The Unlikely Relationship Between Your Brain + Adrenals (Why This Could Be The Missing Link To Chronic Fatigue)
In my telehealth functional medicine clinic, I witness the epidemic of extreme exhaustion on a daily basis. People wake up feeling exhausted, not energized, are dependent on caffeine, and experience bouts of “hanger” and low blood sugar throughout the day.
Sadly, most people think that this must be normal because everyone else seems to feel the same way. But just because something is common doesn’t make it normal.
Feeling constant, unrelenting fatigue is not normal. In fact, it is one of the primary symptoms of adrenal fatigue - a condition when your brain's communication with your adrenal glands becomes out of whack.
This is adrenal fatigue.
In my telehealth functional medicine clinic, I witness the epidemic of extreme exhaustion on a daily basis. People wake up feeling exhausted, not energized, are dependent on caffeine, and experience bouts of “hanger” and low blood sugar throughout the day.
Sadly, most people think that this must be normal because everyone else seems to feel the same way. But just because something is common doesn’t make it normal.
Feeling constant, unrelenting fatigue is not normal. In fact, it is one of the primary symptoms of adrenal fatigue - a condition when your brain's communication with your adrenal glands becomes out of whack.
This is adrenal fatigue.
What causes adrenal fatigue?
Most often, this miscommunication occurs from a build-up of chronic health stressors including:
- Gut dysfunction
- Autoimmune conditions
- Toxin exposure
- Chronic emotional stress
- Food intolerances
If you suspect you have adrenal fatigue, see if you align with any of the following symptoms:
- Blood sugar problems
- Insomnia
- Cravings for sugar and salt
- Getting a “second wind” in the evening
- Moodiness
- Weight loss resistance
- Low libido
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Steps to restore your energy
Therefore, the first step to regaining your energy is to restore the balance between your brain and adrenal glands. While there are many ways to go about healing depending on your specific health case, these are a few of my favorite ways to start regaining your energy.
1. Prioritize sleep
In order to allow your brain and adrenals to recuperate overnight, you need to get enough sleep. Promote quality sleep by turning off the TV and smartphone a few hours before bed and reading a book instead. Most professionals recommend at least 7 hours per night for adults.
2. Practice breathing exercises
You breathe all day long, but doing it consciously and with focused awareness is a powerful practice for reducing the stress response. Take time throughout the day to become aware of your breath and you’ll diffuse stress and reboot the brain-adrenal axis.
3. Supplements
Adaptogens - natural herbal and plant-medicines - are generally safe for everyone and are known for their powerful ability to help balance hormones - specifically brain-adrenal balance. Ashwagandha, rhodiola, eleuthero, Ginseng, and Holy basil have all been linked to a regulation of the cortisol rhythm.
Unfortunately, a lot of supplements on the market only focus on single-blend adaptogens and aren’t formulated specifically for supporting the brain-adrenal (HPA-axis). And those that do, often aren’t always the best quality.
That’s why I formulated The Brain-Adrenal Balancer in order to cut the confusion surrounding supplements and start to offer a solution to our worldwide epidemic of fatigue.
Featuring a curated blend of clinically tested herbs – including Relora®, Sensoril®, and Suntheanine® – this multifunctional formula of optimized adaptogens and nutrients works together to support healthy cortisol levels, alleviate occasional fatigue, promote mental clarity, and support relaxation and restful sleep.
So take advantage of the power of natural medicines and stock up on The Brain-Adrenal Balancer to regain your energy for a vibrant life!
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BY DR. WILL COLE
Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Dr. Will Cole provides a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, Gut Feelings, and The Inflammation Spectrum.
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