Adrenal exhaustion, also known as Addison's disease, is a condition in which your adrenal cortex -- the outer portion of your adrenal glands -- are unable to manufacture several important hormones. Addison's disease, states the National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, may be caused by an autoimmune reaction or other factors, such as chronic infections and metastatic cancer. Nutritional support -- diet, supplements -- is an important part of your Addison's disease treatment plan. Ask your doctor if nutritional support is appropriate for you and your condition.
Addison's Disease
Several risk factors may increase your likelihood of developing adrenal exhaustion, notes MedlinePlus, including certain genetic defects and other autoimmune conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes, Graves' disease and hypoparathyroidism. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of adrenal exhaustion include loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, unexpected weight loss, blood pressure and heart rate fluctuations and nausea and vomiting. A person whose Addison's disease is properly managed can lead a normal life.
Nutritional Support
Nutritional support may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your adrenal exhaustion. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that if you suffer from adrenal exhaustion, you may benefit from consuming green leafy vegetables, brewer's yeast, brown rice, nuts, legumes, wheat germ, whole grains, olive oil, garlic, onions and shiitake mushrooms. Consider avoiding alcohol, caffeine, sugar, white flour and fried foods, as these substances can place unnecessary strain on your adrenal glands.
Useful Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements are an important part of an overall nutritional approach in treating your adrenal exhaustion. In her book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner reports that beneficial herbal supplements for this health problem may include gotu kola, Siberian ginseng and licorice. Useful non-herbal nutritional supplements for adrenal exhaustion may include vitamin B complex, vitamin C and coenzyme A. Further research into these supplements' effectiveness may be required. Do not take any of these without your doctor's approval.
Additional Information
Adrenal exhaustion is a serious health problem that should always be managed by a licensed health-care professional. If you are diagnosed with adrenal exhaustion, discuss all relevant treatment measures with your family doctor. Your doctor may refer you to another physician who specializes in clinical nutrition to help you better understand the role and limitations of nutritional therapies in treating your adrenal exhaustion. Always exercise caution when using nutritional supplements in treating your ailment.
References
- National Adrenal Diseases Foundation: What is Addison's Disease?
- MedlinePlus: Addison's Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
