Adrenal Fatigue and Exhaustion
The adrenal glands – triangle-shaped glands that sit on top of the kidneys – are chiefly responsible for regulating the body’s short-term stress response through the production of hormones such as cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Many believe that under long-term stress, the adrenal glands become overworked, begin to function improperly, and eventually become unable to respond to stress. This condition – referred to as adrenal fatigue, adrenal exhaustion, and hypoadrenia – can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including weakness, fatigue, depression, muscle and bone loss, suppression of the immune system, hormonal imbalance, autoimmune disorders, and many other problems.
It is believed that adrenal fatigue is largely a disorder of the modern world. The adrenal glands evolved to handle only short-term stress, but today’s world creates constant stress through job problems; lack of sleep; poor diet, including dieting, skipped meals, and high caffeine intake; chemical toxins; and widespread use of prescription drugs without supplementation of the nutrients that become depleted. This continuous stress taxes the adrenal glands until they become first fatigued, and then exhausted. The end result is often an inability to produce DHEA, a precursor hormone to estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Prayer, meditation, yoga, qigong, relaxation therapies, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a sound diet are all vital to repair of the adrenal glands and normal adrenal function. There are also a number of supplements that can help relieve the symptoms of adrenal fatigues, as well as restore healthy function of the glands.
Supplements for adrenal support
• Ashwagandha root
• Carnitine
• Cordyceps
• DHEA
• Ginseng – Always take with food. Do not take if you are taking a blood thinner. Use with caution if you have high blood pressure.
• Glycyrrhiza
• Rehmannia root
• Vitamin B6 – Do not take more than 500 mg a day. If you are taking L-dopa for Parkinson’s disease, do not take B6 without first consulting your doctor.
• Vitamin C – Do not take high dosages if you are prone to kidney stones or gout.
Supplements for stress accompanied by anxiety and jitteriness
• Ashwagandha root
• Bacopa
• B-complex vitamins
• Chromium – Combining with the protein picolinate allows your body to absorb chromium more efficiently. However, some chromium picolinate supplements contain more chromium than necessary. Ask your doctor for a recommendation on chromium consumption.
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) – GABA may make you drowsy, so begin by taking before bed.
• Holy basil
• Inositol – May stimulate uterine contractions. Women who wish to become pregnant should consult their doctor regarding its use.
• Magnesium
• Rehmannia root
• Taurine – Take between meals. Discontinue use if you suddenly have feelings of chest or throat tightness or if you break out in hives. Do not take with aspirin.
Supplements for stress accompanied by fatigue
• Ashwagandha root
• Bacopa
• B-complex vitamins
• Cordyceps
• Ginseng – Always take with food. Do not take if you are taking a blood thinner. Use with caution if you have high blood pressure.
• Holy basil
• Rhodiola
