Caused by chronic stress, adrenal fatigue is commonplace. Learn the signs—and the supplements that can help you reverse it.

It is interesting that many people have never heard of the adrenal glands, considering they command the most powerful hormones that affect your body and your life. You cannot live without your adrenal hormones, and how well you live—your quality of life—depends a great deal on how your adrenal glands function.

Adrenal Fatigue 101

Triggered by acute or chronic stress, adrenal fatigue is one of the most prevalent conditions in our time, yet it’s rarely diagnosed in Western medicine, despite being described in medical texts as far back as the 1800s.

Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands are no longer able to adequately adapt to stress. The stressors are varied—ranging from emotional, financial, and psychological to environmental and infectious. The most common symptom is low energy. Many adrenal fatigue patients may appear normal, but in reality, they have to push themselves or use stimulants (e.g., caffeine or sugar) to keep going.

There are many early symptoms that can indicate changes in normal cortisol rhythms, reflecting preclinical adrenal problems. To determine your risk for adrenal fatigue, see how you score on the Adrenal Stress Test (below).

5 Supplements That Treat Adrenal Fatigue & Stress

B-complex vitamins help support the nervous system. Pantothenic acid, in particular, is important for energy production, helping convert glucose into energy. Use 1–2 capsules per day. You can also take an additional 500 mg of pantothenic acid, three times daily.

Vitamin Cis very important because it is used in the formation of adrenal hormones such as cortisol. During times of stress, the body’s requirement for vitamin C can increase 10- to 20-fold. Use 2,000–4,000 per day.

Magnesium is important for energy production of every cell in your body and essential for adrenal gland recovery. Use 200–800 mg daily.

GABA(gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter and works like a “brake” during times of runaway stress. Stress excites the nervous system, causing irritability, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and movement disorders. GABA helps to regulate brain chemistry. Use 100–200 mg per day.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is an herb that supports the cardiopulmonarysystem by preventing the over-release of catecholamines from the adrenals during stress. Rhodiola also supports healthy aging, energy, emotional well-being, and immune system function. Use alone or as part of an adrenal health formula, and follow label directions for dosage.

Adrenal Stress Test

Write the number 1 beside symptoms you have had in the past, 2 beside symptoms that occur occasionally, 3 beside symptoms that occur often, and 4 beside symptoms that occur frequently. Add up the total score.

__ Blurred vision/spots in front of eyes

__ Hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid problems)

__ History of asthma bronchitis

__ Prolonged exposure to stress (job, family, illness, caregiving)

__ Headaches

__ Environmental or chemical exposure or sensitivities

__ Hypoglycemia/blood sugar problems—mood swings

__ Food allergies

__ Poor concentration/memory problems (Alzheimer’s disease)

__ Low energy/excessive fatigue

__ Post-exertion fatigue

__ Dizziness upon standing (or fainting)

__ Inflammatory conditions (arthritis, bursitis)

__ Nervousness, depression, irritability, anxiety, or anger

__ Shortness of breath/yawning (air hunger)

__Cold hands and feet

__ Low back pain, knee problems, sore muscles

__ Insomnia/frequent waking

__ Excessive urination

__ Excessive perspiration or no perspiration

__ Heart palpitations

__ Edema of extremities or general edema

__ Eyes light-sensitive

__ Cravings: sugar, salt, coffee or other stimulants

__ Alcohol intolerance

__ Recurrent colds or infections

__ Digestive problems, ulcers

__ Weight gain or weight loss

__ High or low blood pressure

___ Total Score

If you scored …

30–50:You’ve received an early-warning indicator that your adrenals are starting to weaken.

50–80: Start with adrenal support supplements.

80–100: Your adrenals are taxed. You may want to take an adrenal glandular product (available at health stores) with the other adrenal supplements mentioned here.

101 or more: You are suffering from adrenal exhaustion and will require long-term adrenal support.