Hi, I'm Dr Janelle Sinclair.
In today's video we're going to discuss the 5 best supplements for adrenal fatigue.
These include herbs and vitamins for the adrenal glands
and I'll discuss one common mistake lots of people are making.
You'll want to stick around to the end if you're having problems with your sleep.
If you haven't met me before, I'm Dr Janelle Sinclair, I've got a PhD in biochemistry and
I'm a natural medicine practitioner who specialises in mental health.
And on this YouTube channel, you'll find practical videos discussing effective
and safe natural therapies for depression and anxiety.
So if you have depression or anxiety along with adrenal fatigue, I recommend that you
subscribe to this channel to learn more.
So let's get into it.
ADRENAL FATIGUE SUPPLEMENT 1: Adaptogenic herbs
Adaptogenic herbs are one of the most well-known and best supplements for adrenal fatigue.
They include ashwagandha, astragalus, Ginseng, eleuthero, and maca.
They're called adaptogens because of their unique ability to “adapt” their function
according to your body's specific needs.
If you have low cortisol, it helps to increase adrenal function, and if you have high cortisol
it will help to decrease it.
You'll usually get these adaptogenic herbs in a combination formula, so giving you a
dosage recommendation isn't possible as each formulation will be different.
So take as recommended on the packet.
I have a word of warning for you however.
Lots of adrenal support products include the herb Licorice root.
This is a wonderful herb for those people that are truly adrenal fatigued.
Some people however have the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, but don't have completely warn out
adrenals.
If you're already making lots of cortisol you don't want to take licorice root, as it
could make you more anxious, or make it harder for you to get to sleep.
So if you haven't had extensive adrenal testing done, err on the side of caution and use a
formula that doesn't include licorice root, or at least be mindful that licorice root
isn't right for everyone.
And with all these supplements I talk about today, if you're on any medication or have
some health issues, please check out any potential contraindications before starting any supplements.
ADRENAL FATIGUE SUPPLEMENT 2: Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid is a really
important vitamin for the adrenal glands and is found in higher levels in the adrenal glands
than other cells of the body.
It plays a role in producing and modulating cortisol and other stress hormones.
It also supports the metabolism of our food into energy, and is involved in the production
of acetylcholine a key neurotransmitter.
Standard doses of vitamin B5 for adrenal fatigue are 250-500mg per day.
If you tolerate B vitamins, you may like to take a B complex that is specifically formulated
for stress.
It will include all of the B vitamin's but have a higher than standard dose of vitamin
B5.
And here's a bonus tip for you: If you've got adrenal fatigue it's most likely
that you'll also be struggling with hypoglycemia, that is unbalanced blood sugars.
I've got another video dedicated to that topic that you will definitely want to check out,
especially if you have issues with anxiety.
ADRENAL FATIGUE SUPPLEMENT 3: Vitamin C
The adrenal glands contain the highest concentration
of vitamin C of any part of the body, so that indicates just how important it is and why
it is one of the best supplements for adrenal fatigue.
Vitamin C is involved in making adrenal hormones, and is a powerful antioxidant within the adrenal
gland.
Now there's not a standard recommended dose for vitamin C. It's really about what your
body needs and what your bowels can tolerate.
You see Vitamin C has a laxative effect, and you want to take as much vitamin C as you
can but not too much that you have diarrhea or tummy pains.
I would suggest aiming for about 2000- 5000mg per day.
Typically, the more chronic and severe your stress, the more vitamin C is necessary.
ADRENAL FATIGUE SUPPLEMENT 4: Adrenal glandulars.
The adrenal glandular supplements are literally made from pigs or cows adrenal glands.
They take the adrenals from healthy animals, lyophilise them, and then put the adrenal
extracts into a capsule.
This is an excellent supplement to take if you have severe adrenal fatigue, as it's very
good at rebuilding the adrenal glands.
Take 1 or 2 capsules, 1 to three times per day.
Higher doses are used for more chronic and severe cases.
ADRENAL FATIGUE SUPPLEMENT 5: Phosphatidylserine.
Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance called a phospholipid.
It covers and protects the cells in your brain and carries messages between them.
Phosphatidylserine is not a well-known supplement, but it is great at calming down the adrenal
stress, and lowering high cortisol.
Now technically for anyone that has true adrenal fatigue you won't need this.
But many people with symptoms of adrenal fatigue will have low cortisol in the morning, but
will have high cortisol at night.
The high cortisol at night, can give rise to anxiety and difficulty getting or staying
asleep.
So if you're struggling with sleep phosphatidylserine may be really helpful for you.
Standard dosages for phosphatidylserine is 200-300mg 30 minutes before bed.
If you're fatigued, stressed, depressed or anxious you will want to check out my videos
on Vitamin D and depression, and Zinc, anxiety and depression.
Thanks for watching and I'll see you in the next video.