The adrenal glands help our bodies to deal with stress and respond to crises in our lives. They produce cortical steroidal hormones and epinephrine in response to stress. The best foods for the adrenal glands are those foods that are naturally good at reducing the overall stress on the body.
Fruits
Fruits in general are high in both vitamin C and fiber and are the best foods for the adrenal glands. Fruits and berries like blackberries, marionberries, raspberries, plums, cherries, strawberries, grapes, pomegranate, rose hips, acerola and citrus fruits like oranges and tangerines are great foods for the adrenals.
Vegetables
Highly colored foods such as green vegetables and dark berries and fruits are highest in nutrients that nourish the adrenals and reduce the effects of stress on the body. Examples of these foods are, along with the fruits above, dark leafy vegetables and root vegetables. Spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, red cabbage, asparagus, leaf lettuces and broccoli are excellent foods for helping the adrenals to function well.
Healthy Fats and Oils
Healthy fats and oils are essential to help our bodies avoid the toxicity of stress. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids such as found in cold water fish fish and vegetable oils actually help reduce the inflammation in our bodies and reduce overall stress.
Other Foods to Help the Adrenals
A balanced diet in general is needed to provide the body with all the necessary nutrients for health. A part of that balanced diet is foods high in fiber. Fiber helps the body to detoxify by binding toxins in the gut and expelling them from the body. In order to reduce the overall stress, and therefore help the adrenals, adequate dietary fiber should be consumed.
References
- "Medical Nutrition from Marz;" Russell Marz, Second Edition 1998
- "Healing with whole foods: Asian traditions and modern nutrition"; Paul Pitchford, 2002
