The adrenals are two small glands that secrete many necessary hormones in the body including epinephrine, cortisol, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. An adrenal imbalance may result in the adrenals not functioning at 100 percent. When this happens, you may develop a condition known as adrenal fatigue. Diet modification may help the adrenals return to normal function.
Symptoms
If you suffer from the following symptoms, talk with your doctor about the possibility of adrenal fatigue. Weight gain, reduced memory, feeling tired between 3 and 5 p.m. and 9 and 10 p.m., a decreased sex drive, upper back and neck pain, frequent occurrences of the flu, low energy in the mornings and feeling lightheaded when sitting up from lying in a horizontal position are just some of the signs and symptoms of an adrenal imbalance resulting in adrenal fatigue. Food-related symptoms include cravings for fatty, salty and high-protein foods, a reliance on coffee to get up in the morning and feeling better for a short time after eating.
Beneficial Foods
Certain types of foods are better than others for proper adrenal function. Unrefined carbohydrates, vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins are beneficial foods for the adrenal glands, according to an article published in January 2005 by Project Aware, an association of women dedicated to the advancement of research and education. Unrefined carbohydrates include whole-grain products, such as breads and pastas. Oils from flax seeds, fish, olives and walnuts are sources of healthy fats, but hydrogenated oils are not. These healthy oils, along with protein sources like seeds and nuts, should be eaten at every meal.
Eating Guidelines
How you eat is also important for healthy adrenals. If you are constantly tired from adrenal fatigue syndrome, providing your body with regular energy from meals helps to balance your energy levels. Vicki Wade, PharmD., recommends frequent meals and chewing your foods completely in her article for Project Aware. Wade says that eating breakfast before 10 a.m. is beneficial, and she warns against skipping lunch. Adding salt to your diet may also help, suggests Wade. Try 1/8 to 1/2 tsp. of sea salt in an 8-ounce glass of water, both in the morning and 30 minutes before your lowest energy point of the day.
Foods to Avoid
You should avoid eating stimulants, such as caffeine and sugar. Consuming caffeine causes your body to initiate a stress response, which tells the adrenals to produce the hormone adrenaline, according to the book "Prescription Alternatives" by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. and Virginia Hopkins, M.A. When you are in danger, adrenaline can increase your alertness and strength. Although useful in an emergency, the constant production of adrenaline daily taxes your adrenals. After your body comes down off its adrenaline rush, it wants more stimulants to bring the energy back up. This causes a roller coaster effect. Eating sugar does the same thing and also stimulates the adrenals to release adrenaline. Even decaffeinated coffee and teas have some caffeine, as does chocolate. Removing all these stimulants from your diet lets your adrenals relax and work normally.
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