Stressed out? You may need to take supplements to help your adrenal glands cope
By Dr. Brian Davies, ND
Are you ever physically tired yet still emotionally wired? It’s no wonder, with today’s busy lifestyle, that more people have some degree of physical and/or emotional burnout, resulting in stress on the adrenal glands.
The adrenal glands are an essential part of our hormone system, and produce very important “feel good” hormones when our bodies are in balance. However, when long-term emotional and/or physical stress takes over, we can get hormonally out of whack. And although it’s important to evaluate the level of adrenal imbalance, it’s essential to address the causes of stress on the body.
Assess the cause
Assessment starts with a thorough history, along with objective laboratory testing. Think back to when you felt really good, and start documenting the life events that may have caused you stress from that point on.
Having your doctor test for the hormone DHEA-S, along with a complete blood count, are key initial assessments that will evaluate the degree of exhaustion and causes of stress on the body.
DHEA is an adrenal hormone that plays a vital role in physical and emotional well-being. If you are found to have low DHEA-S levels, then you are likely feeling exhausted.
A complete blood count can reveal a lot of information about the body, including information about emotional stress, infections (such as chronic viruses, parasites and bacteria), environmental or food allergies, vitamin B12 and folic acid, iron and zinc levels.
Common symptoms and causes
The key to treating adrenal dysfunction is removing the underlying causes of stress, along with balancing the blood sugar hormones, cortisol and insulin. Eating plenty of healthy fats, proteins and vegetables is a must, as is limiting refined starches and sugar.
Sleep is a key lifestyle factor to supporting recovery from any degree of chronic stress. Thus, solving sleep problems helps greatly with recovery.
Moderate exercise
Finally, people are often surprised by the suggestion of limiting physical exercise for several months to yoga, Pilates, walking or hiking. Meditation can also have profound effects on reducing stress and inflammation in the body. In all exercise and meditation practices, deep abdominal breathing is essential.
Nutritional support for the adrenal glands
Rhodiola
200 to 300 mg per day away from food Regulates blood sugar and supports mood. Safe to be used short-term. Not to be used by children or during pregnancy.
Vitamin C
1,000 to 3,000 mg per day with food
Essential nutrient for adrenal recovery. Safe to be used long-term. High doses may cause loose bowels.
B vitamins (especially Vitamin B5) Varies based on the vitamin. Take with food.
Essential vitamins for adrenal recovery. Safe to be used long-term. High doses of B vitamins may cause nausea.
Licorice
500 mg per day away from food Helps support cortisol and aldosterone. Caution is required, as licorice can interact with many medications and may raise blood pressure in some people. Not to be used by children or during pregnancy.
Panex Ginseng
200 mg per day away from food Improves energy and vitality. Safe for short-term use. Not to be used by children or during pregnancy.
DHEA
5 to 20 mg per day
Essential adrenal hormone. Minimal doses of bioidentical DHEA are recommended. Not recommended with risks of certain cancers. May cause acne and oily skin.
Estrogen
1.25 to 2.5 mg per day as a bio-estrogen cream or drops
Essential adrenal hormone in men and post-menopausal women. Minimal doses of bioidentical estradiol (and estriol) are recommended to support symptoms. Not recommended with risks of heart and stroke disease, or certain cancers.
Progesterone
30 to 100 mg per day (cream, capsule or drops)
Essential adrenal hormone in men and post-menopausal women. Minimal doses of bioidentical progesterone are recommended to support symptoms. Not recommended with risks of heart and stroke disease, or certain cancers.
Pregnanolone
20 mgs per day as a cream or capsule Essential hormone precursor to support adrenal recovery. Minimal doses of bioidentical pregnanolone are recommended. Very little safety information is available.
See a practitioner
Nutritional support and treatment for adrenal concerns varies greatly, depending on the underlying cause. Work with a knowledgeable medical practitioner who will perform a proper evaluation and treatment of the underlying causes of stress on your body.
