The adrenal glands are two small glands that reside above the kidneys. These glands secrete more than 50 hormones including testosterone and estrogen. Adrenal fatigue is a condition wherein the adrenals are not working optimally, even when at rest or under stress. Vitamins can combat adrenal fatigue and get the adrenals functioning fully again.
Adrenals, Vitamins and Diet
A poor diet causes a lack of important vitamins that affects the adrenals. This nutritional deficiency when combined with stress and stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine can throw your adrenals into a state of panic, according to the "Complete Encyclopedia Of Natural Healing" by Gary Null, Ph.D. Overstressed and fatigued adrenals cause symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, difficulty losing weight, memory problems, fatigue, a worn-out feeling and allergy-like symptoms.
Dosages
Taking vitamin supplements may help stimulate the adrenals to function properly and combat adrenal fatigue, according to an article published in January 2005 by ProjectAWARE and written by Vicki Wade, PharmD. ProjectAWARE is an organization that provides health information, particularly information aimed at women. Daily vitamin recommendations include a vitamin B complex, 800 IU of vitamin E with tocopherols, 2,000 to 4,000 mg of vitamin C, 125 to 150 mg of niacin, 150 mg of vitamin B6, 1,200 to 1,500 mg of pantothenic acid, and 400 to 1,200 mg of magnesium citrate. Speak with your doctor before beginning a vitamin regimen.
Warnings
Vitamins are generally healthy, but the feelings they produce of calm, well-being or a boost of energy can be addicting, according to an article by Lawrence Wilson, M.D. on his website. Dr. Wilson says specifically that B-complex vitamins can produce a "high" because they increase the rate of oxidation, which is how quickly the body metabolizes carbs, proteins and fats into energy. Adrenal glandular supplements can also produce a temporary feeling of well-being that may be addicting for some people.
Considerations
Besides taking vitamins to stimulate the adrenals, it is important to avoid certain stressors that contribute to adrenal fatigue. Dietary contributors can include a gluten tolerance, low blood sugar, malabsorption, maldigestion, consuming caffeine and eating too much sugar. Emotions can stress out your adrenals as well. As best as you can, work to avoid or manage anger, depression, fear, and guilt. A professional therapist can help you deal with intense emotions and their causes. Any chronic illness, pain or infection can stress your adrenals too, so see a doctor if you have any of these problems.
References
- Project Aware; Adrenal Fatigue; Vicki Wade, PharmD; January 2005
- NaturalNews.com; The Hidden Dangers of Caffeine: How Coffee Causes Exhaustion, Fatigue and Addiction; Dani Veracity; October 2005
- Dr Wilson.com; Addiction; Lawrence Wilson, M.D.
- Dr Lam.com; Common Causes of Adrenal Fatigue
- Dr Kaslow.com; Oxidation Rates; Jeremy E. Kaslow, M.D.
