14 Ways to Boost Your Stress Glands

If the pace of life has left you exhausted, your adrenal glands may need some support.  These triangular-shaped glands that sit on top of the kidneys handle all of our work, home, financial, relationship, family stresses, and much more.  Yet most of us don’t give them a second thought until we’re exhausted, depressed, or experiencing other symptoms of adrenal stress. 

Here are 14 ways to give your adrenals a boost:

1.  Give the fast food a break. Usually loaded with neurotoxins like monosodium glutamate (MSG), fast food can cause your body to be in a constant state of stress after eating it and until the chemicals are detoxified from your system.  Depending on the strength of your liver’s detoxification systems that can be anywhere from a few hours to several days.

2.  Take a deep breath…and then, take a few more. Research shows that even a few minutes of deep breathing can have an impact on the adrenal glands by reducing the stress hormones they secrete.  Instead of jumping out of your seat during a traffic jam or other stressful spot, start breathing deeply.

3.  Reduce your stress. Ok, I know this sounds impossible to many people.  But the truth is that no one else is going to reduce your stress.  While life can be stressful sometimes, it’s important to take some time on a daily basis to release stress.  Go for a walk, stop and smell the roses (literally), give a loved one a hug, practice meditation, get some rest, or practice some other form of stress management.

4.  Eat plentiful amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables. Chronic stress depletes nutrients.  By eating a diet that is rich in nutrients from fresh fruit and vegetables, you’ll give your body the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that help it recover.

5.  Reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands only to cause an energy crash later on.  Try herbal teas instead.  Peppermint tea is a natural pick-me-up that doesn’t stimulate the adrenal glands.

6.  Try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep at night. And if possible, don’t wake to a blaring alarm clock since the noise causes a flood of stress hormones to be released.