Written by Lisa Edmondson – Nurse, Women’s Health and Hormone Specialist, Master Holistic Health Coach
At Global Health in Takapuna, Auckland, we work with many clients across New Zealand who experience both ADHD and adrenal stress. This combination can leave you feeling constantly “switched on” yet exhausted, affecting focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. Here, we explore the link between ADHD and adrenal function, and share natural lifestyle strategies to restore energy, balance hormones, and improve daily focus.
In recent years, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has been recognised not just as a difference in attention and focus, but as a complex interplay between the brain, body, and environment. One area that’s gaining more attention in holistic health is the relationship between ADHD and adrenal stress — a connection that can explain why some people with ADHD feel constantly “wired” yet exhausted at the same time.
What is Adrenal Stress?
Your adrenal glands are small but mighty, sitting just above the kidneys. They’re responsible for producing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which help regulate your stress response, energy, and alertness. When you’re under ongoing stress — whether it’s mental, emotional, or physical — your adrenal glands can become overworked. This is sometimes called adrenal dysregulation or adrenal fatigue.
How ADHD and Adrenal Stress Overlap
Living with ADHD can place constant demands on the nervous system. Challenges with organisation, time management, and focus can create a near-constant “fight or flight” state as you try to keep up with deadlines, manage responsibilities, and navigate daily frustrations. For some, this heightened state can overstimulate the adrenal glands, leading to symptoms such as:
- Feeling “tired but wired” — difficulty winding down despite exhaustion
- Trouble sleeping or waking unrefreshed
- Mid-afternoon energy crashes
- Increased anxiety or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating when stressed
- Sugar or caffeine cravings for quick energy boosts
Over time, this can create a cycle: ADHD symptoms make stress harder to manage, and adrenal stress can make ADHD symptoms — like distractibility, poor emotional regulation, and mental fatigue — feel more intense.
A Holistic Approach to ADHD and Adrenal Health
From a holistic point of view, managing ADHD isn’t just about addressing attention — it’s about supporting the body systems that affect focus, mood, and resilience. Here are some strategies that can help break the ADHD-adrenal stress cycle:
- Balanced Nutrition
Eating regular, balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and slow-release carbohydrates helps stabilise blood sugar — reducing the highs and lows that can stress the adrenals and impact focus. - Gentle, Consistent Movement
Exercise supports both brain health and adrenal balance. Opt for moderate activities like walking, yoga, or swimming to reduce stress without overloading the system. - Stress Regulation Practices
Mindfulness, deep breathing, or short meditation sessions can calm the nervous system and give the adrenals a break from constant stimulation. - Sleep Support
Prioritising good sleep hygiene — consistent bedtimes, reducing screens before bed, and creating a relaxing wind-down routine — helps the body reset and reduces adrenal load. - Caffeine Awareness
While caffeine can give a temporary boost, it also stimulates the adrenals. Reducing intake or switching to gentler options like green tea can make a big difference.
Thriving with ADHD and Lower Stress
Supporting adrenal health can be a game-changer for people with ADHD. By lowering the stress load on your body, you may find it easier to focus, regulate emotions, and maintain consistent energy throughout the day.
At Global Health Clinics, we take an integrative approach — combining nutrition, lifestyle medicine, stress management tools, and advanced assessments to address the full picture. This way, we don’t just manage symptoms — we help you build resilience so you can navigate life with more clarity, calm, and confidence.
Ready to break the ADHD-adrenal stress cycle? Start Your Personalised Plan Today