The Reason You are Sick and Tired may be Fatigued Adrenals, Part II

Saturday, April 03, 2010 by: Tony Isaacs
Tags: adrenals, fatigue, health news

(NewsTarget) Adrenal fatigue is a major cause of tiredness, chronic fatigue and increased incidence of illness which affects millions of people. Many of those affected are unaware that their problems are due to worn down adrenals. As noted in part 1 of this series, simple changes in lifestyle and diet can help restore adrenal functions and health. In this concluding part we will look at some important herbs and other supplements which can also help.

Herbs:

Ashwagandha. Popular in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha helps normalize adrenal function. Typical dose is 1-2 capsules twice daily on an empty stomach.

Eleuthero root (Siberian ginseng). Eleuthero has been used traditionally to stimulate and nourish the adrenals and increase mental alertness. It is considered an "adaptogen", meaning that it can help the body adapt to stress.

Rhodiola rosea. This herb enhances mental and physical performance. The recommended dose is 500 mg twice a day. Note: Those with bipolar disorder should not use this product, since it can increase brain levels of serotonin.

Other herbs which may help with adrenal fatigue include: licorice, maca, and Korean ginseng. Note: Licorice can and, if taken over time, does have a propensity to elevate blood pressure. It should not be used in persons with a history of hypertension, renal failure, or who currently use digitalis preparations such as digoxin.

Supplements:

Cordyceps. Cordyceps is a Chinese mushroom that supports the adrenal glands. It also normalizes and supports functions of the immune system, kidneys, lungs, liver, nervous system and cardiovascular system.

DHEA. DHEA is a basic hormone that the adrenals convert into other hormones. The average dose ranges between 10-25 mg, although if someone is very deficient in DHEA they may initially only be able to tolerate amounts as small as 5 mg. DHEA also is converted into sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

Pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is a raw material that supports basic adrenal function and is a precursor to many of the hormones produced by the adrenals glands. The usual dose is 25 mg and it is best taken towards the evening (but may be taken earlier if it interferes with sleep).

Progesterone Cream. Progesterone is an important building block for many other major hormones such as cortisol, DHEA, testosterone and estrogen.

Note: Hormones should be administered under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.

Adrenal glandular extract (AGE). AGE contains growth factors that promote cell healing and has nutrients that support gland function and repair. Take one to two tablets daily without food, reducing the dosage if you become jittery or have trouble sleeping.

Proline. Proline is helpful in rebuilding connective tissues and weak adrenals are often associated with weak connective tissues. Typical dose is 500 mg daily.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). B5 is especially important for stress-hormone production. Take up to 500 mg three times a day. A good multivitamin (or B-complex) will supply enough of the other B vitamins needed.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for immune and other health support. For adrenal fatigue take 1,000-2,000 mg twice daily. If loose stools develop, reduce or further divide the doses.

Other helpful supplements include: vitamin E w/mixed tocopherols, vitamin B complex, niacin, pantothenic acid, magnesium citrate, trace minerals from plant derived sources, free-form amino acids, and (if depression is present) SAMe and/or DL-Phenylalanine.

It may take time and effort to lessen the unreasonable demands made on your mind and body and to take and do the things needed to help your adrenals recover. In time though, the adrenals will be able to recover and when they so, so should your energy and health.

Source(s):

http://www.project-aware.org/Resource/articl...
http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/article.htm...
http://www.natural-cure-remedy.com/adrenal-f...

About the author

Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for those who wish to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year. He is also a contributing author for the worldwide advocacy group "S.A N.E.Vax. Inc" which endeavors to uncover the truth about HPV vaccine dangers.
Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near Austin and San Antonio to give lectures and health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and he serves as a consultant to the "Utopia Silver Supplement Company".