Combating Stressed Adrenal Glands: Foods and Herbs that Reduce Adrenal Burn out and Adrenal Fatigue

Four years ago I suffered from a bad case of Adrenal Fatigue. My adrenal glands were taxed and all I wanted to do was get my energy back. I was always tired and craved sugar and drank about 3 cups of coffee a day. Until, one day, I read an article about the link between our adrenal glands and stress and realized that I was in the full blows of Adrenal Burn out.

I read an amazing book that highlighted the fastest way to address reversing my adrenal burn out. From diet to herbal remedies- it is possible to replenish and rest the adrenal system.

Whole Foods Diet is Recommended

Buy organically grown produce as much as possible. Avoid consumption of sugar. Refined carbohydrate, caffeine (adrenal stimulants), and alcohol should be avoided. Fasting and detoxification should not be used at the beginning of adrenal strengthening. The diet should be a building and strengthening diet. Eat plenty of fresh and lightly steamed vegetables and their juices as they contain minerals to prevent fatigue.

In restoration of the adrenal gland function one should include potassium rich foods and avoid foods high in sodium. This will help to keep the sodium/potassium balance in the body. In the standard American diet, people consume way too much sodium. Researchers recommend a dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio of greater than 5 to 1. Intake of potassium should be about 3 to 5 grams per day.

Potassium Content of Selected Foods

Milligrams (mg) per 100 grams edible portion (100 grams = 3.5 ounces)

Dulse	8,060	Cauliflower	295
Kelp	5,273	Watercress	282
Sunflower seeds	920	Asparagus	278
Wheat germ	827	Red cabbage	268
Almonds	773	Lettuce	264
Raisins	763	Cantaloupe	251
Parsley	727	Lentils, cooked	249
Brazil nuts	715	Tomato	244
Peanuts	674	Sweet potatoes	243
Dates	648	Papayas	234
Figs, dried	640	Eggplant	214
Avocados	604	Green peppers	213
Pecans	603	Beets	208
Yams	600	Peaches	202
Swiss chard	550	Summer squash	202
Soybeans, cooked	540	Oranges	200
Garlic	529	Raspberries	199
Spinach	470	Cherries	191
English walnuts	450	Strawberries	164
Millet	430	Grapefruit juice	162
Beans, cooked	416	Cucumbers	160
Mushrooms	414	Grapes	158
Potato with skin	407	Onions	157
Broccoli	382	Pineapple	146
Kale	378	Milk, whole	144
Bananas	370	Lemon juice	141-
Meats	370	Pears	130
Winter squash	369	Eggs	129
Chicken	366	Apples	110
Carrots	341	Watermelon	100
Celery	341	Brown rice, cooked	70
Radishes	322

Source: "Nutritive Value of American Foods in Common Units," U.S.D.A. Agriculture Handbook No. 456

It is recommended that a person eat small, instead of large meals. According to the Oriental philosophy, foods which nurture deficient kidney energy are as follows:

millet	barly	tofu	string bean
black bean	black soybean	mung bean	mung sprouts
kidney bean	blackberry	mulberry	blueberry
melons	wheat germ	potato	seaweeds
spirulina	chlorella	black sesame seed	water chestnut
crab	clam	sardine	eggs

Vitamin/Mineral Therapy for Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Nutrients important in adrenal gland function include: pantothenic acid, vitamin C, Vitamin B 6, Zinc, and Magnesium. Particularly important is pantothenic acid (100 milligrams a day), as a deficiency may result in adrenal atrophy. Foods rich in pantothenic acid include: whole grains, legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, salmon, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

Adrenal extracts made from beef have been used in medicine since the 1930's. The proper procedure is to start with a dosage lower than what is recommended on the label of most adrenal extract supplements (1/3 of the normal dosage), and then slowly increasing the dosage every two days until one notices the stimulatory effect. Once that effect is noticed then simply reduce the dosage to a level just below the level that will produce stimulation. As the adrenals rebuild, keep reducing the dosage until there comes a time when you no longer need the support.

Recommended Supplements:

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