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What is an Adrenal Fatigue Diet?

Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen

An adrenal fatigue diet is a nutritional plan that has been specifically formulated to combat adrenal fatigue. In alternative medicine, adrenal fatigue is a condition where the adrenal gland is thought suffer a decreased ability to synthesize sufficient levels of cortisol and other hormones. It is thought that the condition may be brought on by excess stress, and that it can be treated with supplements or dietary changes. Some of the changes involved in an adrenal fatigue diet typically include eating a variety of high-quality protein sources and vegetables, while staying away from certain fruits and avoiding white flour and sugar altogether.

The purpose of an adrenal fatigue diet is to naturally support the adrenals with a regular intake of natural, healthy food. This usually involves eating four to five times a day, with the first meal ideally coming soon after waking. It is thought that adrenal fatigue is compounded by, or associated with, low blood sugar, so it is important to boost the blood sugar early in the morning with a healthy meal. It is often suggested to follow that with an early lunch, a healthy afternoon snack, and an early dinner. Additionally, it may be recommended to have a light snack a few hours before bed.

An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.
An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.

Some people with adrenal fatigue may benefit from an addition of more salt in their diets. It may be important to note that those with high blood pressure need to moderate their salt intake, but those with normal blood pressure who aren't getting enough salt may look into adding sea salt to their food. Similarly, an overly high potassium intake can adversely affect those living with adrenal fatigue. If this is the case, then foods like bananas, grapefruit, and almonds should be avoided, due to their high concentrations of potassium.

Vegetables and lean proteins are encouraged for an adrenal fatigue diet.
Vegetables and lean proteins are encouraged for an adrenal fatigue diet.

An adrenal fatigue diet can be as much about what to avoid, as what to seek out. In particular, it may be suggested to avoid things like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Even foods that are considered good in most other circumstances, like certain fruits, should be avoided in the morning. Though these foods are otherwise healthy, it is thought that the large amount of fructose they contain can provide an effect that runs counter to the purposes of a proper adrenal fatigue diet.

Reduced hormone levels may lead to fatigue and body aches.
Reduced hormone levels may lead to fatigue and body aches.

Ultimately, an adrenal fatigue diet is usually about eating a wide variety of high-quality, whole foods. Various vegetables are encouraged along with lean proteins from eggs, chicken, and fish. Whole grains are suggested over processed grains, like those found in white flour, and natural sweeteners, such as honey, are recommended over processed or artificial sweeteners.

Discussion Comments

John57

@myharley - Just a thought, but maybe if you aren't able to get enough sleep that can be a cause for your adrenal fatigue? I don't want to sound like a doctor, but I just know that continued lack of sleep can really play havoc with our bodies and cause all sorts of problems.

It might be a good idea to visit with your doctor about treating your adrenal fatigue, or maybe there is some kind of test they can do. I had a friend who went to a sleep clinic and she says it was one the best things she ever did.

myharley

I find it interesting that there can be such a close connection between adrenal fatigue and low blood sugar. I have always had low blood sugar and find that I have to eat every few hours or I get a headache. After reading through this article, I also seem to have several adrenal fatigue symptoms.

Things like cutting back on caffeine, eating a balanced diet and cutting out sugar have helped to combat the fatigue. Getting enough sleep is also a huge benefit, but for some reason that seems to be easier said than done any more.

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    • An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.
      By: freshidea
      An adrenal gland on top of a kidney.
    • Vegetables and lean proteins are encouraged for an adrenal fatigue diet.
      By: B. and E. Dudzinscy
      Vegetables and lean proteins are encouraged for an adrenal fatigue diet.
    • Reduced hormone levels may lead to fatigue and body aches.
      By: jedi-master
      Reduced hormone levels may lead to fatigue and body aches.
    • If someone is constantly under stress she make develop adrenal fatigue.
      By: fotografiche.eu
      If someone is constantly under stress she make develop adrenal fatigue.