Eating a healthy diet is very important for treating adrenal burnout. Since the adrenal glands oversee many functions in the body, including metabolism, adaptation to stressful situations and help in regulating blood sugar levels, it is crucial that they work properly. Certain foods and beverages stress the adrenals, while other foods provide the nutrients needed to rebuild and maintain healthy adrenals. Embarking on a diet that supports the adrenals will allow for them to heal, though it often takes at least six months to see results.
If suffering from adrenal burnout, work closely with a doctor to determine the best course of therapeutic action.
Significance
The adrenals, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis Balch, oversee the body's stress hormones and are involved in blood sugar regulation, the metabolism of carbohydrates and maintaining the salt/water balance in the body. Foods that overstimulate the adrenals, such as refined foods, coffee and alcohol, and stressful lifestyles may eventually lead to low adrenal reserves. When this occurs, the adrenals can no longer produce the hormones necessary for the body to properly function.
Features
A diet for adrenal burnout should include several factors, such as fresh, whole foods, foods high in essential fatty acids and foods to enhance the immune system. In "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Balch recommends eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly green leafy vegetables. Whole grains, nuts and olive oil are also basics for the adrenal diet. Wild fish, high in essential fatty acids, should be consumed at least three times a week. Garlic, onions and shitake mushrooms, all immune building foods, should be eaten as much as possible. Filtered water is also essential.
Foods and beverages to avoid include fried foods, processed meats, soda, sugar, refined foods, alcohol and caffeine. Tobacco should also be avoided as it is toxic to the adrenals and liver.
Effects
Once adrenals begin to heal, lethargy should diminish and energy should return. Food and environmental allergies may lessen or end completely. Christiane Northrup, in her book, "The Wisdom of Menopause," notes that moods may level out, sleep disturbances may end and resistance to disease should increase with higher functioning adrenals. Since the adrenals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, also affect the body's metabolism, weight loss may also occur when the adrenals return to normal.
Time Frame
How long it takes for the adrenals to heal depends on how damaged they are, adherence to the diet and other lifestyle factors. The healing process can take anywhere from six months to two years, according to Dr. James Wilson in his book, "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome." Including daily relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, and minimizing stress as much as possible will help to heal the adrenals more quickly.
Considerations
Do not attempt to treat adrenal burnout without a doctor's diagnosis. Some foods that are helpful for the adrenals may interfere with certain prescription medications. Adrenal failure may also necessitate supplementation or medication.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- "The Wisdom of Menopause: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing"; Christiane Northrup; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: The Adrenal Glands
- "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; James L. Wilson; 2001
