An adrenal fatigue diet is a nutritional plan that has been specifically formulated to combat adrenal fatigue. In alternative medicine, adrenal fatigue is a condition where the adrenal gland is thought suffer a decreased ability to synthesize sufficient levels of cortisol and other hormones. It is thought that the condition may be brought on by excess stress, and that it can be treated with supplements or dietary changes. Some of the changes involved in an adrenal fatigue diet typically include eating a variety of high-quality protein sources and vegetables, while staying away from certain fruits and avoiding white flour and sugar altogether.
The purpose of an adrenal fatigue diet is to naturally support the adrenals with a regular intake of natural, healthy food. This usually involves eating four to five times a day, with the first meal ideally coming soon after waking. It is thought that adrenal fatigue is compounded by, or associated with, low blood sugar, so it is important to boost the blood sugar early in the morning with a healthy meal. It is often suggested to follow that with an early lunch, a healthy afternoon snack, and an early dinner. Additionally, it may be recommended to have a light snack a few hours before bed.
Some people with adrenal fatigue may benefit from an addition of more salt in their diets. It may be important to note that those with high blood pressure need to moderate their salt intake, but those with normal blood pressure who aren't getting enough salt may look into adding sea salt to their food. Similarly, an overly high potassium intake can adversely affect those living with adrenal fatigue. If this is the case, then foods like bananas, grapefruit, and almonds should be avoided, due to their high concentrations of potassium.
An adrenal fatigue diet can be as much about what to avoid, as what to seek out. In particular, it may be suggested to avoid things like caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Even foods that are considered good in most other circumstances, like certain fruits, should be avoided in the morning. Though these foods are otherwise healthy, it is thought that the large amount of fructose they contain can provide an effect that runs counter to the purposes of a proper adrenal fatigue diet.
Ultimately, an adrenal fatigue diet is usually about eating a wide variety of high-quality, whole foods. Various vegetables are encouraged along with lean proteins from eggs, chicken, and fish. Whole grains are suggested over processed grains, like those found in white flour, and natural sweeteners, such as honey, are recommended over processed or artificial sweeteners.