Adrenal Nutrition: 7 Foods That Will Nourish Your Adrenal Glands

Over 55% of Americans report high stress levels during much of the day. Research shows that stress and anxiety can cause further imbalance in the body.

Adrenal recovery requires the help of gut-balancing foods. Food for adrenal glands come from every food group and are easier to find on the market than ever.

Below are 7 foods that nourish adrenal glands. Whether you’re on a strict diet for adrenal fatigue or just curious, we’ve got you covered!

1. Raw Eggs

Raw eggs for breakfast? They’re not just for the Gastons and strength trainers out there. Anybody can benefit from the adrenal nutrition eggs offer up.

Don’t let the term scare you: raw or lightly-cooked eggs are a safe, tasty food for adrenal support. They have proteins that are super easy for your body to break down and use as fuel.

Goat milk and goat cheese also have raw proteins that will help beat adrenal fatigue. The taste may be funky at first, but you can experiment with different flavor combinations until you find the best fit. Salads with berries and a light dressing are a great starting choice!

2. Raw Fish

If you don’t like raw eggs, consider raw fish. Unlike pork, which absolutely must be heated before consumption, certain types of fish can be eaten raw.

Raw proteins have greater nutrient value than heavily-cooked proteins, which are harder to digest. Meat, fish, fowl, eggs, and dairy (as well as plants) are all great sources of protein, but if you want intact amino acids, you want foods that are safe to eat raw.

The amino acids in raw fish are completely unaltered, giving your adrenal glands better fuel!

3. Naturally-Fermented Kefir

You might be thinking: how can spoiled food be good for me?

Naturally-fermented foods aren’t the same as spoiled foods. In fact, many fermented foods tend to be rich in good bacteria. The bacteria helps fight off more harmful bacteria trying to take hold in your gut.

Probiotic bacteria also improve serotonin levels, making you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Kefir is one of the best fermentable foods for adrenal glands out there. You can combine it with dried fruit, rolled oats, and chia seeds for a healthy, fibrous meal. You can also drink kefir in a smoothie or shake- just try to avoid too much sugar!

4. Brightly-Colored Vegetables

An adrenal diet isn’t complete without bright, fun vegetables!

You should aim to eat up to 8 servings of vegetables a day. Vegetables offer a mix of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants (think detox but in a healthy way). You also get a ton of fiber which helps regulate digestion.

Use different colors (red peppers, green broccoli, etc.) when you can. Try to have at least three different colors of veggies throughout the day. You can steam them, saute, stir-fry, grill, or eat your veggies raw.

Don’t fret about eating too many raw vegetables. If anything, cooking veggies in a variety of ways helps you get a better array of nutrients. After all, the way you cook veggies affects which nutrients you “unlock” when eating them.

5. Turkey

You might have heard that turkey is a great source of tryptophan, the relaxing, sleep-inducing amino acid. Tryptophan also makes way for serotonin. Together, the two help improve sleep AND reduce anxiety.

Turkey also has quality protein in every serving, helping to lessen blood-sugar spikes. Those treating Addison’s disease can benefit from more stable blood sugar throughout the day. On top of that, you’ll get the energy you need without crashing later!

Try a turkey roll-up with greens, shredded carrots, and avocado. Wrap in lettuce for a truly healthy snack. You can also saute turkey in a mushroom-garlic sauce with potatoes. The acids will break down slightly, so don’t overcook.

6. Plant-Based Foods That Nourish Adrenal Glands

If you’re looking for tryptophan and protein sans meat, there are a number of plant-based sources you can try out. While fibrous proteins take more energy to eat, they offer so much in return.

Edamame beans, tofu, and other beans all have a healthy dose of protein in them. Try steamed edamame for a quick, healthy appetizer.

Another plant-based protein is peanuts! If store-brand peanut butter isn’t your speed, you can stick peanuts in a blender to make it yourself! The peanuts will go from a crumbly texture to a creamy liquid in a matter of minutes.

Add sunflower seeds for a smoother texture. Sunflowers are rich in B vitamins and help the body process cortisol.

7. Tea

If you’re on an adrenal diet, you may be missing out on your daily caffeine fix. While coffee’s stimulatory effects are a no-go, tea is a great alternative that helps protect adrenal health.

Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which calms the mind and body. This amino acid helps balance the minimal amount of caffeine in each cup.

Matcha tea is a popular green tea that also boasts other health benefits, including bowel movement. Don’t worry- it won’t stop you in your tracks. The high amount of antioxidants simply helps your body process and remove toxins and other waste in your body.

Your Adrenal Health Matters

Chronic stress can make dieting overwhelming. Fortunately, there are endless combinations of foods that can make a diet for adrenal fatigue worthwhile.

Remember: foods that nourish adrenal glands nourish your whole body. You’ll feel more refreshed and relaxed in the long run when you prioritize adrenal nutrition!

For more on adrenal health and wellbeing, check out our blog. We post updates on the latest tips and trends regularly!