If you can admit to being 95% tired, 300% dry shampoo and 20% caffeine then chances are you’ve probably got adrenal fatigue (and yes, I realize those numbers don’t add up but when you’re so burnt out everything feels out of proportion, doesn’t it?). It’s the reason why I figured I would share a little bit about my favourite supplement for adrenal fatigue and that is maca.
One of the many reasons why I’m obsessed with adrenal health is because it can greatly affect other parts of your hormonal health, particularly your thyroid’s function which pssst, I’ve put together an awesome free Thyroid 411 Guide which you can grab here.
Now if you’re unaware, maca is known as an “adaptogen”, meaning it helps you to “adapt-to-stress”. It helps to lower cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress, improve cognitive function and in a rat study it was shown to even have an antidepressant-like effects.
When buying maca make sure that you purchase gelatinized not raw because raw contains goitrogens which can inhibit thyroid function and cause digestive upset. The standard dose for maca is between 1,500 and 3,000mg daily with food. You can take it in powder, tincture or even a capsule.
The effects of maca has been shown to revitalize and really boost energy levels. But there is also noticeable evidence to show that it can even raise libido.
Now some people think that maca raises testosterone but when digging through research there were no significant influences on testosterone in any tested demographic.
Rather it can help alleviate low testosterone type symptoms and in my opinion it’s likely due to the effects on the adrenals.
Alright so now I’d love to share my favourite adrenal-loving, energizing hot chocolate which is amazing for that 2pm crash. Here’s how to make it:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 heaping tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tsp gelatinized maca powder
Pinch of stevia
Honey, maple syrup or stevia to taste
Heat everything up in a pot until it comes to a boil.
Remove from stove and with a hand blender, blend until frothy.
Pour and enjoy.
Alright you, that’s it for now, make sure to download that free Thyroid 411 Guide now if you haven’t done so already!