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Cortisone Adrenal Gland Diet

Adrenal fatigue is a condition that arises where the adrenal glands--two small glands located over your kidneys--become worn out through excess and prolonged periods of stress, according to information from the woman's health website ProjectAware.org. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing the "fight or flight" hormones that your body requires to mobilize energy during periods of stress, such as cortisone and cortisol. Unfortunately, these glands can become overworked quite easily, leading to symptoms, such as chronic fatigue and depression.

  1. Adrenal Fatigue Diet

    • Consume a healthy adrenal fatigue diet to help reinvigorate the adrenal glands, restoring their functionality. According to Project-Aware.org, a proper adrenal fatigue diet will consist of the consumption of whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats (olive oil, fish oil, and flax oil) at most meals. In addition, you should attempt to avoid "junk" foods and empty calories, such as processed items, trans fats, sugars and stimulants like caffeine, as these substances can force the adrenals to continue working in overdrive, exacerbating the condition. Adding a small amount of natural sea salt to your diet might also help, as salt can help to stimulate adrenal function--consume 1/2 tbls. salt mixed in 8 oz. of water every morning while dieting to cure adrenal fatigue.

    Supplementation and More

    • Consume vitamins and minerals to further bolster your body's ability to bounce back from adrenal fatigue. Take between 2 and 4 g (2,000 to 4,000mg) of vitamin C daily, at least 800IUs of vitamin E, a B-Complex vitamin, and 400 to 1,200mg of magnesium. Beyond that, supplement your diet with fish oil, an omega-3 fat that has a positive effect on adrenal function by reducing the amount of stress hormones produced, alleviating a portion of adrenal workload.

      Beyond diet and supplementation, you can also increase your chances of beating adrenal fatigue by making lifestyle modifications. Aim to reduce stress by avoiding all voluntary sources of stress in your life--eliminate contact with individuals that you find bothersome, avoid company events if they make you uncomfortable, and spend your time engaging in relaxing activities that you enjoy. Additionally, engaging in 20 to 30 minutes of focused meditation each day can help reduce stress further. Simply find a relaxing spot, close your eyes, and focus on making your breathing as slow and steady as possible.

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