Most sufferers of adrenal fatigue noticed a sudden crash in energy levels following an intense period of high stress. This coincides with a measurable drop in the production of cortisol, the steroid hormone manufactured in the adrenal glands; such a change in adrenal function often occurs due to fatigue in the gland itself. Together with the removal of the initial stressors, particular nutrients may help restore a healthy adrenal function.
Adrenal Fatigue
Dr. James Wilson, a physician and the author of "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome," explains that widespread functions of cortisol result in a wide range of potential symptoms. As a result, adrenal fatigue sufferers may notice poor sleeping patterns, low energy during the day, low blood sugar levels, sugar cravings and a difficulty in losing weight.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a major role as an antioxidant all across the body, but remains especially important for the health of the adrenal glands. Adrenal Fatigue Focus website assert the adrenal glands require an ongoing supply of vitamin C to produce cortisol, yet adrenal fatigue results in an increased depletion of this key nutrient. The website suggests adding additional vitamin C supplements until the adrenal glands recover.
Vitamin B5
Also called pantothenic acid, vitamin B-5 plays a particularly important role at the adrenal glands by helping to increase production of many adrenal hormones. As explained by Michael Lam, M.D., the body converts B-5 obtained through the diet into a compound called acetyl coenzyme A, required for the production of cholesterol; as all steroid hormones like cortisol are produced from cholesterol, this remains relevant for all sufferers of adrenal fatigue.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a major role in many organ systems and helps reduce the release of hormones such as adrenaline, and increases relaxation throughout the body. Wilson explains that stores of magnesium disappear quicker during adrenal fatigue, and he recommends that all sufferers use supplements to enhance their magnesium status. This can help settle individuals, who typically over-secrete adrenaline during adrenal fatigue, and improve resistance to stress.
Herbs
Adaptogenic herbs such as Siberian ginseng and ashwaganda have featured in traditional remedies for stress, with both now supported by modern science. Lam explains how these adaptogens increase hormonal output when low and attenuate such secretions when excessive, but they often cause problems for sufferers of adrenal fatigue. He describes the reaction of the individuals as paradoxical reactions, noting how this occurs regularly when imbalance remains at the adrenal glands.
References
- Dr Lam: Adrenal Fatigue -- Glandular and Herbal Therapy
- Adrenal Fatigue Focus: Adrenal Fatigue and Vitamin C
- "Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome"; James Wilson, M.D.; 2002.
