When you suffer from adrenal fatigue, it is difficult to manage your day efficiently without feeling overwhelmingly exhausted. This is because the adrenal glands are not functioning at their best and are not delivering the right amounts of adrenaline into the body. One way to improve adrenal fatigue is to increase protein consumption in the diet.
Diet's Effects on Fatigue
When you follow a diet that is high in refined carbohydrates, your blood sugar spikes quickly to make you feel an instant burst of energy. However, the energy gained by eating refined carbohydrates burns out quickly, leaving your feeling tired and lethargic. These foods include sugary foods, white flour breads and baked goods and refined corn products. Over time, the adrenal glands are stressed, cannot produce a sufficient amount of cortisol and begin to function poorly.
Health Benefits
When you eat 12 ounces of protein per day, such as meats, fish and dairy products, the energy is slowly release by digestion and allows you to feel a steady level of energy over a longer period of time. Protein-rich foods aid your body in producing red blood cells and in repairing muscle tissue. The more red blood cells you have, the easier it is for your body to carry oxygen to the various parts of your body, including your adrenal glands. More oxygen means more energy. When your body is able to repair muscle tissue, you will feel stronger and more energized with less effort.
Dietary Alterations
Reduce refined carbohydrates in your diet to prevent a blood sugar overload, and thereby preventing the resulting blood sugar crash. Avoid any foods that are created from highly process grains or sugars. Increase your intake of high-quality proteins to at least 12 ounces per day, which will enable your body to maintain a steady stream of energy throughout the day. Add in lean cuts of beef and pork, poultry and deep-sea fish.
Considerations
Meats that are raised using added hormones may contain higher levels of adrenaline than organically raised meats. Eating nonorganic meats may negatively effect adrenal fatigue and dysfunction. Consider buying only organically raised beef, poultry and pork. Check with your medical or holistic doctor before eliminating entire food groups. Certain health conditions, including diabetes, may be worsened by a dramatic change in diet.
