Dietary Supplements

 DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

In order for complete healing from Adrenal Fatigue, it is important to support the adrenal gland with the nutrients it needs.  There are many critical vitamins and minerals that the adrenal gland needs in order to heal. 

Vitamin C is the most important supplement in adrenal metabolism.  The more cortisol made the more vitamin C is used.  It's used all throughout the adrenal cascade and acts as an antioxidant in the adrenal cortex itself. 

Vitamin E is essential in at least 6 different enzymatic reactions in the adrenal cascade.  Vitamin E absorbs and neutralizes damaging free radical molecules in the adrenals.  And Vitamin C and E work hand in hand to keep the adrenal cascade functioning.  The Type of Vitamin E needed is mixed tocopherols, specifically one high in the beta tocopherols.  However, if you are on blood thinners, you must use caution with Vitamin E, and you may need to stop or decrease your dose. 

B Vitamins

Pantothenic Acid – this is an essential contributor to the adrenal cascade.  Like magnesium it's important for energy production.  Pantothenic Acid is converted into acetyl-Co, a substance critical to the conversion of glucose into energy.  The combination of Pantothenic Acid with magnesium, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C increases energy production and takes much of the fatigue out of the adrenals without over stimulating them.

Niacin, an important B vitamin in the adrenal cascade.

Vitamin B6 also a co-factor in several of the enzymatic reactions in the adrenal cascade.

B Complex – the entire B Complex is needed in small quantities throughout the adrenal cascade. 

Minerals

Magnesium – essential for the production of enzymes and the energy necessary for the adrenal hormone cascade.  Magnesium works in concert with Vitamin E and Pantothenic Acid to potentate the action of the adrenals.

Calcium – Calcium helps settle your nervous system and create inner calm among other important functions.

Trace Minerals including Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, Molybdenum, Chromium, Copper, Iodine etc.

Fiber – Mild constipation is common in adrenal fatigue.  It's important to support detoxification in your body with sufficient fiber. 

Herbs are also particularly helpful in adrenal stress and fatigue. 

Licorice - is the best known herb for supporting adrenal function.  It's an anti stress herb known to increase energy, endurance and vitality and acts as a mild tonic.  It naturally increases Cortisol levels.  This should only be used in patients with significant adrenal fatigue at all points in time.  It should not be used in any patient with hypertension or high blood pressure because it can raise your blood pressure. 

Ashwaganda root and leaf - which is an ancient Indian herb with a long history of therapeutic use dating back to 1000BC.  It's a tonic for all types of weaknesses.  It works to promote strength and vigor.  It's a rejuvenator and mild aphrodisiac. It also is an adaptogen which helps the body normalize cortisol levels.

Ginseng – Patients should use small doses initially and this also helps improve cortisol levels.  It helps support and rejuvenates adrenal function, increase resistance to stress, normalize metabolism and regulate neurotransmitters.  However ginseng should not be used if your blood pressure is high.

Ginger Root – Is an adaptogen that modulates cortisol levels, normalizes blood pressure, burns fat, increases metabolic rate, stimulates digestive enzymes, and decreases lethargy. 

Ginkgo - Adrenal glands suffer great oxidative stress, this leads to free radicals.  If the free radicals aren't neutralized, the production of hormones is slowed and this damages the adrenal cells.  Ginkgo is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals it contains bioflavonoids that improve blood flow.

Herbs to avoid include: Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cola nut, or strong black tea.

Adrenal cell extracts.  These are extracts of the adrenal cortex.  Their action is to support, fortify and restore normal adrenal function thereby enhancing adrenal activity and speedy recovery.  There are not replacement hormones but they provide the essential building blocks for adrenal repair.  They include all the adrenal cell content such as nucleic acids and concentrated nutrients in the form and proportion used by the adrenals to properly function and recover, but they contain only tiny amounts of the actual hormones in the adrenal gland.  They have been used orally and as injectables since World War 1 with rare side effects.

Cortisol – Some severe cases of low adrenal function require a short therapeutic course of natural Cortisol.  If this type of therapy is necessary it is confirmed by special tests, such as a 24 hour urinary Cortisol and ACTH test.  Treatment should only last for a brief period of time and be tapered off because it can suppress adrenal function.  Only the natural form of hydrocortisone should be used.

Patients on natural Cortisol require regular testing and it does produce a fast relief of symptoms but is only used in the most severe cases.

DHEA – is one of the adrenal hormones secreted by the adrenal glands and is the pre-cursor to several other sex hormones.  DHEA often fall during adrenal fatigue.  Saliva test are used to check DHEA levels.  Only a doctor should determine if DHEA supplement is necessary in men and women. 

Progesterone and Pregnenolone - are hormones manufactured in the adrenal cascade as well as the ovaries and testes before they are metabolized into DHEA.  In the adrenal cascade Pregnenolone is the first hormone to be made from cholesterol and progesterone is the second.  Both can be converted into several other hormones other than DHEA including the sex hormones Cortisol and Aldosterone.  Best, taking progesterone or pregnenolone that occur early in the adrenal cascade allows the body's wisdom to choose which of the hormones it will make from them.  Again only is sufficient to determine if progesterone and or pregnenolone are the ideal treatments for each individual patient. 

Many of these vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements have been formulated in medical grade high quality supplements that can be available through our center.  After your appointment, to test your levels, a full discussion of the range of treatments will be available. 

If you have questions, please feel free to call 518-786-7004 to speak to Dr. Allison Pontius or email her at DrPontius@williamsfacialsurgery.com and she will be more than happy to help you.

Thank you.