Dietary Support of Adrenal Function
DIETARY SUPPORT OF ADRENAL FUNCTION
- Focus on consumption of a variety of whole, natural, and preferably organic foods.
- To control blood sugar fluctuations, each meal should combine some fat (preferably high in essential fatty acids) with protein and complex carbohydrates.
- Eat 6-8 servings of non-starchy vegetables.
- Avoid fruits and grains at breakfast, because these foods can lead to pre-lunch hypoglycemia.
- Bouts of hypoglycemia should be avoided as much as possible. Eating smaller meals more frequently, while being aware of the glycemic indices of food, is necessary if hypoglycemia needs to be managed.
- Salt need not be restricted, especially if hypotension is a sign.
- Avoid any food sensitivities during this phase of adrenal recovery, as well as stimulants (caffeine, ephedrine, cocaine and nicotine), alcohol, hydrogenated oils, and deep-fried foods.
- Beverages conducive to adrenal recovery include: good quality water, herbal teas, green teas, fresh organic vegetable juices, and alternatives to dairy (if food allergy is present) such as nut milks, rice milk, soy milk and goats milk.
- Avoid soft drinks due to high amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, or caffeine.
