Adrenal gland & gluten problems

[KathyKath]

I'm hoping someone here can help me out on this! My dad's girlfriend, Robin, was just recently diagnosed with a gluten intolerance (not completely Celiac's Disease, I guess), as well as a problem with her adrenal glands being close to inactive. She's very very low energy and is converting to a very special diet. Although she is not raw, she's open to it and I'm doing my best to educate her on it and give her simple recipes, etc. so she can try them out. She's really healthy and still young (in her early 50s :-)) Anyway, I guess what I'm wondering is if anyone has had any similar issues? I know people here have gluten allergies and stuff, but what I'm more concerned about with Robin is her adrenal gland problem. She's constantly wiped out. Are there any specific foods she could add to her diet to give her more energy? I was thinking she needs to add more fats to her diet, like avocados and coconut, and of course more nuts & seeds. She eats a good amount of fruit and lots of veggies too. I don't know if eliminating gluten from her diet completely will have a direct correlation to her adrenal glands or not but I'm sure that will help. Sorry this post is so scatter-brained, but any input will be much appreciated! Thanks!!!

[Meredith]

Hi KathyKath!
I too have a gluten intolerance. I take a digestive enzyme every day. I take one at at least two meals a day. Take it after taking a few bites of the meal. I couldn't get by without it. I have all kinds of intestinal issues if I don't take them. A wonderful natural pharmacist here in Maryland recommended them to me several years ago and I'm so grateful for them. I have also taken adrenal support supplements off and on throughout the years. I always wonder how I would feel if I totally eliminated gluten from my diet, but I have such trouble with will power. Anyway, I would suggest Robin try the digestive enzymes to start with. My regular one is EnZymAid by Kirkman. I buy it at a Natural Apothecary. But I have also bought other brands that have worked very well at my local health food store. One is called GlutenEase. Just ask the supplements expert on staff, they should be able to help.
Good Luck!
Meredith

[Bunny Berry]

Like bitt said, poor Robin is probably so malnourished from the gluten intolerance that she's exhausted. Adrenal fatigue is also stress related. I think that once the gluten is cut out, she will start feeling a lot better. The cleaner the fuel, the more energy she will have. And a little R & R is definitely in order.

Poor Robin. I know exactly how she feels.

[esther frances]

i also have gluten intolerance. most of the gluten free products are so starchy! you have to be very careful...and choose those that are whole grains with fiber (like brown rice pasta with added bran, etc.). i have done much better transitioning to raw foods. one of the lessons i learned is that many hi-sugar fruits will zap my energy, so i've been careful in my choices...like staying with apples and berries for awhile...and eating only 1/2 of a banana. one of my goals is to incorporate more green smoothies into my diet...and to watch out for fat. i was so concerned about making sure i had enough calories and proteins, i over-did it on the nut butters and coconut butter. juicing really has helped me alot...it helped bring up my level of nutrition...a major dose of vitamins and minerals. best of luck to robin in her path to better health.

[Goddess Durga]

I would definitely recommend supplements for someone dealing with adrenal fatigue. Gaia Herbs makes a product called Adrenal Health. I'd also recommend astragalus (a qi tonic), omega 3-6-9, hemp, and a good probiotic. Yerba Mate tea is a gentle stimulant that will help with energy. I've heard it takes 6 months off gluten for body to stop attacking itself, but I felt better almost immediately (within a couple of weeks anyway). So just going gluten free is going to help a lot, and choosing vegetables over "gluten free" baked things.

[Bunny Berry]

Also, tell Robin that she may be anemic. Try supplementing with a good multi-vitamin to get more folate, B12, and iron into the system. This might help with the energy problem.

[Laurie]

One thing I thought was interesting in a recent Doug Graham ("The 80/10/10 Diet") interview he talked about how the adrenals are the back-up for the pancreas. So, if there are blood sugar problems and the pancreas is overworked, the adrenals kick in. If it's a chronic situation, then the adrenals get exhausted. And of course he talks about too much fat being implicated in blood sugar problems. The fat clogs up the bloodstream and the sugar has trouble being processed. For what it's worth...

[KathyKath]

Thanks for the replies everyone! This is all great info, very helpful. I will be sure to pass it all along to Robin.

[chasmyn]

Seaweed is good thyroid support, which is linked to adrenals. Tell her to switch to a raw diet - she WILL have more energy. I have depleted adrenals and being raw has made SO much difference for me. Seriously, it has been like a miracle.