Due to the range of complex interactions that the adrenal glands have with lots of other body systems, sufferers may notice quite a number of troubling symptoms. To effectively deal with the condition, you may need to address your dietary patterns. Your consumption of protein stands out as an important aspect in doing so.
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue can occur following a sustained period that places your body under too much stress. This could result from psychological worry and anxiety, poor sleeping patterns or even chronic infection, notes Dr. Rodger Murphree. The family doctor, who has dealt with a range of patients with the condition, says tissues in the adrenal cortex begin to fail when the stress becomes too great. This results in a reduced output of hormones such as cortisol. Your adrenal glands release cortisol, a steroid hormone, in response to stress. A compromised release can cause symptoms such as sugar cravings, disturbed sleep, low energy levels, poor concentration and low blood pressure.
Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels remains an important part of managing adrenal fatigue. One of cortisol's jobs involves boosting the level of sugar in the bloodstream between meals. Dr. James Wilson, an American physician and the author of "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome," says that people with adrenal fatigue often notice sharp falls in their blood sugar levels that causes them to feel dizzy and shaky. He suggests you avoid these drops, which place more stress on the overworked adrenals.
Protein
The consumption of protein remains one of the most important aspects in balancing your blood sugar levels. This type of food can delay the movement of carbohydrates through the digestive tract, meaning that any carbohydrates eaten in the same meal enter the bloodstream at a slower rate. Dr. Wilson says that as well as keeping you feeling full for longer, doing so helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, avoiding any later drops and the stress this places on the adrenal glands. He says meat, eggs and fish are good sources of protein.
Expert Insight
Dr. Michael Lam, a physician who has worked with many sufferers of adrenal fatigue, says you should eat small meals regularly and base them on a good quality source of protein. He also suggests consuming a snack that contains protein, such as almonds, before bedtime in order to stave of low blood sugar levels that would otherwise wake you during the night. A suitable supplementation plan that provides your adrenal glands with a particular range of nutrients also plays a role in recovery.
References
- "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; Dr James Wilson; 2002.
- Dr Lam: Adrenal Fatigue
- EIresource.org; Adrenal Fatigue - Dr Murphree's Protocol
