After having a baby, most mothers experience exhaustion, brain fog, feelings of sadness, trouble sleeping (ahem…what sleep?!), and hormonal imbalances. But how can you tell if these are simply normal postpartum symptoms or signs that there may be something more serious going on?
The main difference is that normal postpartum symptoms should be short lived. If these symptoms continue for months and even years, something is definitely awry.
Adrenal Fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands are overworked and in a constant state of stress. Your adrenals are located above your kidneys, and are responsible for producing hormones and chemicals, specifically cortisol and adrenaline. They are especially helpful when you need to be in survival mode, but can wreak havoc if they stay in this heightened state for prolonged periods of time.
I have assisted many clients with adrenal fatigue and not surprisingly, many of them were mothers. The great news is adrenal fatigue can be fixed without the need for medication or surgery!
Let’s look at some signs of adrenal fatigue:
1. Anxiety, irritability, and/or depression
2. Exhaustion, fatigue, feelings of overwhelm
3. Lack of energy in the afternoon resulting in consumption of caffeine or sugar
4. Unable to relax
5. Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
6. Digestive issues
7. Eczema or skin hives
8. Cravings for carbs, salt, or sugary foods
9. Mental fogginess
10. Low sex drive
11. Hashimoto’s, PCOS, endometriosis, infertility, osteopenia or osteoporosis
As you can see, your adrenals can affect a lot! So, what can you do to get back in balance? My first recommendation is to find a qualified Nutrition Response Practitioner who can test your organ systems to determine if there is an actual imbalance. They can tell you if your adrenals are weak and need attention. It takes all of the guesswork out of the equation! If you are unable to see a NRT Practitioner or a holistic doctor who specializes in hormonal imbalance, here are a few things you can do at home that can make a BIG difference!
Now before I list my recommendations, you first need to commit to a high level of self-care. Yes, that means viewing your health as your highest priority! You can still be an amazing mother and put your health first. In fact, the healthier you are, the better you’ll be able to tackle the huge demands of being a mother to your children. Happy and healthy moms are some of the very best moms!
Ok, so now that you’ve promised yourself that you will put your health first (you did promise right?!), take a look at some changes you’ll need to make to nurture your adrenals back to optimal health!
Tips for Improving Adrenal Fatigue:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink at least .5 ounces for every pound that you weigh. Example: if you weigh 140 pounds, you should be drinking 70 ounces of water per day.
2. Do not overdo it on exercise: find a way to stay active that makes you feel energized, not depleted and even more exhausted.
3. Avoid stimulants like caffeine
4. Eat frequent small meals throughout the day. Do NOT skip meals! Pack small snacks in your purse and car to avoid running out of food.
5. Eat whole foods and avoid processed foods
6. Ask for help! If you haven’t been sleeping well and your baby is not sleeping through the night ask your partner to take the night shift once in awhile if possible. If not, ask a family member or friend to come over during the day so you can nap. If you’re like me, it’s hard to sleep during the day. I highly recommend using a face mask and diffusing some calming essential oils such as Young Living Lavender.
7. Find natural ways to encourage production of endorphins: moderate exercise, breastfeeding, cuddling with your kiddos, having sex with your partner are all great ways to increase your “happy hormone levels”.
As always, discuss your concerns with your health provider!
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.