Adrenal glands release hormones that control body functions, including metabolism, blood sugar levels, your response to stress and reproductive processes. Adrenal exhaustion or fatigue is a theorized condition associated with excessive mental or physical stress that causes you to feel low energy, unable to sleep restfully, irritable or depressed. It is not a medically recognized condition, but there are adrenal gland disorders that include these types of symptoms. Nutrition changes can help reduce symptoms associated with adrenal disorders along with medical intervention.
Adrenal Gland Functions
One adrenal gland sits on top of each kidney. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland in your brain signal the adrenal glands to secrete the corticosteroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, the outer portion of the gland, and epinephrine or norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla, the inner part of the gland. Corticosteroid hormones are important in metabolic processes like sustaining energy from blood sugars after you eat and also play a role in your stress response along with hormones from the adrenal medulla. During stress, your adrenal glands release cortisol and epinephrine to regulate your blood pressure and blood flow to your muscles and brain. Prolonged stress causes a constant release of these hormones that eventually wears you down if you do not take the time to nourish your body with food.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Adrenal damage may develop from autoimmune diseases, chronic infections or genetic factors and result in over- or under-production of hormones. Adrenal insufficiency, or Addison's disease, is the more common disorder of insufficient hormone production. Symptoms often start gradually and include chronic fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, low blood pressure and salt cravings. As with each type of adrenal disorder, proper diagnosis confirmed through hormone level tests and radiological exams is required to ensure proper treatment. Confirmation of adrenal hormone changes from testing is what makes the medically accepted disorders different from adrenal exhaustion, which may have accompanying symptoms but no firm evidence from laboratory testing to show changes in hormones.
Managing Symptoms
Although the medical community does not acknowledge or treat adrenal exhaustion, it is real to sufferers. However, consult with your physician before engaging in any alternative medicine interventions to make sure you do not have another medically based cause for your symptoms that requires treatment. Missed meals, consumption of sugar-filled snacks and processed foods or high intake of caffeinated beverages increases the exhaustion you may experience. Stabilize your energy level throughout the day by eating five to six small meals instead of binging on large meals or skipping meals altogether. According to Marcelle Pick, nurse practitioner with the Women to Women Clinic, work with your natural hormone release cycle and start meals early in the day, snack between meals throughout the day and complete dinner by 6 p.m. to optimize your energy level.
What to Eat
Fresh vegetables, a lean protein source and whole-grain carbohydrates with each meal gives you vitamins, minerals, energy and fuel for stable blood sugar levels. Leafy greens, such as spinach, collards and salad mix, or carrots, tomatoes and squash are a few of the vegetables you should eat frequently throughout the day. Salmon, tuna, chicken, almonds or beans are lean protein sources that give your muscles energy and supply you with nutrients. Whole-grain bread, bran cereal and brown rice are choice carbohydrates to sustain your blood sugar. Fruit is optimal as a snack, but choose fresh varieties like apples, pears or plums instead of processed canned or frozen fruits. Drink plenty of water daily. Limit or avoid caffeine, soda and alcohol.
References
- Women to Women; Eating to Support Your Adrenal Glands; Small Choices Can Make a Difference; Marcelle Pick OB/GYN; April 2011
- AdrenalFatigue.org; Diet for Adrenal Fatigue; Dr. James Wilson; 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Adrenal Fatigue; What Causes It; Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.; April 30, 2011
- The Hormone Foundation; Adrenal Insufficiency; August 2010
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; Adrenal Gland Disorders; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: The Adrenal Glands
