Mono is a common trigger for adrenal exhaustion. During mononucleosis treatment, it is vital that the adrenal glands are considered as part of the plan.

After an illness such as the Epstein Barr virus that causes mononucleosis or glandular fever, the body needs time to recover. Plenty of sleep, rest, pure and wholesome food, sunshine, and gradual exercise are essential. If these conditions are not met, the adrenal glands become fatigued or “exhausted.” They are then unable to produce adequate amounts of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and DHEA. The job of these adrenal hormones is to help the body cope with stress.

So what are the symptoms of exhausted adrenal glands? Well, the main symptom is low energy, lethargy, and constant fatigue. You may also notice dark circles under your eyes, reduced immunity, poor sex drive, premenstrual tension, sugar cravings, headaches, poor concentration, unrefreshing sleep, and a general loss of interest in life.

If you’re looking for mononucleosis treatments, here are some tips on how to treat adrenal exhaustion and get you feeling better fast!

• You should aim to get enough sleep. At least 8-10 hours of deep, uninterrupted sleep per night is required. An afternoon nap can also be very beneficial, but don’t leave it too late.
• Regular meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help your body deal with the stress of having mono and make you more resilient to whatever life throws your way.
• Your diet should be low in sugar, white flour, coffee, alcohol, processed foods, tobacco, and drugs. These vices may make you feel better in the short term, but they will drain your adrenal glands and prolong your recovery if consumed regularly.
• Supplements such as vitamin C, B complex, and magnesium can help repair the adrenal glands and help treat mononucleosis. Omega-3 fatty acids from deep-sea fish oils or flaxseed oil can help with fatigue. If you have anemia, it is important to take some iron.
• Herbs like licorice and ginseng can stimulate adrenal function and help with mononucleosis treatment. These herbs can be taken as teas, capsules, or liquid tinctures.
• Light physical exercise will increase adrenal strength and endurance. If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly and gradually increase over time. If you are in the acute early stages of mononucleosis, rest until your body is up to it. If you do too much too soon, you’ll end up back where you started.
• Make time for laughter, fun, and joy in your life. These are great ways to lower your stress levels when treating mononucleosis.
• Be kind to yourself, don’t strive to always be perfect. You can reduce stress simply by learning to go with the flow.
• Celebrate the achievements and victories in your life. During mononucleosis treatment, it may just be the little things like enjoying a 10-minute walk, finishing a good book, or cooking a new healthy meal that you can celebrate—it’s off to a good start! Acknowledging your progress will help you maintain a positive attitude that will help you cope with stress and keep your adrenal glands strong.