Adrenal Health: How to eat for Adrenal fatigue!
- Focus on whole foods! Eliminate processed and packaged foods to aid with your adrenal health! This will reduce adrenal fatigue.
- Avoid stimulants – caffeine, colas, sugar, fast foods
Temporary “surge” of energy drains adrenal reserves; followed by adrenal depletion
- Protein!!! is important for your adrenals! (15-20 grams, 3x/day)
Organic animal proteins (chicken, turkey, grass-fed beef, lamb), free-run eggs, pulses (beans, lentils, peas), nuts, seeds, organic soy (edamame, soy nuts, minimally-processed), clean protein powders (New Zealand Whey Isolate, Vega One, Sun Warrior Protein)
Avoid processed sources incl. lunch meats, processed cheese, and processed soy (TVP)
- Healthy fats
Fish oils (Sealicious, Super EFA Liquid), EVOO, coconut, grapeseed, sesame, flax & olive oil (avoid corn, canola and soybean oil – GMO!), avocado, nuts & seeds
Avoid fried fats and polyunsaturated fats (EVOO, vegetable oils) in cooking
Coconut oil, ghee and grapeseed oil are safe for cooking
- Balanced carbohydrates
Avoid sweet/sugary (sugar, syrup, pastries) – rapid increase in blood glucose followed by sharp drop = blood glucose “roller coaster”; some fruit is ok, but keep to a minimum and balance blood sugar with protein & fats; avoid any of these in the morning
Avoid refined carbohydrates (white rice, bread, sugar; stripped of nutrients, just straight sugar!) and consume unrefined carbohydrates in small portions (whole grains incl. brown rice, oats, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, squash, sweet potato – ½ or ¾ cup is a portion!)
- Unlimited vegetables
Especially dark leafy greens, sprouts, seaweeds, crucifers (broccoli & family!)
Orange/Yellow vegetables – zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, carrots
Red/purple vegetables – red onion, bell peppers, cabbage, eggplant
- Eating hygiene
Eat moderate-sized meals/snacks at regular intervals (every 4-5 hours) to avoid low blood sugar
Avoid “overeating” – excessive insulin release and fat storage
Eat 1st meal before 10am – especially for adrenal fatigue/burnout (replenish glycogen)
Eat sitting down and chew your food well
In presence of night-time anxiety or insomnia incl. a small portion of protein before bed
- Salt!!! (common craving during adrenal dysfunction)
Especially for low blood pressure (burnout) – use sea salt (more trace minerals)
- Identify and avoid food sensitivities