Adrenal fatigue – what to know about it – and how herbs can help!

Adrenal fatigue, or “burnout”, has been a hot topic over the last few years – and no wonder! Modern life and its many demands often bring an abundance of stress with effects that can impact day-to-day health.

The adrenal glands are triangular endocrine glands that sit on the top of each kidney. Their role is to produce hormones – mainly those related to the stress response (in the interior adrenal medulla) but also metabolism and blood pressure (in the adrenal cortex, or outer part). When we encounter a stressful situation, the adrenals release epinephrin and cortisol to help the body respond appropriately to the perceived threat.

With frequent exposure to stressful situations, especially over extended periods, it has been suggested the adrenal glands’ function can become overextended or depleted, resulting in decreased resiliency to stress and symptoms that can include brain fog, muscle aches, weight gain (or loss), fatigue, insomnia and salt or sugar cravings.

Approaches towards supporting adrenal health can include stress-reducing lifestyle habits that prioritize a healthy diet and quality sleep along with herbal treatments that can help restore optimal adrenal functioning.

Did you know?

Adaptogens are unique in their abilities to support and even increase the body’s resiliency against stress by promoting physiological balance under unfavorable conditions, and certain adaptogens have been shown to support adrenals in the context of stress resilience.

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for thousands of years and features prominently in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. This root has been used to treat fatigue and anxiety, and as a tonic herb that supports wellbeing, as well as stamina, sexual health and memory.

Learn more: Ashwagandha – The Ancient Herb for Resiliency, Vitality and Longevity

Ashwagandha is also a key ingredient in the Strest® formula, a daily adaptogenic tonic formulated with 6 synergistic adaptogen herbs that work in synergy to support resilience and help relieve symptoms of everyday stress, as well as reduce mental and physical fatigue.

The Strest® formula also provides a gentle, holistic approach towards stress management and adrenal support, as Naturopathic Doctor Blossom Biting explains: nown for its calming, energizing and balancing effects!

“I love that Strest® is a carefully formulated adaptogenic blend that isn't centred around licorice or ginseng. While these can be helpful at time of low adrenal output, or adrenal fatigue, I like that the Strest® formula provides balance without outright stimulation of the adrenal glands.

I have used this formula with many patients over the year and find it particularly helpful in cases of eminent burn out, to support the slowing down, and helping someone re-emerge stronger and with a more settled nervous system.”
Dr. Blossom Bitting, ND

NOTE: One doesn’t have to be experiencing acute or adrenal-specific health issues to benefit from adaptogens! They can support everyday health and wellbeing, support optimal immunity and even help to alleviate symptoms from seasonal allergies!

Learn more: Top 5 Things To Know About Adaptogens

References:

Wiciński M, Fajkiel-Madajczyk A, Kurant Z, Kurant D, Gryczka K, Falkowski M, Wiśniewska M, Słupski M, Ohla J, Zabrzyński J. Can Ashwagandha Benefit the Endocrine System?-A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 20;24(22):16513. doi: 10.3390/ijms242216513. PMID: 38003702; PMCID: PMC10671406. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10671406/