Your adrenal glands are two walnut-sized glands located on top of each kidney. However, don’t let the size of this gland fool you. Adrenal glands are a very powerful but small body organ that prepares the body for action if under risk or in a demanding situation. These glands also generate hormones that are vital for life. Unfortunately, these small glands are the first endocrine function to stop working during intense and prolonged periods of anxiety and stress. This can lead to Adrenal Fatigue, a condition that will affect almost 80% of people.
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
There are many signs of adrenal fatigue such as difficulty getting up in the morning, difficulty in falling asleep, prolonged stress, overuse of stimulants such as simple carbohydrates or sugar, a weakened immune system, and frequent illness.
Food to Eat and Not to Eat to Treat and Prevent Adrenal Fatigue
Foods to Avoid
When you are trying to heal your adrenal glands, the plan is to lower anxiety, lessen the perceptions of anxiety, or both. Here are some foods to avoid that can exacerbate anxiety.
Caffeine
This raises the cortisol level and lessens the sensitivity of insulin in the cells. Most people naturally metabolize caffeine slowly. Limit caffeine intake to no more than 200mg a day in order to have a good night’s sleep. Sleep is essential to healing adrenals.
Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar
Eating sugar turns on and off the blood sugar. The effect can be further exaggerated when you have adrenal dysregulation. The impact between cortisol and sugar is bidirectional. Anxiety increases the level of cortisol that raises blood sugar.
Inflammatory Foods Such as Soy, Dairy, and Gluten
These trigger the body’s response to stress. The majority of food intolerances are to foods that contain addictive properties. That makes these foods necessary but difficult to eliminate from a diet.
What to Eat?
Seaweed and Sea Vegetables
Sea vegetables and seaweed are easy to digest, rich in iodine, and are great sources of essential trace proteins and nutrients, which are extremely beneficial in your recovery from adrenal fatigue.
Healthy fats
Having sufficient amounts of fat will maintain a steady blood sugar level, keep you feeling happy and pleased, and improve your temper and moods. This also helps normal adrenal function rather than stressing your adrenals in an attempt to correct unpredictable blood sugar levels. Consider foods such as olives and avocado; nuts, like almonds and walnuts; coconut oil; and seeds like flax, chia, and pumpkin, as well as natural pastured ghee. Healthy fats are a great source of energy. Ensure your fats are from natural, organic, whole food sources.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Consider adding more green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, arugula, romaine, as well as fresh herbs. These are rich in iron, vitamins, magnesium, fiber, and chlorophyll that support physical and mental balance. Sugar cravings are often curbed by the addition of greens.
Yours in health,
Christine
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