Our lifestyles may have changed beyond recognition in the last 200 years, but our adrenal glands have not. With increased demand placed upon them through stressful routines and poor quality sleep, the nutritional requirements of the adrenal glands have never been as high. Overworking undernourished adrenal glands may be a recipe for a whole host of stress disorders, illnesses or adrenal fatigue. However, some supplements may help to provide the additional support these glands require during times of increased stress.
Siberian Ginseng
Once dubbed "the drug that builds Russians," Siberian ginseng comes with a long history of use in both Russia and China. Siberian Ginseng, or Eleuthero Senticoccus, to use its scientific name, has been demonstrated to increased resistance to stress, enhance recovery from illness and sustain athletic performance, properties that brought "New Scientist" magazine to investigate the compound as far back as 1980. The herb can be considered an adaptogen, which means that it normalizes biological functions; at the adrenals, ginseng helps regulate the balance of cortisol, which is the hormone produced in response to stress.
Vitamin C
Cortisol may be the most important hormone released by the adrenal glands. However, the production of cortisol can occur only when the body contains sufficient levels of vitamin C, making this water-soluble vitamin one of the most vital for healthy adrenal function. Other functions of vitamin C include its anti-oxidant ability and its immune-enhancing properties; both of these aspects can reduce the load on overburdened adrenal glands. Dr. Rodger Murphree, a board-certified chiropractic physician who has written five books on dealing with difficult medical problems, recommends a minimum of 1,800 milligrams of vitamin C per day for those with adrenal problems.
Licorice Root
Licorice root stands out as an herb with a long history of traditional human medical use, especially in regards to the health of the adrenal glands. Although licorice root is demonstrating early promise in clinical trials for boosting immune function and even cancer prevention, patients with low adrenal function--and therefore usually low levels of cortisol--benefit from the action of the glycyrrhizic acid found in licorice root, a substance that inhibits the breakdown of cortisol. For the same reason, individuals should not take licorice root unless they have confirmed low cortisol levels through testing.
