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