Food & Yoga for Your Adrenals

 A good friend was recently diagnosed with adrenal fatigue by her homoeopathic doctor after a severe bout of fatigue, mental fogginess, and lethargy.   Adrenal fatigue is said to be brought on by prolonged bouts of stress.  Although adrenal fatigue isn't a recognized medical condition, adrenal insufficiency, or AI, is.  AI is nerd speak for your adrenals not showing up for work.  Some of the symptoms of both conditions are similar with adrenal fatigue said to be a lesser version of AI.Whether you agree with the alternative or conventional diagnosis, it begs the questions: how much does stress really affect us?  How much stress can one person take before it starts effecting their energy, mental clarity, sleep habits, and overall quality of life?  If I knew the answer to that question I'd be rich.  The short answer I'd say with certainty is it depends on the person.  I know from personal experience we often think we handle stress better than we do until we go to our hairdresser and she says, "Whoa, your hair has seen better days.  Remember:  Your outside shows what's going on inside."

 So what's a yogi to do?

 Take care of yourself through diet, sleep, and restorative yoga!  Here is one restorative yoga pose to help you chill out and two simple and delicious breakfast recipes shared by my friend.  I can attest to the relaxation benefits and deliciousness of both. 

Yoga Pose: Reclined Bound Angle or Supta Baddha Konasana

 Here's how to practice it:

1. Lay over a bolster or two folded blankets. Use another blanket for under the head and neck up to the top of the shoulders.
2. The end of the bolster should hit the part of the spine just below the back rib cage.
3. Leave space for the low back, don't jam the bolster into the tailbone.
4. Bend your knees and pull your legs out to the sides. Take the soles of the feet together. Place extra support* under your outer thighs if needed to avoid over-stretching your inner thighs and to relax the groins.
5. Stay here in blissful repose for up to 5 minutes or until the nausea passes.

 No matter what type of restorative pose you're practicing, remember to give into the props; melt over them like butter.  If there's any doubt of you being able to stay here relaxed for a decent amount of time you need more support under the legs.*Prop Tip: If you're especially tight in the hips place blocks (see photo below), firm folded blankets, or other props under the outer upper thighs.  Your hips and groins should never feel tense.  Instead give into the props and relax completely, don't hold back.

Recipes

Green Tea Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen or fresh blueberries
• Half an avocado
• 1 cup green tea (make sure you cool it first before adding it to the smoothie mix!)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey to sweeten
• 1/2 tbsp maca (optional)
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
• Half a cup coconut water (optional)
• 6 ice cubes to thicken and cool the mix

Pumpkin Quinoa Oatmeal

• 1 cup quinoa
• Half a cup pumpkin purée, NOT pie filling with added spices
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honest to sweeten
• Slivered almonds, raisins, dried cranberries, or any other dried fruit or nuit to jazz up the bowl

 Here's to happy adrenals and a stress-free bod,  #yoganinja #ninjawisdom #letyogain #yogatherapytip Want more?In my newsletter that goes out every Thursday I share personal stories and free tips on how to let yoga into your life.  Sign up to receive the newsletter using the link on this page on the right of the menu.  Do you have a yoga therapy question? Email it me at info@kimmcneilyoga.ca.Share how this tip has helped you on my Facebook Page or Instagram.   If you think this post could help someone you know, please share it using the nifty social media buttons above.