Homeopathic Help for Adrenal Fatigue

Medical doctors do not always recognize adrenal fatigue as a legitimate ailment. Adrenal fatigue is hard to diagnose and may be missed in regular blood tests unless your adrenal glands are failing or severely damaged. However, many alternative healers believe that adrenal fatigue can be brought on by chronic stress and can contribute to allergies, obesity and other health issues. There are various homeopathic treatments available that may help you overcome adrenal fatigue.

What are the Adrenal Glands?

• The adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system. The endocrine glands work together to produce and regulate hormones in your body. Located on top of your kidneys, the adrenal glands produce hormones responsible for key body functions such as maintaining metabolic processes, regulating the balance of salt and water and controlling the body's stress response. When your body is subjected to chronic, prolonged stress, the adrenals may eventually become dysfunctional, and not produce sufficient cortisol, the chief hormone that helps your body deal effectively with stress.

Homeopthic Treatment Options

• A simple saliva test can determine if your adrenal glands are functioning correctly. This test is available from your health-care provider or at a health-foods store. There are many homeopathic remedies that can help alleviate adrenal fatigue, principally by combating the chronic stress and anxiety that allegedly causes the condition by keeping your body in a continuous state of "fight or flight" arousal.

  Supplements that contain vitamin C, B complex, magnesium, vitamin E, zinc and copper help support body functions and take some of the stress off of your adrenal glands. Many homeopathic pracitioners also recommend taking "liquid trace" minerals such as chromium, copper, molybdenum and selenium for their calming effect.

  Ashwagandha---also known as Indian winter cherry---is an herb whose root has long been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for its anti-anxiety properties and is purported to help the adrenal glands return to a more balanced state.

  In addition, ginseng has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Women should combine ashwagandha root with Siberian ginseng supplements, while men should combine the root with Korean ginseng supplements. Particularly when taken with the proper type of ginseng, ashwagandha root may help lessen the stress on your adrenal glands.

  Other herbs known for their stress-relieving qualities include rhodeola rosea and schisandra chinensis.

  In addition, avoid black tea, caffeine and other stimulants in order to remain calm and help end the "fight or flight" cortisol cycle.

Other Natural Remedies

• Lifestyle changes such as getting more rest, being involved in a hobby, prayer and meditation can help to reduce stress. Eat a balanced diet that gives your body the nutrients it needs to cope with stress. Exercise increases your body's endurance and strength, and getting adequate sleep helps regulate cortisol production that helps to manage your natural waking and sleeping rhythms.