Nutritional Support for Adrenal Exhaustion

Adrenal exhaustion results from experiencing prolonged stress, inadequate diet, refined food, alcohol, drugs, caffeine and other excessive energy demands on the body. Relieving physical, mental and emotional stress can improve the health of the adrenals and thus the hormonal balance of the whole body.

Expert Insight

• Relax and refresh yourself.

  According to Dr. James Forleo, three stages of adrenal stress demonstrate the depletion process of these overworked glands: Stage one is alarm, stage two is resistance, and stage three is exhaustion.

Potential

• Onion, garlic, and other organic vegetables.

  Even at the exhaustion phase, you can improve adrenal health by lifestyle and diet enhancements. Because stress is the primary problem for the adrenals, learning how to relax your mind and body will give some relief. Also mild exercise, plenty of sleep and pure water will renew and sustain the adrenals.

Features

• Get some exercise.

  Nutritional support for the adrenals calls for regular meals consisting of nutrient-dense whole foods. The priorities are organic vegetables and fruits, legumes and high-quality protein such as fish, poultry, eggs and nuts.

Considerations

• Fresh fruit

  Any carbohydrates should be complex whole foods, because eliminating processed foods takes a major strain off your adrenals. "Natural Ways to Health" recommends acupuncture, acupressure and chiropractic adjustments as supportive options to soothe the adrenals.

Supplements

• Fish dinner with greens

  Also necessary, according to Dr. Phyllis Balch, are nutritional supplements, including vitamin C, B complex, a mineral complex and possibly adrenal glandulars.