Can Gluten Cause Adrenal Burnout?

Adrenal Burnout Can Mimic Gluten -Like Symptoms

Dr. Osborne here, I want to introduce you to world leading adrenal expert, Dr. Alan Christianson. Why? Adrenal dysfunction and gluten sensitivity go hand in hand. As a matter of fact a number of research study conclusions on the topic conclude that those with adrenal disease be tested for celiac and vice versa. In essence gluten can be a cause of adrenal dysfunction, and adrenal dysfunction from non gluten causes can make gluten problems worse. In my clinical experience the most common problem with those suffering from adrenal burnout is the inability to cope with the small day to day stresses. Dr. A was kind enough to write a guest post below. He was also kind enough to give away a free digital copy of his new cookbook . Enjoy… Guest Author – Dr. Alan Christianson Have you been struggling with your weight? Are you already eating well but having a hard time with some pounds? Before blaming yourself, consider the fact that your adrenal glands may be the holding you back. The biggest clue that your adrenal glands may not be working well is having other symptoms that predictably change throughout the day. Some get an afternoon energy slump. Some get the racing brain in the middle of the night. Other symptoms can also be caused by your adrenals such as:

• insomnia
• craving for sweets or salty foods
• gas and bloating
• muscle cramps
• anxiety
• irregular menstrual cycles
• hair loss
• dizziness when standing suddenly

If these symptoms are significant, visit www.adrenalquiz.com. If your score is even above 5, check with Dr. Osborne for testing options to see if you have a serious adrenal condition or if you need more targeted help. What are things you can do on your own? When your adrenals are not working well, the best approach is to follow Dr. Osborne’s advice and treat the cause. The more stressors you can take off of your adrenals, the better they can manage your weight and energy. Among many other jobs, the adrenal glands have to manage your immune function. Think of it as the gate keeper by which your body interphases with the world around you. Your intestinal tract is the area where the vast majority of this is happening. Have you ever had a close call while driving? Remember how your whole body felt tense and panicked? Pretty miserable, wasn’t it? Imagine how worn out your adrenal glands would be if you lived your life in this state of crisis. As bad as that sounds, that is exactly what long term digestive problems can do to your adrenals.

Adrenal Gut Connection

The connection between the adrenal and the digestive tract works both ways. Poor digestion can create adrenal stress and adrenal stress can create poor digestion.² This can easily create a vicious cycle that creates poorer and poorer digestion and less and less stress resilience. When you are under stress your digestion gets poorer because of many factors including:

• You make fewer digestive enzymes
• Your intestinal lining gets thinner
• Your protective bacteria become compromised
• Your intestinal immunity is weakened

Gluten Free Diet Helps Adrenal Recovery

How can you improve your digestion to help your adrenals? If you have not done so yet, go gluten free. Studies have shown that reactions to wheat can correlate with the most severe adrenal diseases.² If you are already gluten free, check out Dr. Osborne’s Gluten Free Warrior Podcast to learn about possible hidden sources of gluten. Also be aware that food besides gluten can still trigger inflammation. Even healthy foods like almonds, bell peppers, eggs, or green beans can be culprits for some people. Reintroduction diets can help and food intolerance testing is also a great option. Thankfully as important as your adrenals are to your health, they can improve. With a good physician, you should expect no more than a few weeks to start feeling better and no more than a few months to be back to thriving! I have put together a free cookbook for you in celebration of my new book, The Adrenal Reset Diet. Click here to grab your free copy <<== Alan Christianson, NMD – Author of The Adrenal Reset Diet References:

1. Reber SO. Stress and animal models of inflammatory bowel disease–an update on the role of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2012 Jan;37(1):1-19. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.05.014. Epub 2011 Jul 7.
2. Elfström P1, Montgomery SM, Kämpe O, Ekbom A, Ludvigsson JF. Risk of primary adrenal insufficiency in patients with celiac disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Sep;92(9):3595-8. Epub 2007 Jun 26.