The adrenal glands are triangular in shape, measure 1/2 an inch high by 3 inches long, and they are located on top of your kidneys. As part of the endocrine system, the adrenal glands play an important part in many of your body’s functions, including hormone production, stress response, blood pressure, heart rate and sweating. Symptoms of an over-active adrenal gland include fatigue, weakness, headaches, allergies, depression, nervousness and inability to concentrate. If you are stressed out or over-anxious a lot of the time, then your adrenal glands may need strengthening.
Step 1
Eat foods high in vitamin C and A, which help to provide you with energy. These vitamins can be found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, including oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, melon, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, kiwi, tomatoes, carrots broccoli, parsley, greens and green peppers.
Step 2
Consume foods that are high in potassium and magnesium, both of which can help to calm your nerves during stressful times. Foods that contain potassium include bananas, potatoes, oranges, apples, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines, avocados, dairy products and proteins like chicken and turkey. Magnesium can be found in whole-grains, blackstrap molasses, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, oats, lentils, beans and brown rice.
Step 3
Avoid sugary foods and eat a well-balanced healthy diet. Sugary foods can place stress on your body, which can further contribute to compromising your adrenal function. Instead, choose whole, natural foods and eat meals that contain a balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats.
Step 4
Take supplements to strengthen your adrenal function. Natural Ways suggests taking additional vitamin C, vitamin E, Omega 3s, coenzyme Q10, calcium, magnesium, chromium, iron, potassium, selenium and zinc to assist your adrenal glands, especially if you feel under tension a lot of the time. Consult with a physician to determine the proper dosing for your particular diet and circumstance.
Step 5
Exercise regularly to alleviate stress and boost your adrenal function. Workouts that include running, indoor cycling and swimming allow you to burn off tension while also strengthening your heart. Additionally, activities such as yoga and martial arts release stress and also stimulate the kidneys and other major organs, which can help to strengthen your adrenal function.
Tips and Warnings
- See a therapist. An inability to deal with or a feeling of being overwhelmed by your stress and tension can impair your adrenal function. Regularly seeing a therapist and getting help with your problems can greatly help to alleviate stress and naturally boost your adrenal functions.
