Cacao benefits have many antioxidants and are high in magnesium as well. These are great in keeping you calm and ridding your body of free radicals, which are both beneficial for reducing the load on your adrenals.
Chocolate – Chocolate contains caffeine and a caffeine-like substance called theobromine that overstimulate your adrenals leading to further adrenal fatigue.
Chocolate
Chocolate is not only delicious but also has stress-reducing effects. A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that eating dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher (contains more polyphenols and flavonoids) can lower levels of cortisol.
“Antioxidants present in dark chocolate can reduce stress by lowering levels of cortisol, as well as fight-or-flight hormones known as catecholamines.”
Magnesium, Magnesium, Magnesium
Magnesium, and magnesium-rich foods, such as fatty fish, avocado, legumes, and leafy greens, support the health of the adrenal glands, balancing hormone production levels, and lessening the effects of adrenal fatigue.
Compounds in Dark Chocolate Can Make You Feel Calmer And More Content, Study Finds. A new study has found that eating small amounts of dark chocolate, which is high in an antioxidant called polyphenol, can increase feelings of calmness and contentedness.
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.
Chocolate may interact with some neurotransmitter systems such as dopamine (chocolate contains the dopamine precursor tyrosine), serotonin and endorphins (contained in cocoa and chocolate) that contribute to appetite, reward and mood regulation.
With a small dose of caffeine, chocolate can improve concentration without pumping up your adrenaline. 4. Chocolate relieves stress. Chocolate contains magnesium, which has been linked to aiding relaxation.
Why does Chocolate Trigger Endorphins? Cocoa (the primary ingredient used to make chocolates), according to various studies, triggers the brain to release endorphins, the “feel good” hormones. However, dark chocolate triggers maximum endorphin release. This is unlike milk chocolate, its creamier counterpart.
Adrenal Fatigue results in low cortisol levels and thus difficulty in maintaining normal blood sugar. One of the easiest ways to increase your blood sugar is, that's right, eating sugar. Eating sugary foods, however, is not a recommended method of increasing your blood sugar levels if you have Adrenal Fatigue.
Packed with nutrition, cheese can help curb salty and fatty food cravings, reduce stubborn fat, help nourish adrenals, and restore energy levels in adrenal fatigue.
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.
But if recommended, the most important mineral we use in our clinical practice is magnesium, which helps to regulate cortisol levels. Vitamin B12, folic acid, and Vitamin C can also help support the metabolism of cortisol.
Research suggests these herbs and natural supplements might lower stress, anxiety and/or cortisol levels: Ashwagandha. Rhodiola. Lemon balm.
Honey and propolis honey group decrease cortisol levels but none of the groups have significant changes. This is reciprocal with the changes in the hormone cortisol, the decrease in glucocorticoid hormone levels in the group given honey is the highest following propolis honey and the control group.
It is a precursor to serotonin, which inspires feeling of happiness. Also present is phenylethlyamine, a type of amphetamine, that "gives you a feeling of contentment … and mimics the effect of being in love," according to Ramadan. Theobromine is a stimulant responsible for the "buzz" you get after eating chocolate.
Incorporating some dark chocolate into your diet may also help ease anxiety. Dark chocolate contains flavonols, such as epicatechin and catechin, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants.
Dark Chocolate
The flavonoids in the cocoa help protect your cells. They're a type of antioxidant that may also help lower your blood pressure, boost the blood flow to your brain and heart, and make you less anxious. The dark stuff -- at least 70% cocoa -- is best, but don't overdo it.
The suggested treatments for healthy adrenal function are a diet low in sugar, caffeine, and junk food, and “targeted nutritional supplementation” that includes vitamins and minerals: Vitamins B5, B6, and B12. Vitamin C. Magnesium.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid):
Certain B vitamins, including Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) provide targeted support to the adrenals. As studies show, B5 supports balanced cortisol production and helps reduce levels of excess cortisol triggered during stress events.