Adrenal gland function plays an important role in overall health. When a person experiences stress, the adrenal glands respond by secreting hormones that enable the body to adapt to the situation. However, when an individual experiences relentless stress for a long period, as happens frequently in modern society, the adrenal glands and their actions deteriorate. Certain supplements may be helpful for achieving or maintaining healthy adrenals. Before taking supplements, consult a qualified health care professional for advice on supplement forms, dosage and safety considerations.
Licorice
Licorice, also known by its Latin name Glycyrrhiza glabra, is an herb that grows in parts of Europe and Asia. The licorice plant is distinct from the twisted red candy by the same name. The root is used to make medicine, and it has a sweet taste. Licorice is utilized for a wide variety of health ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive ailments, infections, menstrual disorders and adrenal insufficiency. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth," licorice is an adaptogen -- a substance that increases resistance to stress and balances body functions. An active constituent of licorice is glycyrrhizin, which works to increase the half-life of the primary stress hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, cortisol. In other words, licorice assists in adrenal function. Licorice root is available as a tea, tincture, extract, capsule or tablet. Licorice can increase blood pressure, so individuals with high blood pressure should avoid this herb.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also called Withania somnifera, is an adaptogen herb used in Ayurveda -- the traditional medicine system of India. In addition to bolstering a person's resistance to stress, ashwagandha also may help with pain, skin diseases, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy. According to a 1999 article in "Alternative Medicine Review," ashwagandha has similar anti-stress activities to panax ginseng, another anti-stress herb. Ashwagandha seems to counter the negative effects of stress on blood sugar and cortisol levels. So ashwagandha may be especially useful for individuals with elevated blood sugar levels, as in diabetes mellitus, secondary to long-term stress. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that ashwagandha is a general tonic that may increase energy and improve health and longevity. Ashwagandha may be taken as a tea, tincture or capsule. Ahwagandha should be avoided in pregnancy.
Vitamins
Long-term stress coupled with diminished adrenal gland function can lead to a number of health problems, including susceptibility to infection, digestive problems and hormonal imbalance. Nutritional supplementation can help support adrenal gland function. According to the "Alternative Medicine Review," article, vitamin C and B-complex, particularly vitamins B1, B5, B6 and B12, contribute to a person's ability to respond appropriately while minimizing the effects of stress. Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, can buffer excessively elevated cortisol levels, which occurs in the early stages of stress adaptation. The B vitamins work by protecting the adrenal glands from damage, promoting healthy adrenal gland function and balancing cortisol levels. Vitamins can be taken as supplements or may be obtained in a diet based on whole foods.
References
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Nutritional and Botanical Interventions to Assist with the Adaptation to Stress; Gregory S. Kelly, N.D.; 1999
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ashwagandha
