Sugar and salt cravings, a low resistance to stress, impaired thinking and extreme fatigue all are common symptoms for sufferers of adrenal fatigue. The condition disrupts the normal function of several of the body's key systems and increases your nutritional requirements for nutrients such as vitamin C and magnesium.
Adrenal Fatigue
Dr. James Wilson, the author of "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome," explains how the low cortisol production seen in adrenal fatigue occurs following a sustained exposure to excessive stress loads. Wilson says this can come from psychological worries, extreme exercise regimes, poor sleeping patterns and chronic infection.
Vitamin C
An important antioxidant at every cell across the body, vitamin C plays a crucial role in the health of the adrenal glands. The walnut-sized organs require an ongoing supply of the nutrient in order to manufacture cortisol. Wilson explains that before the introduction of advanced tests, serum levels of vitamin C remained the most accurate measure of adrenal health.
Magnesium
Magnesium -- a macro-mineral -- influences the function of more than 300 enzymes in the body and plays a major role in muscle relaxation, the regulation of stimulatory hormones such as epinephrine and a person's ability to get a good night's sleep. The body's stores of the mineral become depleted quicker during stressful times and Dr. Michael Lam, a U.S. physician familiar with the condition, explains that adrenal fatigue sufferers require more magnesium than most.
Other Useful Supplements
A number of supplements stand out as particularly relevant for the function of the adrenal glands. Dr. Wilson explains that vitamin B5 can increase the availability of cholesterol, a building block for all steroid hormones such as cortisol, and may help some people suffering from adrenal fatigue. He also makes use of adrenal extracts, which contain nucleic acids and specialized fatty acids that can assist healing at the adrenal glands.
Expert Insight
Dr. Lam notes how many people respond differently to various supplements and that different dosages may be required to achieve optimum results. He advises to introduce supplements one at a time, noting any changes, rather than use a "shotgun" approach that often results in disruption of the metabolism and a worsening of symptoms.
References
- "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; Dr James Wilson; 2002.
- Dr Lam: Adrenal Fatigue
