at eliminating toxins like:
- Heavy metals (mercury, lead, aluminum)
- Environmental chemicals
- Processed food toxins
For a deeper detox, combine infrared sauna sessions with a nutrition-based detox program. You’ll feel energized, clear-headed, and lighter!
4. Enhances Circulation & Muscle Recovery
Infrared heat boosts blood flow, improving oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues. This process reduces inflammation and helps with faster recovery after workouts or injuries.
💪 Great for:
- Athletes looking to improve performance
- Reducing post-exercise soreness
- Supporting muscle and joint health
If you suffer from chronic pain, arthritis, or inflammation, regular sauna use can help ease discomfort naturally.
5. Natural Pain Relief
Infrared heat expands blood vessels, increasing oxygen flow to joints, muscles, and tissues. This speeds up healing and reduces pain by flushing out toxins more efficiently.
🌟 Pain conditions that benefit from infrared sauna therapy:
- Arthritis & joint pain
- Fibromyalgia & muscle tension
- Headaches & migraines
- Sports injuries & chronic pain
Sauna sessions also trigger the release of endorphins, which naturally reduce pain and improve mood.
6. Improves Skin Health & Gives You a Glow
Clear, radiant skin is a natural byproduct of infrared sauna therapy. The deep heat increases blood flow to the skin, helping to:
Benefits for your skin:
- Detoxify clogged pores
- Reduce acne & breakouts
- Improve skin elasticity & hydration
- Enhance collagen production
Your skin will feel softer, smoother, and healthier after just a few sessions!
7. Supports Weight Loss & Metabolism
Did you know a 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn up to 600 calories?
How it works:
- Increases heart rate, similar to light cardio
- Burns energy as your body works to cool down
- Boosts metabolism over time
Since infrared saunas help remove toxins stored in fat cells, they can also aid in fat loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
How Do Infrared Saunas Work?
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared rays to directly heat your body. This allows for:
- Deeper detoxification (7x more effective than steam saunas)
- More comfortable heat levels (you can stay in longer)
- Better overall health benefits
Infrared Saunas Offer Full-Spectrum Therapy
There are three levels of infrared heat, each offering unique benefits:
- 🔴 Near-infrared → Best for wound healing & immune function
- 🟠 Middle-infrared → Ideal for weight loss & muscle recovery
- 🔵 Far-infrared → Used for detoxification & relaxation
Who Should Avoid Infrared Saunas?
While infrared saunas are safe for most people, it’s best to consult your doctor if you have:
- ⚠ Pacemakers or medical implants
- ⚠ Certain medications (especially skin patches)
- ⚠ Pregnancy
- ⚠ Silicone implants
How to Get Started with Infrared Sauna Therapy
For best results, start slowly to let your body adjust to the heat.
🕒 Begin with 30-minute sessions 1-3 times per week.
🔥 Gradually increase to 45 minutes as you build tolerance.
💧 Stay hydrated before and after each session.
Many people, like Tom from Private Sea, find that regular sauna use helps them fight off colds and viruses. He swears by daily infrared sauna sessions for two weeks when he feels under the weather!
My Personal Favorite: The Private Sea Float Centre
When I want to unwind and recharge, I head to The Private Sea Float Centre. Pairing an infrared sauna with a float session or massage is my go-to self-care treat. It also makes a fantastic gift for someone in need of relaxation!
Self-care is essential in today’s fast-paced world. Taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.
You can also read Adrenal Fatigue: A Growing Epidemic and If you’ve found this article helpful, please share it with someone who could benefit from infrared sauna therapy!
CLICK HERE to book a session with me and start your self-care essential!
