Stress and your adrenals

You may have heard "adrenal fatigue" used to describe that wired-but-tired feeling. It isn't a recognized medical diagnosis, but the experience is real, and it usually points to stress. Your adrenal glands make cortisol as part of the HPA axis, the ongoing conversation between your brain and adrenals that manages your stress response. When stress never lets up, that daily rhythm can drift, and energy, sleep and cravings often follow.

I start with the basics with my clients:

• Eat protein at breakfast, within an hour or so of waking
• Don't skip meals; steady blood sugar is one less stress on your body
• Get morning daylight and keep a regular bedtime
• Swap one late-day coffee for herbal tea

If tiredness lingers, see your doctor to rule out thyroid, iron and other causes.