The adrenal glands produce hormones that are responsible for a number of the body’s essential functions, including regulation of metabolism, blood pressure, the immune system, stress response and much more. If they aren’t working properly, the resulting hormonal imbalance can lead to a number of health issues. Here we delve into what you need to know about adrenal fatigue supplements.
The term “adrenal fatigue”T has been used by health and wellness professionals to describe a condition caused by chronic stress, leading to symptoms such as tiredness, lack of energy and brain fog.
Most physicians don’t recognize adrenal fatigue as an actual medical condition. In fact, a review article of 58 studies found no scientific evidence linking adrenal impairment with fatigue and considered adrenal fatigue to be a myth.
Adrenal insufficiency (also known as Addison’s disease) is a medical condition diagnosed by your doctor through blood tests resulting from the adrenal glands not producing enough hormones.
“The condition is not treated with supplements,” cautions Michael E. Platt, M.D. of the California-based Platt Wellness Center. “Treatment instead consists of replacing hormones, such as cortisol, aldosterone and fludrocortisone acetate.”
Certain vitamins and minerals are required to support adrenal health, however.
“In order to support the structure and function of the adrenals, the adrenal glands require sodium, magnesium, vitamin C and the B complex,” says Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D., author of The Complete Natural Medicine Guide to Women’s Health and The Magnesium Miracle. Dean stresses that food-based sources of vitamins B and C are a better choice than synthetic versions of the vitamins.
“If you start taking large doses of magnesium without replacing sodium, you may feel even worse,” warns Dean. “I recommend a quarter teaspoon of sea salt in every pint of drinking water with a teaspoon of magnesium citrate powder, which is much more absorbable than other forms of magnesium.”
Lifestyle changes to support adrenal health recommended by Dean include a diet free of gluten, dairy and sugar, as well as plenty of rest.
Try:
Natural Vitality Natural Calm to restore healthy magnesium levels
Add this magnesium citrate powder to hot or cold water.
Garden of Life Vitamin Code RAW Vitamin C Vegan Capsules
Take 2 capsules daily.
New Chapter CoEnzyme B Food Complex Tablets
Take 1 tablet daily.