Low Cortisol Levels and Anthocyanins Especially dark colored potatoes contain anthocyanins, which can help control the effects of lowered cortisol levels and alleviate some AFS symptoms. Anthocyanins are found in certain fruits and vegetables, including potatoes, and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
This is because, as a nutrient-dense carbohydrate, potatoes trigger insulin to allow tryptophan into the brain. This process ultimately creates 5HTP and boosts serotonin… naturally! So consider eating a potato when you're feeling anxiety start to creep in, along with these other Best Foods for Stress Relief.
Potatoes and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome
Consuming red and purple potatoes can have a positive effect on those who are suffering from AFS because they contain many nutrients, especially anthocyanins, that have an opposing effect to the symptoms produced by the dysregulation of the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response.
“Eating foods such as processed meats, high sugar foods, caffeine and alcohol, which provide little nutritional value, have been associated with more psychiatric symptoms and can increase cortisol levels—our primary hormone responsible for stress,” she said.
Practicing good sleep hygiene can help to keep cortisol in a normal rhythm. Keeping a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine 6 hours before bed, and staying off your cell phone right before bed are effective strategies.
Mindfulness practices like meditation, massage, and deep breathing have been proven to reduce cortisol levels. These are not just “extras” on the path to wellness—relaxation practices are absolutely necessary for reducing cortisol in those who experience chronic stress. Make them a priority.
Sweet potatoes are a great carb, rich in nutrients, and it doesn't hurt that they're also super delicious. But did you know that they can help lower stress hormones in your body? Sweet potatoes help lower cortisol, the hormone produced by the adrenal glands that makes you feel stressed.
The adrenal fatigue theory suggests that prolonged exposure to stress could drain the adrenals leading to a low cortisol state. The adrenal depletion would cause brain fog, low energy, depressive mood, salt and sweet cravings, lightheadedness, and other vague symptoms.
“*Also, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, found in a potato, have been found naturally to decrease blood pressure. Furthermore, the fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6 content help promote heart health.”
Foods high in simple carbohydrates, such as pastas, potatoes, breads, pastries, pretzels and popcorn, increase insulin levels and allow more tryptophan (the natural amino acid building block for serotonin) to enter the brain, where it is converted to serotonin.
“Potatoes have a high-satiety factor and are extremely versatile — making them the perfect addition to a vegetable-based diet plan that can not only improve overall health but can help relieve depression,” Kathleen Triou, Fresh Solutions president and CEO, said in the release.
Besides improving brain function, ginkgo has also been found to reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels, reducing stress.
"Magnesium-rich foods such as avocados, broccoli, pumpkin seeds and spinach help lower cortisol levels affecting the way in which our brains process stress levels," said Koszyk. "Since magnesium also helps with sleep, people can feel calmer after eating foods high in magnesium.
An avocado is an excellent source of unsaturated fats, which are an important building block for the body's natural production of hormones. These hormones, like cortisol, are important in regulating stress as part of the NEM stress response, and play an important role in relieving adrenal fatigue.
Magnesium is also a natural muscle relaxant and can help the body calm down, making it useful in early adrenal fatigue stages. Rich source of potassium. Peanut butter is rich in potassium, which serves as an electrolyte to keep fluid balanced in the body.
One major benefit of the various health-boosting properties of apples is relieving adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue sufferers need a diet rich in nutrients with as little synthetic or processed material as possible, making the humble apple an excellent food to include.
Healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods provide the best nutrition for your adrenal cleanse. So, increase eating lots of vegetables, legumes, coconut oil, fatty fish, avocados, along with nuts and seeds. Herbs such as Ashwagandha and borage can help to restore your adrenals.
Eating eggs daily when you're suffering from adrenal fatigue is a good way to provide your body with high quality protein as well as healthy, high quality fat. Starting your day with two eggs could help speed recovery from adrenal fatigue. Try eating those eggs raw, soft boiled, or over-easy as much as possible.
Remember magnesium will help lower cortisol, if you do not have adequate levels of magnesium your body cannot relax and remove excess cortisol. Start by taking some at diner and before bed.
According to Dr Lee, it can take three to four hours for your cortisol levels to return to normal after a stress response (like an argument or high-stakes meeting), but Kirkpatrick notes if your levels have been high for some time, it can take up to six months to balance them out.
After jolting you into wakefulness in the early morning, your body's release of cortisol surges for 30-45 minutes before gradually quieting down as the day wears on. Cortisol concentration then reaches its low point around midnight.