Supplements To Help Adrenal Fatigue

Evaluating For Adrenal Health

In order to determine the health of your adrenal glands a simple blood, urine, or saliva test such as the Adrenal Stress Index can be performed through your specialist. Cortisol levels can be inspected by blood in the morning or throughout the day by a saliva test. DHEA, and Epinephrine, are some other signs of adrenal function. The info provided by testing can help to identify the most suitable type of treatment.

Two Calming And Energy Boosting Minerals

Adrenal fatigue sufferers desperately want and need to calm down but sometimes it just seems impossible. Which makes it so frustrating. The anxiety and moodiness can be a result of calcium deficiency.

Poor eating habits, pregnancy, heavy metal toxicity, and low stomach acid are some of the reasons behind calcium deficiency.

Calcium is the one supplement I dont take. But I drink plenty of raw milk and homemade kefir.

In addition to getting enough calcium, I needed magnesium. Magnesium is an important mineral for energy production so no wonder it was essential for my adrenal fatigue recovery.

Magnesium deficiency can cause many symptoms including insomnia, anxiety, abnormal heart rhythms and muscle spasms.

I have noticed that when I dont take magnesium, I get a twitching eye lid. It goes away when I get back on the magnesium. I take magnesium supplement once or twice a day.

How Chronic Stress Contributes To Adrenal Fatigue

It is estimated that 75-90 percent of visits to primary care physicians is related to either acute or chronic symptoms of stress. Stress is the natural response of the body when it feels that it is in danger.

Imagine that you are about to be attacked by a bear. The body shuts down processes like digestion and pumps out stress hormones to make you more alert to run for your life. Once the danger has passed, the stress hormones decrease and everyday processes like digestion resume.

This scenario is called the fight or flight response and it is critical for dangerous situations. However, in todays fast-paced society with long commutes, deadlines, financial obligations, sedentary lifestyles, the fight or flight response is happening all day, every day.

Unfortunately, this chronic low-grade stress is a recipe for developing adrenal fatigue, which is the underlying culprit to many chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and immune insufficiency.

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Top 7 Adrenal Support Supplements

When indicated, adaptogens, a type of herbal dietary supplement, can be used to improve resistance to stress and balance cortisol levels. Adaptogens, such as Withania somnifera, Rhodiola rosea, and Panax ginseng, have been shown to play a role in the regulation of the HPA axis as well as improve mental work capacity and tolerance to mental fatigue during periods of stress. Additionally, certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, and magnesium, may play a role in adrenal health.

A: Avocado + Other Healthy Fats

Avocado and other healthy fats, such as omega 3s, found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, olives, eggs, butter, and fish help feed your adrenal glands. Fatty acids are the back bone of hormones. Your adrenal glands need fats to be able to produce all of the necessary hormones they are responsible for.

• Tip: Add a healthy fat to your meals and snacks for an easy way to increase your healthy fat intake- throw some avocado on top of your eggs in the morning, add a bit of extra oil when roasting veggies for dinner, add a hardboiled egg to your salad at lunch. Snack on olives, and add fish into your weekly dinner rotation.

• A fish oil or other omega 3 supplement can help fill in gaps in your diet.

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Natural Supplements And Herbs For Adrenal Support

Chronic stress and fatigue are important signs your adrenals are overworked and in need of repair. If you’ve ever attempted to fix your symptoms with caffeine and sugar or even sleeping pills, you already know theres a big problem with that approach any momentary relief you get is followed by feeling even worse. Theres got to be a better way, and there is!

According to a growing body of research, key vitamins, minerals and herbs and other plant-based compounds offer powerful help to restore underlying adrenal function and protect the body from stress.

Some of these natural substances nourish adrenal glands and provide raw materials for healthy cortisol production. Others go a step further, interacting with the central nervous system and immune system to balance the bodys fight-or-flight response and make it easier to return to equilibrium and calm after a stress challenge.

Lets take a closer look at these compounds and how natural adrenal supplements can help.

Amino Acid For Adrenal Stress

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid used by the brain as a precursor to neurotransmitters called catecholamines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which support energy and focus. These catecholamines can become depleted with adrenal stress and supplementing with tyrosine can offer support. Tyrosine can also support levels of the thyroid hormone T4 which may become an issue for some as adrenal stress will also affect thyroid function.

Dosage 500-1000 mg daily in divided dosages separate from food.

Try: N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is part of the Wellena Adrenal TLC

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The 6 Best Supplements For Adrenal Support

Adrenal fatigue occurs after periods of prolonged stress. At first, the adrenal glands may produce too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Then, as they become burned out, they produce too little of this hormone. This leads to tiredness, weakness, brain fog, irritability, frustration, difficulty handling stress, and having a hard time prying yourself out of bed in the morning.

These problems can often be supported by promoting healthy adrenal function. When implementing an adrenal support program, its important to take the best adrenal fatigue supplements. Here are six science-backed options that will help maintain healthy energy levels.

Is Hydrocortisone Right For Me

This is a great question to ask Dr. Lam directly. You can book a free call with Dr. Lam, and he will be happy to answer your questions and give his recommendations based on what is causing your issues and whether you should consider hydrocortisone supplementation as part of your recovery.

Also, if you havent taken our FREE 3-minute Adrenal Fatigue Self-Assessment Test, taking it will help you determine whether or not this condition may be impacting your life in any way. We also have a wealth of information on our website about adrenal fatigue, including what causes it and how to recover from it.

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How Is Adrenal Fatigue Diagnosed

Physicians diagnose adrenal fatigue based on the patients symptoms. A physician may offer a blood or saliva test, but scientific studies do not support these tests to diagnose adrenal fatigue. Therefore, the results and analysis from these tests are not reliable and cant be considered accurate.

However, because the adrenal glands produce cortisol, it is common for a corticotropin stimulation test to be ordered. Since the adrenal glands respond to stimulation by releasing cortisol, the stimulation test can either prove or disprove that the glands are burned out.

Aside from the corticotropin test, physicians may order other diagnostic testing to exclude the possibility of any other medical conditions, such as anemia, obstructive sleep apnea, irritable bowel syndrome, other thyroid issues, growth hormone deficiency, menopausal problems, low aldosterone or renin, or any other systemic illness. A patients physicians may work together to also exclude conditions such as depression or anxiety, poor diet, overtraining, or stress at home or work.

Adrenal fatigue can also be related to several other adrenal-related issues. Other adrenal-related problems can include thyroid issues, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome , leaky gut or intestinal permeability, anxiety, cravings, weight gain, low blood pressure, or blood sugar imbalances. There are also several other adrenal gland disorders.

Secondary Adrenal Fatigue Supplements Toolbox: Glandulars And Herbs

Glandulars and herbs should be used as adrenal fatigue supplements in very specific situations or if the more gentle supplements did not fully bring about the required effect. Glandulars are made with the organs and tissues of animals, while herbs come from plants.

Glandulars should be used during the milder stages of AFS, and they serve as adaptogens that can help your body adapt and to boost your energy reserves. If used in more advanced stages, they tend to have a stimulatory effect, which adds to the pressure on your adrenals and makes the condition worse.

Due to the nature of herbal and glandular supplementation, we dont recommend their use without the guidance of an experienced medical professional, since they are medicinally potent and lack research and standardization, which can lead to their misuse.

However, with the correct use, herbs and glandulars can be a helpful part of your adrenal fatigue supplements regiment. Following are some of the glandulars we find most useful for our nutritional coaching clients.

Desiccated Thyroid Glandular

This supplement is derived from the thyroid glands of pigs, sheep, or cows, and is usually given for those suffering from hypothyroidism. Some of the more popular brands include Armour® thyroid and Thyrolar® . They are both FDA approved.

Adrenal Glandular

An adrenal glandular can be quite useful in early recovery for those with milder AFS. It can help boost your energy and calm your feelings of anxiety.

Other Glandulars

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Soothe Thyroid Support & Adrenal Support Supplement Cortisol Manager Supports Energy

• 2-in-1 Adrenal & Thyroid Support: Because the adrenal glands and thyroid work closely together, we were shocked to find that no supplements support both.
• Balance Your Mind & Body: Does your body feel like its overstressed and running in overdrive? Our busy lifestyles invite unwanted stress into our lives and throw our bodies off their ideal hormonal balance.
• Herbal Ingredient Formula Made by Experts: Our adrenal and thyroid support formula is handpicked by experts to help regulate and balance our bodies.
• Safety & Quality Are Our Top Priority Soothe is entirely non-GMO, gluten free, and soy free in a vegetarian capsule.
• Our Story: WellPath has been creating premium, high quality nutritional supplements since 2013.

S: Sleep Stress Management + Supplements

Sleep: If you are tired and fatigued, you need sleep! You need restful rejuvenating sleep. This means falling asleep without being dependent sleep aids in order to get solid sleep without waking up throughout the night to wake up actually feeling rested. Insomnia can definitely contribute to adrenal fatigue, but adrenal fatigue can contribute to insomnia so tackling both of these together is essential.

• Sleep hygiene is essential. Create a bedtime routine, maintain a regular sleep schedule, create a sleep friendly environment , avoid screen time before bed, exercise earlier in the day, and avoid stimulants late in the day. For more information on improving your sleep, click here.

Stress Management:

• Tips:

• Mindfulness. Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and reading, are all great ways to help decrease your bodys stress response and help you feel more relaxed and at ease. They can help get your mind off of the daily stressors, decrease cortisol levels, and improve your sleep.

• Have fun. Somehow in our busy over-scheduled lives we forget to take time for fun. We get so preoccupied with work and chores, and the other million things we have to do every day, we forget to have fun! Allow time for something fun to let your stress melt away. This doesnt have to happen every day but making sure it happens regularly is a great way to find balance between work and play.

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How Hydrocortisone Supplements Can Help In Treating Adrenal Fatigue

If you are struggling with adrenal fatigue, you may be looking for a way to increase your cortisol levels.Cortisol supplements are a common way to do this, and there are many different types available.

One of the most popular types of cortisol supplements is hydrocortisone. In this article, we will discuss what hydrocortisone is, how it works, and who should take it. We will also cover some of the potential side effects of hydrocortisone supplementation.

The 3 Best Supplements For Adrenal Fatigue

In my naturopathic practice, I treat fatigue on a very regular basis. No one likes to feel tired and out of commission, and often a month-long adrenal program can have immense benefits in getting people up and over the hump. Here are the 3 supplements that I think really work for fatigue. Dr. Wilson was the first person to identify this combination, but in 13 years of practice using a number of different protocols, I still think its the protocol that works the best for adrenal fatigue:

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What Should You Eat If You Have Adrenal Fatigue

I strongly recommend the paleo or keto diet to all of my patients. However, if you dont have the energy to change your diet, do this one thing:

Eat real food.

If your food comes in a bag or box, dont eat it. If your food doesnt rot, dont eat it. Follow this rule and youll be 80% of the way towards a diet that helps you beat adrenal fatigue.

Now, if youre eating real food and it doesnt seem to help your energy levels, check out my digital course Stop Feeding Fatigue. In this course, I help you identify exactly which foods give you energy and which foods take it away. By the end of the course, youll have identified your very own adrenal fatigue fighting nutrition plan.

Next, well discuss the most important vitamins and minerals needed to overcome adrenal fatigue!

Medication Misuse: Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome And Misuse Of Adrenal Supplements

A position statement by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists published in Endocrine Practice is aimed at raising awareness in the medical community about the risks of off-label use and misuse of hormones and dietary supplements.1

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend worldwide in dietary supplement use. These products are usually advertised as safe despite limited or no data to support their efficacy or safety, and they are often taken without the supervision of a healthcare provider.1

Major concerns regarding the unsupervised use of dietary supplements result from the lack of rigorous assessment before distribution as such, they may contain undeclared pharmaceuticals or unregulated hormones.1

Adrenal Fatigue: Origins and Evidence

In his 2001 book entitled Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, James L. Wilson, DC, ND, PhD, a naturopath and chiropractor, coined the term adrenal fatigue, which is claimed to be the result of overuse of the adrenal glands.2,3 According to this theory, adrenal fatigue develops secondary to chronic or extreme stress and is characterized by a constellation of common nonspecific symptoms, including physical and mental complaints.2,3

Off-Label Use of Adrenal Supplements

Recommendations for Healthcare Professionals

Disclosure: Several authors of the AACE position statement1

References

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Adrenal Fatigue Treatment: 5 Essential Vitamins And Minerals

Are you tired all the time? Experience brain fog frequently? Body aches especially in the upper back?

Those are some of the symptoms stress can cause in addition to numerous others such as multiple allergies, unexplained headaches, shakiness under pressure, and muscle weakness.

With essential vitamins and minerals I was able to improve my adrenal health and have more energy again.

Note 2021: I wrote this post a long time ago.

If you want to learn more about fatigue and how to support your health and create a recovery plan, check out Jess at Study In Fitness. She has lots of current info and an amazing recovery story.

This post contains affiliate links.IM NOT A DOCTOR. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any treatments.

Fullscript Simplifies Supplement Dispensing

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Dangers Of Unregulated Vitamins And Supplements

The FDA does not review or approve dietary supplements based on their safety and effectiveness. This means that many supplements and herbal remedies sold in stores can contain ingredients that may interact with other medications youre taking, or the dosages may be out of FDA-regulated guidelines.

Its best to run any dietary supplements by your doctor first. Not all vitamins, supplements, and herbs are dangerous , but everyones personal health issues are unique. Talk to your doctor if you have other medically diagnosed conditions, or are currently taking prescription medication.

Herbal Adrenal Fatigue Supplements

A lot of people think that since herbs are natural and plant-based, they are safe and easy on the system. This is another common mistake that wed like you to avoid making. Herbs can cause strong reactions, both positive and negative. For all the following herbs, you should not take them if you are pregnant or have a serious health condition. Also, they should only be taken in the earlier stages of AFS, as in later stages they may be too stimulatory, which can increase fatigue, anxiety, and other symptoms.

Licorice Root

Licorice is an anti-stress herb that helps with endurance and vitality. It is one of the most commonly used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it can help block the conversion of cortisol into cortisone. It is also used to ward off feelings of low blood sugar, which is a common symptom in AFS. And it helps increase the production of another commonly deficient hormone in advanced AFS aldosterone.

Ashwagandha Root and Leaf

This ayurvedic adaptogen is also a cardiotropic and cardioprotective herb. It has direct effects on adrenal function and helps you get more strength and energy. Its also used as a mild aphrodisiac. Ashwagandha is one of the few secondary adrenal fatigue supplements that may be tolerated in advanced stages of AFS, but if that is the case, it needs to be taken under medical supervision.

Rhodiola Rosea

Ginkgo Biloba

Maca Root

Ginger Root

Ginseng Root

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