- DIET CHANGES
Diet is a huge factor in every case of adrenal recovery. It is important to first remove any hard to digest foods and any toxins. Then, we add in nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest, low in sugar, have healthy fat and fibre and have healing qualities.
Food to avoid:
- Sugar and sweeteners
The stress response increases sugar and junk food cravings. It is important to avoid sugary foods, cereals, sweets, etc as much as possible since they are “empty” calories, anti-nutrient and they elevate insulin.The excess insulin causes blood sugar levels to crash, often leading to hypoglycemic symptoms and more cravings, creating a dangerous cycle.
A third of sugar comes from soft drinks, two-thirds from hidden sources including: lunch meats, pizza, sauces, breads, soups, crackers, fruit drinks, canned
foods, yogurt, ketchup, mayonnaise, etc. So always read the labels.
Seek the benefits of raw honey or stevia as alternatives.
Eating a low-carbohydrate diet also is essential since fluctuating sugar levels stress the adrenals. It is important to go lightly on fruits, especially in the morning. Fruits contain a significant amount of fructose and potassium, which is a detrimental combination for those with exhausted adrenals.
- Caffeine
This can interfere with sleep and make it hard for the adrenals to recover. Caffeine remains in the body for an average of 8 to 10 hours. If you must drink coffee or a caffeinated drink, then have a limited amount in the morning before noon.
- Excess animal protein
Since most people don’t have enough stomach acid to fully digest animal protein, relieve the burden on the adrenals by following the rule of 80/20 – eat 80% vegetables and 20% protein.
Aim for quality protein rather than just quantity.
Also, ensure you only eat grass fed and free range meats instead of grain fed meats, which contain too much omega-6, along with pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and hormones.
- Processed foods
These nutrient-poor foods strip the body of vital minerals, making the blood acidic and weakening the adrenals. Also, avoid microwaveable foods which have many preservatives and fillers that are hard to digest and wear out the body’s energy and digestion cycle. Put simply, “just eat real food” instead.
- Soft drinks
Chemical-laden, sugar loaded and often caffeinated, soft drinks can contribute to inflammation and nutrient deficiency, making the state of the adrenals even worse.
- Hydrogenated oils
Vegetable oils like soybean, canola, corn, sunflower and safflower oil are highly inflammatory and can lead to adrenal inflammation.
Most deep-fried foods are fried in hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats. They contain toxic free radicals formed when the oils break down with heat that can cause oxidative tissue damage throughout the body.
Try to only use good fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, organic butter or ghee.
Top superfoods to add:
- coconut
- olives
- avocado
- cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts etc)
- fatty fish (e.g. wild-caught salmon)
- chicken and turkey
- nuts (e.g. walnuts and almonds)
- seeds (e.g. pumpkin, chia and flax)
- kelp and seaweed
- Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
- berries (e.g. blueberry, goji)
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