Adrenal Glands
The Adrenal Glands, sitting right over the kidneys, do an immense amount for us. They produce hormonal steroids that help us turn sugars into fuel. They regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body. They balance fluids and electrolytes in the bloodstream. And increase blood volume as needed. And produce hormones that assist with the sleep/wake cycles.
Cortisol, one of these steroid hormones, is required when glucose, protein, or fats are present in the bloodstream. Glucose will be combined with insulin and burned as fuel in the cells. Androgen is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen; it is also produced by the Adrenals. It is called DHEA. Only a small amount is used by males. Females use a much more significant amount and rely on adrenal health for female reproductive health. It is a considerable balancer during menopause. (If you are a woman who is not sleeping well and/or experiencing horrific menstrual cycles, likely, your symptoms stem in part from poor adrenal health.)
Herbs and supplements for the Adrenal glands should have the goal of providing blood sugar regulation. This is paramount for those with Diabetic concerns. These little glands need support to facilitate proper blood glucose balance. Foods high in protein and healthy fat sources are very important for this reason. They provide good, slowly released energy without a huge disruption to the blood sugar levels. Adrenal fatigue can stem from over-dispensing cortisol due to the stress response. Doesn’t matter if the stress is mental, physical, or both. Also, this is not always the case. Very frequently, the overconsumption of sugar will keep blood sugar too high throughout the day. This wrings out the adrenals in an effort to keep up with the excess of sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream.
Sugar is one of the leading causes of depression for this reason. The book “Sugar Blues” will seriously open your eyes to the effects of sugar on the body. Believe it or not, GMO Wheat is worse regarding adrenal overuse than refined sugar— tidbits that few people know. The book “Wheat Belly” explains how GMO wheat affects the body beautifully. If you are diabetic or prediabetic arm yourself with knowledge and listen/read those two books. Your body will thank you! Neither of these foods is very friendly to the adrenals. If you truly love your body and want to balance its health and weight, limiting those two will do wonders for you.
Foods for Adrenals
So what foods are best for the Adrenals? Fatty ones, fatty ones, fatty ones. I can not stress this enough. GOOD FAT DOES NOT MAKE YOU FAT. Stop trimming the steak. Animals bodies store vast nutrients in thier fat so that they can survive in a famine. Don’t feed that to the dog, eat it. It is good for your hormones and it will not make you fat.
What does make you fat and unhealthy? Not Loving yourself, (which you are currently conquering!) followed by consuming processed sugars and grains, foods, GMO’s, and unnatural seed oils. These are the things that make you fat and Unhealthy. Natural fat is good for you. I repeat, good fat is good for you!
Your adrenals require cholesterol to make hormones. You must have cholesterol. Recently, studies have indicated that “low fat” diets are driving diabetes and dementia-related issues. And lastly, salt. NOT white table salt. White table salt has been so processed that it is more detrimental to your longevity than beneficial. Doctors are right – this crap is bad for you! (Use it to kill weeds in your driveway. It’s great for that!) Get organic Celtic Sea, Baja Gold or organic Pink Himalayan and consume it! Your body can not function properly without it.
Electrolyte balance, which relies on salt, is necessary for your metabolism to function correctly. Don’t be afraid of good salts. They are required to lower blood pressure. That is correct required. They take water molecules into the cells for the production of energy. However, white-processed table salt will do the opposite. As I suggested, use your current white table salt for your driveway.
Now for foods to indulge in for loving your Adrenals to be their healthiest! Many of these foods are high in vitamin C, Vitamin B, magnesium, and the amino acid tryptophan.
- Nuts – Coconuts, Walnuts, Almonds
- Seeds – Pumpkin, Flax, Hemp, Chia
- Oils – Avocado and Olive oil, Coconut oil, Avocado oil
- Meat – Turkey, Oysters, Eggs, Yogurt
- Fruit – Lemons, Limes
- Vegetables – Dark Leaf Greens, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Celery
- Mushrooms – Reishi and Cordyceps
- Grains – none if you have adrenal fatigue, always non-GMO
- Salt – organic Celtic, Baja Gold, or organic Himalayan
Adrenal Herb Support
For the herbal information for the adrenals, I use some for an AM or morning formula and some for a PM or before-bed formula. I will list the morning first:
Adrenal AM
Rhodiola Root boasts over 140 active ingredients. A few are adaptogens, which help your body resist stress and fatigue. Salidroside helps to balance blood sugar by regulating cortisol and prevent insulin resistance.
Schisandra Chinese berries contain lignins, antioxidants, and adaptogens. These compounds help the body regulate blood sugar levels. They also support the HPA-axis function, which assists in suppressing high blood pressure, boosting energy, reducing chronic fatigue, and enabling normal sleep patterns.
Ashwagandha is very popular for all the glands of the body. It is helpful in reducing blood sugar levels, stress, and anxiety, as well as in male fertility and female hormone production.
Astragalus Root is used in China as a Qi tonic. It improves blood balance and helps correct anemia. Naturally lowers blood sugar levels.
Ginseng (Panex) adaptogen rich in antioxidants. The perfect herb!
Maca helps balance estrogen and cortisol.
Holy Basil helps balance cortisol levels!
Gotu Kola adaptogen helps alleviate adrenal function.
Licorice Root contain an active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, known to support healthy cortisol levels.
Adrenal PM
Barberry contains berberine, which has antimicrobial, antifungal, and soothing or relaxing properties. It improves insulin sensitivity. It contains Vitamin B, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, chromium, cobalt, and zinc.
Cinnamon is an interesting evergreen tree. It is a blood sugar stabilizer that is important for hyperglycemia. It is an excellent herb for diabetes. It helps lower levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It is beneficial for improving blood flow throughout the body. It also lowers inflammation, especially in the gut. Its pain-relieving effects are good for sleep.
Lemon Balm is known for its calming and relaxing effects. So it naturally improves sleep quality. It is one of the best herbs for anxiety. It helps colicky babies and is excellent for gut flora and regulation. It also stabilizes blood sugar. It is commonly used for its antiviral and antibacterial properties in treating cold sores.
Valerian Root is long known for its sleep-inducing properties. It was traditionally used as a sedative for people with “nervous unrest.” It is very helpful in getting over insomnia and restoring deep sleep cycles. It dampens the central nervous system and “winds down” the brain.
Blue Vervain has many benefits. It reduces anxiety, shortens the time required to fall asleep, and increases the total time of NREM sleep. It has been found to decrease seizures. It aids in digestive support and colic. It also relieves inflammation and PMS symptoms.
Skullcap stimulates the release of endorphins and is a mood balancer. It regulates and increases the pancreas’s production of insulin. It balances triglycerides, which helps with rapid weight loss. Because of baicalein’s effect on antimicrobials, skullcap is commonly used for Lyme disease. It is also helpful with gum disease, migraines, and seizures.
Shatavari
Lavender has a calming effect on the body. It is widely known for its internal use for restlessness and trouble sleeping. It is believed to be an herb beneficial for feelings of love. It reduces inflammation and speeds up wound healing.
Anise Seed has been used for diabetes to help regulate blood sugar, bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. It also aids in indigestion, irritable bowel, heartburn, migraines, allergies, PMS, and hot flashes.
Nettle contains all essential amino acids, many of which are necessary for a good night’s sleep. It also aids in blood sugar levels. It contains compounds that mimic the effects of insulin. It is a natural diuretic that helps the body remove any excess water or salt excess.