Adrenal fatigue is common in this fast-paced, high-stress modern society. The body is well-equipped to manage acute stress, however when the stress is prolonged, the adrenal glands--secreters of stress- managing hormones--lose their ability to respond appropriately. This may result in symptoms of fatigue, low mood, salt or sugar craving, reduced immunity and inability to lose weight. Many options exist to naturally treat adrenal insufficiency. Note that the aforementioned symptoms may have an underlying cause other than adrenal fatigue, so it's important to consult with a holistically minded health care professional for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Diet
According to Dr. James Wilson, a naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, researcher, and author of the book "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome," the body uses up the body's stored nutrients when in adrenal fatigue. To restore these nutrients, Dr. Wilson recommends eating quality whole foods. Each meal should contain a combination of fat, protein and complex carbohydrates, with an emphasis on vegetables, whole grains and complete proteins.
Nutritional Supplementation
A healthy diet is a key step in obtaining sufficient nutrients to fortify the adrenals as well as the rest of the body. For some individuals, further supplementation may be helpful. According to Dr. Russell Marz, naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, and author of the textbook "Medical Nutrition from Marz," adrenal function is supported by vitamin C, pantothenic acid and glandulars.
Botanical Medicine
Certain botanicals are reputed to help to heal the adrenals and assist the body in coping with life's challenges. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," suggests one or more of the following: Siberian ginseng, gotu kola, licorice, oat and ginkgo. Every botanical has unique and distinct properties, and a qualified herbalist or licensed naturopathic doctor can devise an herbal combination that's best suited for an individual's needs.
Stress Management
Chronic stress--physical, mental, emotional or a combination--is a main cause of adrenal fatigue. To treat adrenal fatigue, remove stressful stimuli as much as possible. Also, engage in stress management practices, such as light exercise, meditation, yoga, chi gong or other quiet mind-body activity.
Hydrotherapy
Constitutional hydrotherapy is a therapy using alternating hot and cold compresses that, according to Drs. Wade Boyle and André Saine, naturopathic physicians and authors of "Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy," restores overall nutrition while stimulating the body's natural ability to detoxify and heal. Regular hydrotherapy may assist in healing a large number of health ailments, including adrenal insufficiency. The treatments are comfortable and relaxing, and may be performed in the office of a naturopathic physician, or, with some instruction, they may be self-administered at home.
References
- Dr. James Wilson's AdrenalFatigue.org: About Adrenal Fatigue
- "Medical Nutrition from Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D., M.Ac.O.M; 1999
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Lectures in Naturopathic Hydrotherapy"; Wade Boyle, N.D. & André Saine, N.D.; 1988
