Today’s lifestyle replete with the demands of home, work, family, finances, and more can fatigue your body’s primary stress-handling glands, the adrenal glands. These triangular-shaped glands sit on top of the kidneys and are located in the solar plexus region of your abdomen. They secrete hormones that help us cope with stress, but when the stresses become chronic the adrenals can become depleted, causing adrenal fatigue.
Of course, stress management is necessary, but there are also some excellent herbs and nutrients that can give your adrenal glands a boost. Always consult a physician if you suspect adrenal fatigue and before beginning any supplements.
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients to the adrenal glands. It is needed to manufacture the hormones secreted by these glands in response to stress. The more stress you experience, the higher your vitamin C needs may be. A typical dose to assist with adrenal fatigue is 500 to 2000 mg or higher; however, a qualified health professional should be consulted when using higher doses.
Pantothenic acid is one of the B-complex vitamins that is essential for adrenal gland health. It is naturally present in high doses in the adrenal glands but can become depleted as hormones are manufactured in response to stress. A typical dose for adrenal fatigue is 1500 mg but should always accompany a B-complex vitamin since they work synergistically.
Commonly used by natural medicine practitioners to treat adrenal gland fatigue, Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosusas it is also known, works primarily on the pituitary gland in the brain. This gland stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more adrenal hormones. In adrenal fatigue, communication between the pituitary gland and the adrenals may be impaired. A typical dose of Siberian ginseng for the treatment of adrenal fatigue is 100 to 200 mg daily.
Rhodiola integrifolia—Found in Yukon, Alaska, Siberia, and northern China, rhodiola, or roseroot as its also known, is a beautiful flowering plant that is one of the most overlooked adrenal herbs available. Like Siberian ginseng is one of the few plants that is considered an adaptogen, which means that it helps the body adapt to stress by increasing resistance to fatigue. It boosts the adrenals, builds energy, and improves mood. Boil the dried root pieces in water and simmer for 10 to 20 minutes. Drink daily for up to 3 weeks at a time to give your stress glands a boost. You can also add cooled rhodiola tea to your smoothies for a healthy adrenal boost.
Dr. Michelle Schoffro Cook, PhD, DNMis an international best-selling and 20-time published book author whose works include the vegan cookbook: The Cultured Cook: Delicious Fermented Foods with Probiotics to Knock Out Inflammation, Boost Gut Health, Lose Weight & Extend Your Life.