Adrenal Disorders
Description
These small endocrine glands are best-known for their role when the body is under stress: adrenaline, or epinephrine, is produced to allow the body to handle an emergency situation ("fight" or "flight").
Adrenaline derives from the inner, or central section of the gland, while the outer portion ("cortex") produces cortisone. Cortisone helps to maintain the salt and water balance of the body.
"Burnout" is associated with chronic fatigue and nervous breakdown.
"Addison's disease" is a deterioration of adrenal cortex function.
Causes
Adrenocortical failure can be a symptom of other organ failure e.g. pituitary disease.
Drug abuse is the most common reason, including: alcohol and tobacco.
Signs & Symptoms
Reduced adrenal function may be an underlying factor in numerous conditions: allergies, dizziness, headaches, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) etc.
The adrenal cortex can become chronically underactive, even with nutritional support, giving rise to Addison's disease, which is, fortunately, quite rare. It requires lifelong treatment.
An overactive adrenal cortex, on the other hand, is known as Cushing's syndrome. There is a characteristic "Cushinoid" appearance, with a moon face, the same look that people develop from extensive cortisone therapy for arthritis, or even athletes taking anabolic steroids.
One possible indicator, is blood pressure. Blood pressure should rise when standing. Fainting, when standing, because of low blood pressure may reflect weak adrenals; in which case the systolic reading may actually be lower than when lying down.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Immune System Support
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General Supplements
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| Adult | |
| Adrenal extract* | |
| Bioflavonoids* | |
| B complex | 100 mg b.i.d. |
| Coenzyme Q10 | 60 mg |
| Copper | 3 mg |
| L-Tyrosine | 500 mg** |
| Pantothenic acid | 100 mg t.i.d. |
| Potassium | 100 mg |
| Vitamin C | 3,000 - 6,000 |
| Zinc | 50 mg |
**L-Tyrosine absorption is best when taking together with 100 mg vitamin C and 50 mg vitamin B6.
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
"Fast foods" may have been a staple prior to "burnout".
Hence, the style of meal may be almost as important as the content.
Sitting down in a relaxed atmosphere and eating slowly, allowing time for one course to digest before moving on to the next are important. Small meals may be required, so as not to overstress the digestive acids and enzymes. Acid, and/or enzyme supplements may also be recommended, prior to meals.
It is possible to include some organ meats in the diet but this remains controversial. Most prefer to supplement and some even try to select vegetarian equivalents.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Addison's | Berberis aquifolium / Colocynthis |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Astragalus
Echinacea
Ginseng
Licorice root
Milk thistle
Note : The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Astragalus is most often mentioned in improving adrenal gland function.
Ginseng (Siberian) can help to energize someone, prior to a stressful day at the office.
Otherwise, nutritional support can be beneficial, including echinacea for the immune system and milk thistle for liver function. This reduces the load which, ultimately, "lightens the load" upon the adrenals.
Licorice root is a popular choice, although it may contribute to hypertension.
References:
Groen, J: Licorice root therapy for Addison's disease. NEJM 1951, 244:471.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
(Borneo) Camphor Essence
Geranium Essence,
Pine Essence,
Rosemary Essence,
Sage Essence,
Savory Essence.
Related Health Conditions
Addiction (Drug Abuse)
Addison's disease
Adrenocortical insufficiency
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cirrhosis
Cushing's syndrome
Hypertension
Nervous breakdown Stress
Pheochromocytomas
Sheehan's syndrome
References
Ackermann-RJ: Adrenal disorders: know when to act and what tests to give. Geriatrics, 1994 Jul; 49(7): 32-7. (20 ref)
Balch, J.F. & Balch, P.A.: Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Second Edition. Avery, New York. 1996.
Bancroft J & Cawood EH: Androgens and the menopause; a study of 40-60-year-old women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf), 1996 Nov, 45:5, 577-87.
Blumenfeld-JD: Hypertension and adrenal disorders. Curr-Opin-Nephrol-Hypertens. 1993 Mar; 2(2): 274-82.
Hadden-DR: Adrenal disorders of pregnancy. Endocrinol-Metab-Clin-North-Am. 1995 Mar; 24(1): 139-51.
Hashimoto-K et al: Plasma levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disorders and chronic renal failure.
Jackson AA et al., Nutritional influences in early life upon obesity and body proportions. Ciba Found Symp, 1996, 201:, 118-29; discussion 129-37, 188-93.
Mercer LP et al., Dietary induced anorexia: a review of involvement of the histaminergic system. J Am Coll Nutr, 1996 Jun, 15:3, 223-30.
Oberfield-SE et al: Adrenal disorders: causes and therapy for children and adolescents. Consultant, 1982 Apr; 22( ): 328-31 passim
Ohmori-N: Corticotropin-releasing factor-binding protein concentrations in plasma of patients with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal disorders. Endocr-J. 1994 Oct; 41(5): 553-8.
Samaan-GJ et al: Determination of cortisol and associated glucocorticoids in serum and urine by an automated liquid chromatographic assay. Clin-Biochem. 1993 Jun; 26(3): 153-8.
Tataranni PA et al., A low sympathoadrenal activity is associated with body weight gain and development of central adiposity in Pima Indian men. Obes Res, 1997 Jul, 5:4, 341-7.
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