Your adrenal glands produce a variety of essential hormones. Adrenal insufficiency causes a measurable decrease in adrenal hormones within your body, while adrenal fatigue refers to symptoms that occur in the absence of obvious changes in hormone levels. A nutritious diet might help both men and women reduce feelings of fatigue and other symptoms commonly associated with poor adrenal function.
Fatigue
Although adrenal fatigue is not a recognized medical diagnosis, proponents of this term believe that a slight decrease in adrenal hormones can cause symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, without showing up on medical tests. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include lightheadedness, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, low blood pressure and body aches. Some men may experience a noticeable loss of body hair.
Sodium
Adrenal insufficiency may cause hormonal changes that lead to hyponatremia, a medical condition that occurs when you develop abnormally low levels of sodium in your blood. Hyponatremia causes swelling within your cells and tissues. If you experience hyponatremia as a complication of adrenal insufficiency, you may need to drink water in moderation, according to MayoClinic.com. Drink just enough water to quench your thirst and create pale yellow urine. Another dietary measure you can take to prevent complications of hyponatremia involves consuming sports drinks during demanding activities. Consuming these beverages might help to replace lost electrolytes.
Diet
Certain dietary changes might help reduce the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, according to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. PCOM recommends that people with this condition try eating small meals frequently throughout the day. Include cheese, blueberries, pork, sprouts, eggs, beans, sardines and barley. Avoiding alcohol, highly salted foods and sugary sodas might also help to improve your symptoms. A diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy products and lean meat can help counteract fatigue and boost your energy, according to Indiana University.
Warnings
Talk to your doctor if you experience symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Even though impaired adrenal glands can cause fatigue, this symptom may be due to other medical conditions. Seek medical advice before making drastic changes to your diet, especially if you suffer from an undiagnosed health condition or take medication on a regular basis.
