I am not a medical doctor. Use this information at your own risk. This article may contain affiliate links.
I’ve been writing about my journey with adrenal fatigue (starting here), sharing some of my research, and explaining what has worked for me and others I’ve encountered over the years. In my previous article, I told you what I eat. In this article, I’ll tell you the other things I eat.
But, first, this.
Can You Heal Yourself?
My goal in writing this series was to to give you enough information to help yourself. Many people heal from dis-ease and illness on their own, so it’s possible to DIY the rebalancing of adrenal hormones, too.
On the other hand, what I’m sharing about today is confusing and more complicated than previous topics. If performed incorrectly, there’s the potential of disrupting health in other ways; frankly, it can even be dangerous. In light of the seriousness of this topic, it’s a good idea to hire a health partner for this part of your healing. If you do, I recommend finding a natural, alternative, functional, integrative or holistic health practitioner to get this step right (that’s important, since traditional doctors are usually unable to help).
Taking Vitamins and Supplements
By now, most people know it’s impossible to get the nutrients our bodies need from food alone. At least, not from the foods readily available in this country, and certainly not in the quantities it would take for optimal health. It’s why so many Americans are chronically ill, why there’s a huge market for miracle products, and why advertisers are successful pushing systems to [allegedly] solve all manner of health issues.
I am of the opinion that every American would probably benefit by supplementing what they eat with “nutriceuticals” (the term used to describe vitamins, minerals, and other formulas designed to create health). But, instead of going with the latest all-in-one product or formulation, I think people should take a very exact approach.
To me, nutritional supplementation is like chemistry — it requires accuracy and precision, not just the dumping of substances into a container and waiting for a reaction. That’s my approach — full disclosure. I’m not big on multi-vitamins, unless someone needs exactly what is in the formulation, in exactly those doses.
Adrenal Support
Turns out, when the adrenals are imbalanced, nutritional supplementation is very important. Since the adrenals produce many hormones that perform many jobs, in addition to hormones themselves, other things can go out of balance, too. So, this is where the nutriceuticals come in, and where it becomes confusing trying to figure out which exact formulas will solve the imbalance.
Not everyone understands how vitamins and supplements work. I know I didn’t at first. What happens is that some substances work together, while others interfere with each other in a way. Still others require their own support in order to even be effective. It’s a puzzle for sure, but a puzzle that someone with the right training can figure out quickly and easily.
I personally take many things when my adrenals are run down. I also take other things every single day of the year. Something I learned over the years is to tune in to all the areas of my body, not just the ones I think require support, and help them each individually. What that looks like, at least for me, is continually checking in, monitoring, tweaking, and changing the supplements I take throughout my life.
People want specifics, so I’ll share examples that work for me (but may not be appropriate for you): Though I eat well, I consume extra iodine. Even though I live in Florida, I watch my level of vitamin D3. For adrenal support, I add this magnesium powder into my green drinks. I use Holy Basil when stressed or very busy, enjoying this particular tea on a regular basis.
Those are just examples of products that work for me. I could tell you everything else I take, but I can’t tell you what your body requires. I wish I could give you a list, but because I care about you, I want you to get this part exactly right.
What I Recommend
What I recommend for supplementation is one of two things. Either A) do some testing on yourself (either muscle test, carefully experiment, get your own lab work, or all of the above) and do extensive research to learn what you need; or B) hire a professional.
If it’s your desire to study this field and take the DIY approach, do it. Though I warn you — it’s a part-time job! Or, if it’s within your budget to hire a practitioner, I highly recommend doing that instead.
In the next article, I’ll share additional techniques that may help re-balance adrenal hormones. You’re invited to SUBSCRIBE using the button on my home page, and the article will be delivered to your Inbox when it’s ready.
Hope to see you in the next article,
As a coach, writer, recovered over-doer and busyness addict, I understand the challenges of creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle while the mind tries to sabotage your success. In my journey to vibrant health, I created a personalized health system of nutrition and supplementation, lifestyle changes, and I retrained my mind and the energy of my body. I view my success as the formula to my happy, healthy life. I now empower other women to create their own personalized formulas, including the tools and strategies just right for them! Amazing life shifts come from our relationships. I look forward to helping you, too!