Two adrenal glands on top of the kidneys produce hormones essential for bodily functions. Symptoms of adrenal imbalances such as Addison's and Cushing's diseases include fatigue, aches, abnormal weight loss, hypotension and loss of body hair. A test can diagnose adrenal disorders. Diet can play an important role in adrenal health. Dr. David Wilson, author of "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome," recommends eating breakfast before 10 a.m. to restore the body's blood sugar supply after not eating overnight. Discuss an adrenal-supportive diet with a qualified health provider.
Fish
Cold-water fish are high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, mackerel and herring are good choices and should be eaten at least three times a week. Tuna is also high in omega-3s, but limit tuna to once per week because it may contain contaminants from water pollution. Wild fish are typically healthier than farm-raised fish because no artificial growth hormones and selective breeding practices, which may alter the nutritional content, are implemented. Be sure to check the packaging -- the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that fish packaging indicates whether the fish is farm-raised, according to Wilson.
Produce
You should include six to eight servings of vegetables in your diet daily to support the adrenals. Brightly colored vegetables are particularly healthy. Plenty of green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, should be included because they contain high levels of vitamins and minerals. Other vegetables that specifically nourish the adrenals include shiitake mushrooms, garlic and onions, which contain germanium, a powerful immune system boosting compound, according to nutritionist Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing."
Grains
Approximately 35 percent of your diet should include whole grains. Examples of beneficial grains include quinoa, brown rice, and breads and cereals labeled whole-grain. Foods that contain refined white flour, such as doughnuts, pastries, white breads and cookies, should be avoided when eating for adrenal health. Ironically, people experiencing adrenal problems often crave these foods because low blood sugar and adrenal fatigue often occur concurrently. However, consuming these foods causes a rise in insulin levels and a subsequent lowering, or crash, of blood sugar, which can be difficult to recover from, according to Wilson.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Addison's Disease: Is There Such a Thing as Adrenal Fatigue?
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; Dr. James Wilson; 2002
