During stress, your adrenal glands release anti-stress hormones including cortisol and adrenaline. Balancing these hormone levels is crucial for healthy body functioning. Intermittent fasting, however, can raise cortisol levels causing an imbalance which can worsen adrenal fatigue.
Fasting Does Not Alter the Adrenal Catecholamine Secretory Capacity.
Ongoing long gaps without eating may cause blood sugar levels to plummet and exacerbate adrenal fatigue and thyroid problems. When the body is deprived of food, it relies on the adrenal glands to provide adrenaline and increased cortisol to function.
Five-day fasting increases cortisol levels and shifts the peak from the morning to the afternoon [79]. Other fasting experiments for 2.5 to 6 days dramatically elevates plasma cortisol levels [80–82].
Intermittent Fasting can also help balance hormones, confirms James Roche, “There is substantial research that suggests that intermittent fasting may help to improve hormonal balance. This can enhance metabolism and sleep, leave us feeling more energized and also help us to more effectively burn more calories.”
As blood glucose levels fall during fasting, the pancreas secretes increased amounts of glucagon.
Adrenal fatigue is thought to occur when the adrenals have been overworked to a degree that they can no longer secrete levels of cortisol that are adequate for optimal function. Potential stressors include environmental and dietary influences, as well as anxiety and emotional stresses.
Recovery from adrenal fatigue can take anywhere from 3 months to 3 years. Each individual has a unique set of symptoms and an individual response to treatment. The recovery process depends upon the stage and severity of the adrenal exhaustion.
Adding lemon to your water is a great way to alkaline your body. Many people with adrenal fatigue have highly acidic bodies. To help neutralize this, try drinking a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon in it daily. The right balance of minerals is essential for healthy adrenal glands.
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.
Damage to the adrenal glands in Addison's disease is usually caused by autoimmune disease—when your immune system attacks your body's own cells and organs. In developed countries, autoimmune disease causes 8 or 9 of every 10 cases of Addison's disease. Certain infections can also cause Addison's disease.
Intermittent fasting for women over 40 can work well because it decreases fat without muscle loss, which is a particularly beneficial feature for women in this age group. In addition, this way of eating has several health benefits and can reduce the risk of some common chronic diseases.
Estrogen. Weight loss methods, including intermittent fasting, can decrease estrogen in women who are overweight or obese. These women tend to have higher estrogen levels than women who are not overweight. Higher estrogen levels can be related to increased adipose or fat tissue.
Avoid intermittent fasting if you have higher caloric needs.
Individuals who are underweight, struggling with weight gain, under 18 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding should not attempt an intermittent fasting diet, as they need sufficient calories on a daily basis for proper development.
Symptoms said to be due to adrenal fatigue include tiredness, trouble falling asleep at night or waking up in the morning, salt and sugar craving, and needing stimulants like caffeine to get through the day. These symptoms are common and non-specific, meaning they can be found in many diseases.
Sleep is the most important factor when it comes to your adrenal health. Ensuring you are getting between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night allows your adrenal glands time to rest and rejuvenate. It is also important to get to sleep well before midnight, preferably by 10pm or 11pm.
The short answer is, yes, you should incorporate some level of physical activity even if you have adrenal fatigue. However, that will look different for each person. Exercise, especially high-intensity exercise, is stressful on the body and it causes your body to release cortisol.
A pinch of Himalayan or sea salt in some water can really boost your adrenals for an instant energy lift. It's great for morning fatigue. It will not affect blood pressure because the balance of minerals found in natural sea salt will help regulate fluid balance. Start with ¼ teaspoon or until it tastes too salty.
Typically, the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis recovers after cessation of glucocorticoids, but the timing of recovery can be variable and can take anywhere from 6–12 months.
Without salt, the human body cannot produce energy, maintain blood pressure, or even regenerate. Salt is especially critical in treating adrenal fatigue.