Naturally Strengthen Your Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are about the size of a walnut and are located on top of each kidney. They are a major part of your endocrine system responsible for releasing natural chemical hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, to help the body respond to stress. This response is usually in the form of high energy output enabling a “fight or flight” response.

However, when the body continually goes through this process it can be a high strain on these glands sometimes causing adrenal fatigue and hormone imbalance. Stress is a major cause of adrenal fatigue as it repeatedly causes these glands to work overtime.

The result can include symptoms such as chronic inflammation, thyroid problems, exhaustion, cognitive struggles, insomnia, mood swings, sexual challenges, suppressed immune system, weight gain and autoimmune response.

Naturally strengthen your adrenal glands to avoid these symptoms that may lead to more serious health concerns. All it takes is some meditative, dietary and supplemental adjustments to keep your endocrine system running on all cylinders.

Always check with your doctor before changing your diet or taking natural supplements.

Foods for Adrenal Health

Your food choices are essential to so many systemic processes. Choosing the wrong foods can throw off your body’s homeostasis and put you in harms way. Be cautious of what you eat to make sure there is no unnecessary strain on your adrenal glands.

Fruit

Fruits can be tricky when it comes to the adrenals as they contain high amounts of fructose and potassium, a combination that may cause excess stress on overworked adrenals.

The following fruits should be avoided if you are struggling with adrenal fatigue:

• Grapefruits, oranges, figs, bananas, raisins and dates.

A better choice of fruits that won’t be as much of an adrenal strain include:

• Pears, apples, grapes (limited), kiwi, cherries, papaya, plums and mangos.

C Instead of Carbs

Refined carbohydrates, like packaged chips, commercially baked goods and any kind of candy will cause your blood sugar level to radically spike and drop. This reaction creates unnecessary stress on the adrenals that can exhaust them.

Stick to “live” foods that haven’t been stepped on like fresh fruits (mentioned above) and vegetables. These, offer many nutrients to strengthen the adrenals including vitamin C which help the body rebound from stressful situations.

Psychology Today reports,

“People who have high levels of vitamin C do not show the expected mental and physical signs of stress when subjected to acute psychological challenges. What’s more, they bounce back from stressful situations faster than people with low levels of vitamin C in their blood.” (4/25/03)

Yes, Salt

Avoiding salt is highly recommended for many people, especially those struggling with high blood pressure. However, it is not uncommon for people suffering from adrenal fatigue to crave salt. This is mainly due to low levels of aldosterone which can cause electrolyte imbalance.

Feeling lightheaded, especially in the morning, is a possible sign of this imbalance. Sodium may help readjust electrolytes. Adrenal health expert, James Wilson, recommends adding moderate amounts of sea or Celtic salt to your meals if this is the case.

Never increase your salt intake without checking with your doctor first.

Go for Protein and Healthy Fats

If you stick to good sources of proteins and healthy fats you will stay full longer and reduce cravings for refined sweets.

Go for lean meats, fish, poultry and eggs without being overcooked or sauced. Legumes and tofu are excellent alternatives to meat. Healthy fats include nuts, olives, seeds and avocados.

Herbal Supplements

There are several herbal supplements that may assist in strengthening your adrenals.

Ginseng – A 2010 study published “Nutrition Research and Practice” concluded that ginseng decreases adrenal enzyme response to stress.

Rhodiola rosea – This herb “modulates levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which in turn influence adrenal function.” (Livestrong)

It also increases endorphin release preventing adrenal hormone depletion while increasing energy levels.

Cordyceps – Capable of decreasing fatigue in lab mice testing, the fungus cordyceps shows promise for alleviating adrenal fatigue.

In the May 2003 “Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin” a cordycep study reported that, “adrenal gland, spleen, thymus and thyroid did not increase with the stress of the endurance tests, implying a high level of health and resilience in those organs.”

Stop taxing your adrenal glands and feel the difference with these dietary and supplemental changes. Always check with your doctor first.