Let’s Talk About “Adrenal Fatigue”
If you’re always exhausted—even after a good night’s sleep and doing your best to eat well and stay on top of life—it’s not just in your head. That kind of deep, nagging tiredness (the kind that coffee can’t fix) is something I hear about from clients all the time. Maybe it’s showing up as brain fog, low motivation, or the sense that no matter how much you rest, it’s never enough.
At some point, you might’ve stumbled across the term “adrenal fatigue.” It’s a popular explanation in the wellness world—suggesting that chronic stress can wear out your adrenal glands until you’re running on empty.
But here’s the thing: while the symptoms are absolutely real, “adrenal fatigue” isn’t actually a diagnosis recognized by mainstream medicine.
As a nutritionist who has worked with many clients dealing with chronic stress (and having been there myself), I know how frustrating it is to feel constantly drained without any clear explanation.
So What’s Actually Happening?
Let’s clear this up: your adrenal glands don’t exactly “burn out” from stress. True adrenal insufficiency (like Addison’s disease) is rare and comes with clear medical markers.
But that doesn’t mean your experience isn’t valid.
What most people are actually feeling is related to HPA axis dysregulation—a fancy way of saying your brain and stress hormones have stopped communicating smoothly. When your stress response system is constantly switched on, it can throw off everything from your sleep to your energy levels, mood, immunity, and more.
What Can You Do to Start Feeling Like Yourself Again?
Even if we don’t call it adrenal fatigue, the solution is still the same: support your body, reduce stress, and replenish your system in gentle, sustainable ways.
1. Eat to Recharge, Not Just Survive
When your body’s overwhelmed, nutrition becomes non-negotiable. Try to build meals around foods that help your nervous system recover:
Fatty fish (like salmon or sardines): rich in omega-3s that calm inflammation and support your brain
Leafy greens: magnesium and folate powerhouses that help regulate stress
Whole carbs (like sweet potatoes and oats): steady energy, stable blood sugar
Nuts and seeds: nutrient-dense, full of healthy fats and minerals
Fermented foods (yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut): good for gut health, which is tightly linked to mood and immunity
Bone broth: nourishing and grounding, packed with amino acids
2. Reset Your Relationship with Stress
You can’t eliminate stress—but you can shift how your body responds to it. Start here:
Prioritize sleep: create a calming bedtime routine, dim the lights, and ditch screens an hour before bed
Move, but don’t overdo it: if you’re feeling depleted, gentle walks, stretching, or restorative yoga are better than pushing through a hardcore workout
Practice mindfulness: even just 5–10 minutes a day of breathing, journaling, or meditation can make a huge difference
Protect your energy: say no more often, take breaks, and allow rest without guilt
3. Talk to a Practitioner You Trust
If your fatigue is dragging on or getting worse, don’t guess. Conditions like hypothyroidism, anemia, sleep apnea, and chronic fatigue syndrome can cause similar symptoms. A nutritionist, naturopath, or functional medicine doctor can run the right tests and help you connect the dots.
The Bottom Line?
Feeling this way isn’t “just life” and you don’t have to push through it alone. Whether you call it adrenal fatigue, burnout, or just being completely maxed out, there are ways to feel better—and they start with listening to your body, not ignoring it.
There’s no one-size-fits-all fix, but small changes, practiced consistently, can make a big difference over time. By supporting your body with nutrient-dense foods, prioritizing rest, and managing stress in sustainable ways, you can gradually restore your energy and resilience.
Not sure where to start with your nutrition and lifestyle changes?
Reach out anytime, I’d love to hear what’s going on and see how I can help.
Violet (RHN)
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