About Home Remedies for Adrenal Exhaustion
-
Theories
-
The theory behind adrenal exhaustion is simple: the glands are better equipped to handle brief and occasional stress---the "fight-or-flight" response---than the chronic stress of modern life. Christiane Northrup, M.D., suggests that frequent stress and overstimulation causes the adrenals to release hormones too often, eventually exhausting them and leading to a host of health woes (see Resources).
Dietary Recommendations
-
Home remedies for adrenal exhaustion include eating regular small meals and a balanced diet high in whole grains, vegetables and healthy oils. Stimulants such as caffeine and sugar should be avoided because they place additional burdens on the adrenals (Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP, WomentoWomen.com).
Supplement Recommendations
-
A daily multi-vitamin may help counteract the symptoms associated with adrenal depletion. Specifically, Vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin E and magnesium---as well as the herbs licorice and Siberian ginseng---are thought to reduce adrenal fatigue.
Stress Management
-
To avoid further aggravating symptoms associated with adrenal exhaustion, reduce stress by taking breaks at work, practicing yoga or meditating.
Hormone Therapy
-
Over-the-counter hormones such as DHEA are sometimes indicated for adrenal fatigue (Pick, Northrup). However, take these only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner as it is important to get a high-quality supplement and to have your hormone levels tested.
Considerations
-
Although adrenal exhaustion is a popular topic in natural health, there is no medical consensus about its validity as a diagnosis. Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D., says that the medical term "adrenal insufficiency" refers to inadequate hormone production due to underlying disease; the theory that chronic stress causes low adrenal function is clinically unproven (see Resources).
-