Sufferers of adrenal fatigue experience a range of symptoms that affect their daily lives. They also require specific changes to their diet in order to avoid low blood sugar levels and the additional stress burden this places on the body. Low glycemic foods, which release their energy more slowly, remain an important part of dealing with the condition.
Adrenal Fatigue
Dubbed "the 21st century stress syndrome," adrenal fatigue often occurs following a period of sustained stress. Dr. James Wilson, a physician who has published books on the condition, explains that the adrenal cortex becomes burned out and fails to produce sufficient cortisol. Because of the multiple roles this stress hormone plays in the body, this can produce feelings of severe tiredness, poor sleeping patterns and low blood sugar levels.
Blood Sugar Levels
In healthy individuals, cortisol boosts blood sugar levels between meals by stimulating the release of sugars from the liver and muscles. Those suffering from adrenal fatigue miss out on this action, meaning they experience low blood sugar levels if they do not eat regularly. Such episodes, also referred to as hypoglycemia, can cause shaking and dizziness.
Low Glycemic Foods
Nutritionists define low glycemic food as those that have a very moderate effect on blood sugar levels, releasing carbohydrates slowly into circulation. Patrick Holford, a nutritionist and the founder of the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, explains that high glycemic foods such as sweets can cause rapid elevations in blood sugar levels. This stimulates the release of insulin, a pancreatic hormone that can bring about hypoglycemia in adrenal fatigue sufferers.
Protein and Fats
Dr. Wilson recommends that individuals with adrenal imbalance base their diet on proteins and fats. He notes that such nutrients slow down the release of any carbohydrates consumed alongside them, which effectively lowers the glycemic value of these foods and stabilizes blood sugar levels more effectively.
Slow-Release Carbohydrates
The foods you eat influence the rate at which carbohydrates reach the bloodstream. Dr. Michael Lam, a practitioner familiar with the issue, suggests that those with adrenal fatigue avoid sugars and white bread and focus on lower glycemic choices such as whole grain products and vegetables.
References
- "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; Dr. James Wilson; 2002
- Dr. Lam: Adrenal Fatigue
- "The Holford Low GL Diet"; Patrick Holford; 2005
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