Why You Should Prioritize Adrenal Health: Signs, Symptoms, and Natural Support Strategies

In our fast-paced world, chronic stress has become an almost expected part of daily life. Yet few people realize the toll it takes on the adrenal glands. What are your adrenal glands, you ask? They’re small but mighty organs that sit atop the kidneys (think ad + renal) and play a critical role in regulating your stress response, energy levels, and hormone balance. Adrenal health is foundational to whole-body wellness, and addressing adrenal dysfunction can be a key step in restoring vitality, improving resilience, and preventing chronic disease.

So, what exactly are the functions of your adrenal glands? The adrenal glands produce several important hormones, including cortisol, adrenaline, norepinephrine, and aldosterone. Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” helps regulate metabolism, blood pressure, immune response, and the body’s reaction to stress. In times of chronic stress—whether physical, emotional, or environmental—the adrenals can become overworked, leading to a state commonly referred to as "adrenal fatigue," or more clinically, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation.

What do adrenal fatigue symptoms look like? When I’m working with patients, I always look for signs such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, brain fog, salt or sugar cravings, and difficulty coping with stress. While not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, adrenal fatigue is a functional imbalance that I frequently see and address through lifestyle interventions, nutritional support, and botanical medicine.

You may be wondering what the next steps are if you recognize adrenal fatigue symptoms. Naturopathic medicine emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal when given the right support. When it comes to adrenal health, this means removing sources of stress when possible and replenishing the body’s depleted reserves with targeted care, such as the use of adaptogenic herbs.

However, the number one thing your body loves to help regulate adrenal health? Restorative sleep. Sleep is critical for resetting the HPA axis. Studies show that sleep deprivation can significantly increase cortisol levels and alter the normal cortisol rhythm, contributing to fatigue and inflammation (Leproult et al., 1997). Simple habits like maintaining a consistent bedtime, avoiding screens before sleep, and incorporating relaxation practices such as meditation or gentle yoga can be incredibly restorative.

Your adrenals also thrive on real food! A whole-foods diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates helps stabilize blood sugar and support adrenal recovery. Key nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins (especially B5), and magnesium are essential cofactors in adrenal hormone production. Adaptogenic herbs, as mentioned earlier, help the body adapt to stress. Herbs like Rhodiola rosea and Ashwagandha have been shown to support HPA axis function and reduce cortisol levels in stressed individuals (Panossian & Wikman, 2010; Chandrasekhar et al., 2012).

Rather than merely managing symptoms, we aim to understand and treat the root cause of dysfunction. In cases of adrenal dysregulation, this often involves a deep dive into a patient’s sleep habits, emotional well-being, dietary patterns, toxic exposures, and even past trauma. A comprehensive, individualized approach not only supports adrenal recovery but also encourages long-term health and resilience.

At IVY Integrative, you can work with one practitioner or build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!

Author: Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND

References:

1. Leproult, R., Copinschi, G., Buxton, O., & Van Cauter, E. (1997). "Sleep loss results in an elevation of cortisol levels the next evening." Sleep, 20(10), 865–870. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/20.10.865

2. Panossian, A., & Wikman, G. (2010). "Effects of adaptogens on the central nervous system and the molecular mechanisms associated with their stress—protective activity." Pharmaceuticals, 3(1), 188-224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3010188

3. Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). "A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults." Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022

   
   
   
   

Disclaimer: This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.