Revitalize Your Energy: The Adrenal Cocktail for Pregnancy
It's 2 PM.
You find yourself nestled on the couch, feeling like bedtime is around the corner. It takes a lot of energy to grow a baby, but this slump has come out of nowhere…
You might ask, “what’s wrong with me?”
Is it something serious? Or is it just a simple tweak in my diet or routine that I need?
During pregnancy, your adrenal glands can get out of whack, and need some extra attention. Why are they so important, and if they are out of whack, how can you efficiently support them to achieve optimal health for you and your baby?
Understanding Your Adrenal Glands
You have two adrenal glands, tiny, mighty, triangular glands that sit atop your kidneys. These hormone-producing powerhouses regulate a plethora of bodily functions, from cortisol levels and metabolism to immune responses, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Despite their vital role, sometimes these glands need a gentle nudge back to equilibrium, especially during pregnancy, illness, stress, or even exercise.
Signs of Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue often manifests through feelings of stress, anxiety, and even despondency. How can you identify if these glands need a boost? While these signs can indicate other conditions, they might also suggest adrenal fatigue. If these symptoms resonate with you, consulting your midwife for comprehensive testing and guidance is wise:
Weight loss and decreased appetite
Continuously dropping blood pressure
Intense salt cravings
Low blood sugar
Overwhelming fatigue
Digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Boosting Your Adrenals with the Adrenal Cocktail
To invigorate your adrenals, meet the Adrenal Cocktail. Despite the boozy name, rest assured it's a pregnancy-safe elixir designed to strengthen your adrenals. This non-alcoholic blend contains essential electrolytes, vitamin C, and crucial minerals like potassium. Its mission? Maintaining stable hormones, balancing electrolytes, and ensuring your body stays optimally hydrated.
Strategic Sipping for Optimal Energy
For maximum impact, the best times to drink an Adrenal Cocktail is between 10 and 11 AM, and again between 2 and 3 PM – precisely when your energy might need a boost. Play around with the timing and whether you have one or two cocktails per day based on your energy slumps. If you typically experience a mid-morning or afternoon dip, sipping an Adrenal Cocktail an hour before is a savvy strategy.
Adrenal Cocktail Recipes
The following versatile recipes can be tweaked to suit your taste preferences while maintaining the core ingredients necessary to support your adrenals. The main components include a Vitamin C source, Sodium, and Potassium.
Base Recipe
4 oz Orange Juice
1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar or Potassium Bicarbonate
1/4 tsp fresh ground Redmond’s Real Salt or Sea Salt
Alternative Recipe #1
8 oz Coconut Water (provides 375 mg of Potassium)
1/4 tsp fresh ground Redmond’s Real Salt or Sea Salt
60 mg Vitamin C Supplement (whole-food based recommended)
Alternative Recipe #2
4 oz Purified Water
1/4 tsp Cream of Tartar or Potassium Bicarbonate
1/4 tsp fresh ground Redmond’s Real Salt or Sea Salt
60 mg Vitamin C Supplement (whole-food based recommended)
For flavor or a nutrient boost, consider adding:
coconut cream, or full fat coconut milk - adds good fats, and as a bonus makes your drink taste like a creamsicle!
collagen powder - this also adds some protein, which will curb a potential blood sugar spike from the orange juice
Enhance Your Adrenal Health Holistically
Beyond the Adrenal Cocktail, several practices can amplify your adrenal support:
Prioritize sleep & supporting your circadian rhythm
Incorporate our Sleepy Time Tincture from our Apothecary into your routine
Follow a consistent sleep schedule
Opt for gentle exercise and regular exposure to natural sunlight
Maintain healthy electrolyte and hydration levels
Include enough salt in your diet and drinks
We recommend utilizing LMNT electrolyte powder, and Nourishing Tea from our apothecary
Ensure sufficient magnesium intake, we have Magnesium Breakthrough available in our Apothecary.
Cultivate stress-relief strategies
Practice mindfulness exercises
Utillize Rescue Remedy and Wishgarden Stress Relief Tincture in our Apothecary
Focus on your diet
Reduce sugar and caffeine intake
Increase your vitamin C with Rose Hips from our Apothecary
Consume plenty of good fats
Eat frequently to help your blood sugar levels stay stable and reduce cortisol spikes
Add seafood and kelp to your diet
Use fermented foods to nourish your gut biome which helps your body absorb nutrients.
Consider supplements
You should be taking a prenatal vitamin with vitamin A, D, K, and Choline. You can find our recommended prenatal vitamin in our Apothecary.
Consider an Adrenal Cocktail Supplement (like this one we recommend from Jigsaw)
Adrenals and Your Baby
On your pregnancy journey, nurturing your well-being and your adrenal health sets the stage for a healthier beginning for your baby. Listen to your body's cues, adopt healthy habits, and seek guidance from your midwife when needed. As your baby grows, your adrenal health (and overall well-being) supports your baby’s adrenal and nervous system development, creating a solid foundation for their life ahead.
