Adrenal Stress – Do you need a Boost?

Adrenal Stress – Do you need a Boost?

In the Exhaustion stage of adrenal stress; hypothyroidism, amongst other system failures and degenerative disorders, can occur.

Stress, not only psychological stress, but any insult to the body which may include:  chronic infections, allergies, exposure to chemical toxins, use of stimulants (caffeine/nicotine), poor nutrition, physical trauma or poor sleeping habits. Other contributing factors include exogenous steroid use, hypoglycemia and pharmaceutical, non-pharmaceutical and recreational drug use, can cause adrenal dysfunction.

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Eat 5-6 small meals per day, include some fibre- and protein-rich food in each meal
• At least 3 times per week eat, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and/or flaxseed or oil rich fish Salmon, Mackerel,  Sardine, Tuna or Herring
• Avoid stimulants: sugar and sugary foods or drinks, refined foods, coffee, Tea, Alcohol and Cigarettes
• Take moderate exercise 4 times per week, avoid over-exercising and high impact exercise

Vitamins

Vitamin B, Panthothenic Acid (B5), Vitamin C and Magnesium are essential for adrenal health and can be supplemented by correct food choices

Vitamin B – Take a B complex supplement

Avocados, bananas, bran, carrots, lentils, brown rice, salmon, shrimp, sunflower seeds, walnuts, tuna, wheat germ and wholegrain flour

Vitamin C

Broccoli, green peppers (capsicum), grapefruit, oranges, papaya, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, watercress

Magnesium

Almonds, fish, green leafy vegetables, kelp, nuts, sunflower seeds and wheat germ

Trace Minerals

Zinc and Selenium

Take a zinc supplement and eat 5 unsalted raw Brazil nuts per day; this contains the correct amount of Selenium to ensure overall health

Adaptogenic Herbs

• Schisandra
• Astralagus
• Rhodiola – Try to get a Rhodiola Supplement also known as *Rhodiola Rosea

*Rhodiola promotes the release of Noradrenalin, Dopamine and Serotonin.

Summary

• Where possible avoid/remove causative factors
• Eat the correct foods
• Essential supplements:  Zinc, B Complex, Rhodiola, and Co Enzyme Q 10

2 Responses to “Adrenal Stress – Do you need a Boost?”

1. Toni Reita ND says:

   December 17, 2010 at 9:43 pm

   Adaptogenic Herbs truly make a significant difference with the adrenals, but many other aspects of the body as well.

   My favorite is Ashwagandha, and it can be included in just about everything from smoothies, soups, teas or as an herbal blend to sprinkle over yogurt.

   Safe Journey

   Toni