posted
So it seems like my adrenals are shot. Does anyone know of any good brands of adrenal support supplements? I am on the limited cowden but am not taking the adrenal formula. Im not sure if thats any good.
Ive heard of things like licorice root can help, but i dont know where to buy it or what brand.
I dont know if i would ever want to supplement cortisol because im scared of using steroids. Can herbs help get the adrenals working instead?
Ive never had my cortisol levels checked and probably should have.
Things just got bad after i got sick a few weeks ago and ive been so drained. I seem to get every virus going around and my body temp is low. I seem to have alot of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. So im just kinda guessing but i think thats whats going on.
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I have heard that the herb Eleuthero (aka, siberian ginseng) will help with that. Siberian ginseng is not actually "ginseng," the nickname is deceiving.
I decided to take the summer off from the commitments I had, and so was able to stop drinking coffee. (I can't do anything without coffee!.....well, now I am starting to).
So, I believe cutting out the caffeine for awhile helps the adrenals heal.
[ 20. July 2008, 02:09 PM: Message edited by: Hoosiers51 ]
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
After trying some herbal supports which did nothing, I got on the internet and searched for the remedy I have been reading about for years: dessicated adrenal.
At the site iHerb.com they sell Nutricology brand Adrenal Cortex organic glandular. I felt an improvement soon after starting, just one pill per day.
A health newsletter I get recommends staring off with 3 adrenal pills 3 times a day, but I opted to go with just one pill per day.
I tried Rhodiola, which is what the health food store sold me: it is a revver-upper and I was wide awake all night, on a small dose of 60 mg. taken 12 hours before I went to bed.
There is a list of adrenal support which I had found somewhere on the internet, which includes adrenal extracts, vitamins, minerals. Research adrenal support here on LymeNet and see if you can find the posts about adrenals ... seems like we discussed this within this year.
ESG
Posts: 424 | From Connecticut, USA | Registered: Nov 2003
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
i tried gingseng.
boy, did it give me a headache. i had to stop it.
also, tried gingo and it was worse...
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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Do you have a LLMD who works with you on a protocol? Might you have a LL ND, too ?
It's best to discuss this with your doctor- &/or read up on it first rather than just begin taking something.
After that, one point that I believe is most important, is to avoid anything that promises to "boost" energy or adrenal function. You want solid support, but gentle, consistent and nothing to toss you off balance.
Ginseng would be too strong. Siberian Ginseng, however, is not a true ginseng. And there are many types of Ginseng: American, Korean, Panax, etc. They are all different.
And, as Randibear mentioned, Gingko was not right for her - I also find gingko far too stimulating for my system.
Hawthorn is one I love - and it helps my cardiac function, too.
Some of the herbs for adrenal support include:
* ashwagandha,
* cordyceps,
* schizandra (schisandra),
* Siberian Ginseng,
* Rhodiola,
* Licorice Root (& DGL is less stimulating)
* Hawthorn (Crataegus) - more for the heart, but helpful to reduce stress by supporting the heart.
You can read about some of the fundamentals - and search individual herbs - here:
This book is not at all about lyme, but it explains basics and, I think, is the first place to start.
Then, the new book by Kenneth Singleton, MD "The Lyme Disease Solution" is wonderful. You can find it at Amazon.
Since you can't just treat adrenal function without considering lyme/TBD and your overall protocol, I see this book as essential. It discusses the value of both pharmaceutical and plant based treatment - used in combination.
Buhner's "Healing Lyme" also detailed much from a strictly plant medicine concept as does the book by Zhang "Lyme Disease and Modern Chinese Medicine" -
The Singleton goes into lengthy detail and he has quite a bit about adrenal function and explains Siberian Ginseng in his book. Buhner mentions only Siberian Ginseng and Dr. Z's protocol suggests only cordyceps.
I just got a great book about Rhodiola - I'll come back and post the title - Rhodiola, though, would not be one to begin with. It can be a little stimulating and may be best as a very small fraction of a formula.
Siberian eleuthero (formerly called Siberian ginseng) is sweet and slightly pungent in taste, and neutral in action. It nourishes the adrenal glands, supports liver metabolism and increases energy and endurance against stress and pollution.
RATING: Gold
SAFETY ISSUES: None known.
In rare instances it may over-stimulate or slightly raise blood pressure. There is a remote possibility that it's mild anti-platelet aggregation effects might interact with blood-thinning medications.
STARTING DOSAGE:
* Powdered 5:1 extract: 500-100 mg two to three times per day
* 1:2 tincture: 30 drops three times per day.
Siberian eleuthero is the herb for which the word adaptogen was coined. It is one of the medicines we use most frequently in the clinic, because it really helps fight stress-induced fatigue.
It increases general vitality, strength, endurance and the ability to overcome the effects of long-term illness. We prefer it to ginseng root in sensitive individuals who may find the stronger herb too hot or overly stimulating to the nervous system.
Siberian eleuthero has been shown to delay stress reactions during the alarm phase of stress.
When we are alarmed, our adrenal glands release corticosteroids and adrenaline that trigger the fight or flight reaction. If these hormones are depleted by short- or long-term stress, we develop adrenal exhaustion.
Siberian eleuthero delays the onset of the exhaustive phase by causing a more efficient release of these hormones into our system (Pearce et al., 1982; Brunner et al., 1990; Fulder, 1980; reported in Farnsworth, 1989).
Several negative studies have been published since the original Russian research (Lewis et al., 1983, Dowling et al. 1996). However, my own personal experience and that of my patients shows Siberian ginseng to be very effective in a majority of those who take it.
I have spoken with suppliers, and they tell me that much of the Siberian eleuthero used in America is made from the whole root, while the original Russian studies were performed using the root bark.
If you find a good supply, the results should be immediately obvious. Consistent personal results always trump poorly designed scientific studies.
Research Highlights
* In a placebo-controlled study of the effects of a Siberian eleuthero extract on the immune system of healthy individuals, researchers reported ``a drastic increase in the absolute number of immunocompetent cells, with an especially pronounced effect on T lymphocytes.'' In addition, they observed a general enhancement of the activation state in T-lymphocytes (Bohn et al., 1987).
* According to translations of original Russian research, Siberian eleuthero has the ability to increase our endurance and capacity to work by improving the ability of the liver and adrenals to regulate hormonal levels, dispose of lactic acid, and regulate blood sugar (reported in Farnsworth et al., 1989).
* Russian telegraph operator were able to increase the number of messages they could handle by taking about 60 drops of a Siberian eleuthero tincture daily (reported in Farnsworth et al., 1989).
* Factory workers taking about 60 drops of a Siberian eleuthero tincture daily recorded a 50% reduction in illness and a 40% reduction in lost work days (reported in Farnsworth et al., 1989).
posted
My LLMD has me on nutramedix adrenal support
Not sure if it's helping or not, but I think all the nutramedix products are good
Just not sure if my adrenals are a big cause of my symptoms
-------------------- "We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us" - e.m. forster Posts: 921 | From PA | Registered: Jan 2004
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Vitamin Research Products - has a wonderful collection of articles to search.
While they do sell supplements, I find their articles and research to be top notch. Each article offers many good citations and they usually employ thorough research methods.
You can read about adrenal function at this site - and you might choose their products or look elsewhere.
They have written extensively about adrenal issues over the years - with 26 articles in their library.
posted
Thank you everybody i really aprreciate the responses. I just found that i had some yogi tea siberian ginseng with astralgus and licorice root in it so im gona try that for the time being.
Im gona talk to my dr about the adrenal issue tho and see what he thinks.
I know the are shot from the lyme and the fact that i keep getting sick with cold and flus. Plus ive just been really stressed with everything.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
Teas can be a good place to begin and might just be enough. In a tea, as a small portion of a blend, astralgus will probably be fine. Depending upon where you are in treatment, when you buy your next batch of tea you might consider this:
For chronic and late-stage lyme patients, Buhner cautions against using astralgus as a full force supplement.
Its use is great in acute and new cases of lyme, however, as he details in his book.
Lymeorsomething
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16359
posted
Joe, there are a variety of good glandulars for adrenal support. Dr. Wilson (the adrenal guy) even has a few formulations. Some recommend some sea salt in the morning too.
Cutting the caffeine is good but I can't seem to do this
If you ultimately need cortisol treament, you may want to check out the book Safe Use of Cortisol by William McK Jefferies MD
It would probably be better to treat Lyme if it's there and see which hormones bounce back...
-------------------- "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong." Posts: 2062 | From CT | Registered: Jul 2008
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
I didn't know too much about this. I think I have this, too.
It seems that there is an emotional, psychological, & lifestyle component to it, as well. You can probably take herbs or supplements but if you don't adjust the stressors it will probably continue.
It's hard... Having a chronic illness like Lyme has alot of built in stress factors that are difficult to eliminate.
Interesting! Thanks for the info, everyone.
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Marnie
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
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posted
Phosphatidylserine.
Rebalances the HPA axis.
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Thanks, Marnie. I'll look into it.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
My holistic doc recommended a Metagenics product called Adreset. When I'm taking it I notice my compunded thyroid and hydrocortisone meds work better.
Everyone is different. For me I have noticed it can take 4 months for the effects of adrenal products to work.
When my ex-FFC doc switched my DHEA from regular to 7-Keto, I noticed a huge crash at 4 months. When I switched back to regular DHEA, it took about 4 months to improve again.
Posts: 192 | From Dwight, IL USA | Registered: Mar 2007
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djf2005
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11449
posted
joe-
adrenal essence by Xymogen.
used it while w dr c. im retesting mine tomorrow or one day this week to see what dr h wants to do about it. do you know for sure its your adrenals? a good saliva test taken 4 times throughout the day is a good way to tell...
maybe dr f will give u one altho i doubt he has any.
talk to you soon dude
derek
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