The adrenal glands are responsible for the production of many hormones and for a variety of other functions in the body. When the adrenal glands are fatigued, memory problems, weakness, exhaustion, dizziness, food cravings, allergies, headaches and blood sugar disorders can all ensue. Periods of prolonged or intense stress, alcohol consumption and poor nutrition can all cause adrenal fatigue, and certain vitamins can help to boost adrenal function. Talk to your health care practitioner before taking any supplement, however, because certain vitamins can be toxic or cause unwanted side effects in high doses.
B Complex
The B vitamins are important for adrenal support, and they work best when taken together. As such, Phyllis Balch recommends in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" taking a B100 complex supplement, which contains 100mg of each of the major B vitamins, twice daily with food.
B5
B5, or pantothenic acid, is considered especially important, and Balch says the adrenal glands do not function properly without adequate B5. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, adds that B5 is concentrated in the adrenals. It is required for the production of numerous hormones, and CSNN recommends taking 500mg, three times daily. CSNN also recommends increasing your consumption of B5 rich foods such as, whole grains, legumes, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, salmon and liver.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also considered to be vital to the proper functioning of the adrenal glands and it too is required for the production of adrenal hormones. CSNN says that when you are under stress you tend to excrete more vitamin C in your urine, so stress-induced adrenal fatigue patients may find vitamin C to be particularly beneficial. Balch suggests taking 4 to 10g daily of a vitamin C supplement that also contains bioflavanoids, which are thought to enhance absorption. High doses of vitamin C may cause loose bowels, and CSNN says in order to find your own particular therapeutic dose, you should take slightly less than the amount that causes loose bowels for you.
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex
All nutrients are needed to support proper adrenal function, says Balch, and many nutrients work synergistically, meaning they work best when taken together. As such, Balch recommends taking a high potency multivitamin and mineral complex, and choosing one that contains the following per servings: 1,500mg of calcium; 750mg of magnesium; 3mg of copper; 200 mg of potassium; 50mg of zinc and so long as you don't have diabetes, 15,000 international units of beta carotene, which is a vitamin-A derivative.
Corticosteroid Drugs and Vitamin Depletions
Finally, if you are on corticosteroid drugs and you have adrenal fatigue, then CSNN says you may also require additional vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin C because long term use of corticosteroid is thought to deplete these vitamins.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
