Do you feel exhausted no matter how much rest you get? Struggle with brain fog, mood swings, or low energy throughout the day? Your adrenal glands might be under strain. In today’s fast-paced world, chronic stress can push the body into a state of adrenal fatigue, leaving you feeling drained and overwhelmed.
The good news? You can naturally support your adrenal glands with nutrition, stress management, and simple lifestyle changes. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can restore balance and reclaim your energy—plus the surprising role of sea salt in adrenal health.
What Are the Adrenal Glands and Why Do They Matter?
The adrenal glands sit just above your kidneys and play a major role in producing hormones that regulate energy, stress response, metabolism, and even blood pressure. One of their most important jobs involves releasing cortisol—the “stress hormone”—which helps your body deal with daily challenges.
However, when stress becomes constant, the adrenals can struggle to keep up, leading to what many call “adrenal fatigue.” Though not officially recognised as a medical condition, adrenal fatigue describes a collection of symptoms linked to prolonged stress and hormone imbalances.
Signs Your Adrenals Might Need Support
Adrenal fatigue can sneak up on you, especially if you’re juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. Some common symptoms include:
- Feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep
- Trouble getting out of bed in the morning
- Energy crashes in the afternoon
- Craving salty or sugary foods
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability
- Low blood pressure or dizziness when standing up
- Weakened immune system, leading to frequent colds
If any of these sound familiar, your adrenals could be struggling. But don’t worry—there are natural ways to restore balance and get your energy back.
How to Support Your Adrenals Naturally
Healing adrenal fatigue isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about nourishing your body and reducing stress so your adrenals can function properly again.
1. Prioritise Rest and Stress Reduction
Chronic stress is one of the biggest causes of adrenal dysfunction. Reducing stress isn’t just about relaxation—it’s essential for healing.
- Get enough sleep (aim for 7–9 hours per night)
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga
- Take short breaks throughout your day to reset
- Spend time in nature to lower cortisol levels
- Say no to things that drain your energy
Your body heals best when it’s in a state of rest, not survival mode.
2. Nourish Your Body with the Right Foods
Your diet has a massive impact on adrenal health. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that provide steady energy and avoid blood sugar crashes.
Best foods for adrenal support:
- Protein-rich foods like eggs, grass-fed meat, and wild-caught fish
- Healthy fats from avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil
- Slow-digesting carbs such as sweet potatoes, quinoa, and brown rice
- Leafy greens and colourful vegetables for vitamins and minerals
What to limit:
- Refined sugars and processed carbs that cause energy crashes
- Caffeine, especially if you rely on it for energy
- Alcohol and processed foods that stress your body
Balancing blood sugar is key to reducing adrenal strain, so eat regular meals with protein and healthy fats to keep energy stable.
3. The Surprising Role of Sea Salt for Adrenal Health
One common symptom of adrenal fatigue is craving salty foods. That’s because when the adrenals are under stress, they produce less aldosterone, a hormone that helps regulate sodium levels. This can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, and dehydration.
Adding high-quality sea salt to your diet can help maintain proper mineral balance and support adrenal function. Unlike table salt, natural sea salts contain essential trace minerals that help restore hydration and keep your body functioning properly.
A simple way to incorporate sea salt: Start your morning with a pinch of sea salt in a glass of water. This can help stabilise blood pressure, improve hydration, and support adrenal recovery.
4. Adaptogenic Herbs for Adrenal Support
Certain herbs, known as adaptogens, help the body handle stress more effectively. These natural remedies can support adrenal function and boost energy levels.
Some of the best adaptogens for adrenal health include:
- Ashwagandha – Helps lower cortisol and improve sleep
- Rhodiola Rosea – Boosts energy and mental clarity
- Holy Basil (Tulsi) – Supports the nervous system and reduces anxiety
- Licorice Root – Helps maintain cortisol levels and prevent energy crashes
5. Move Your Body—But Don’t Overdo It
Exercise is important, but if you’re dealing with adrenal fatigue, intense workouts can actually make things worse. Over-exercising can stress the adrenals further, leading to even more fatigue.
Instead, focus on gentle movement:
- Walking in nature
- Stretching or light yoga
- Pilates or bodyweight exercises
- Short, low-impact strength training
Listen to your body. If exercise leaves you exhausted rather than energised, scale back and focus on recovery.
Healing Takes Time—Be Patient with Your Body
Recovering from adrenal fatigue isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about long-term healing. Your body didn’t reach this state overnight, so be patient and give yourself grace as you implement these changes.
Small, consistent adjustments in your diet, lifestyle, and stress management can make a huge difference over time. And if you need personalised support, working with a functional medicine practitioner can help identify underlying imbalances and create a tailored plan for recovery.
How Can a Functional Medicine Practitioner Help You?
If you’re feeling constantly drained and unsure how to regain your energy, I can help. As a functional medicine practitioner, I focus on uncovering the root causes of adrenal fatigue and creating a personalised plan that works for you.
I offer:
✅ Comprehensive testing to assess adrenal function and hormone balance
✅ Personalised nutrition and supplement recommendations to support healing
✅ Stress management techniques tailored to your lifestyle
✅ Ongoing guidance and support to help you feel your best again
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you’re ready to reclaim your energy and start feeling like yourself again, reach out today—I’d love to support you.
Let’s work together to restore balance, naturally.