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!
