5 Key Nutrients You Need to Support Your Adrenal Glands

I have been practicing in Burlington for 10 years. I have 2 little girls: a 2 1/2 year old and a 5 month old. I'm in love with my adrenal glands because they are the glands that let me be a super mom, and they are the organs I can steal from when I'm up late writing an article instead of sleeping. If I am getting sick or under too much stress, I put more time into my adrenal glands and they always give me the extra help I need. The adrenal glands are effected when people "burn out".  

Those who have experienced this phenomenon know how important these small organs are because of the multiple levels of health that are impacted. Most of us have felt various stages of adrenal fatigue, which is when the adrenal glands are not working at maximum efficiency. Symptoms include:  

• Feeling tired and wired

• Difficulty sleeping

• Anxiety

These symptoms can correlate to abnormally high cortisol levels which interferes with progesterone, testosterone and thyroid function. Symptoms of low cortisol include:  

• Fatigue, particularly in the morning and after lunch

• Increases susceptibility to infection

• Blood pressure issues

• Low libido

• Low blood sugar

• Depression

• Mental fog

The adrenal glands are seriously drained when we have children. They take time and key nutrients to repair. The adrenal glands are best supported when we go to sleep between 9-10pm. Their time to be repaired by sleep is 10pm-2am. So, if you are still awake past that time, you missed your sleep window to nourish the adrenal glands. Key nutrients to repair the adrenals include:  

• Vitamin C, as it is needed in a much higher concentration in the adrenal glands

• B vitamins, which are necessary fuel for the adrenal glands

• Magnesium (my new favourite mineral!)

• Zinc

• Iron, but only if directed through blood testing. Unnecessary iron supplementation is dangerous.

There are a family of herbs called adaptogens. These herbs help your body buffer the effects of stress and support adrenal balance. Some safe examples of these herbs are black currant, ginseng, rhodiola, Passion flower, skullcap and valerian. The first 3 herbs are more supportive for energy production and the last 3 herbs are better for anxiety. My favourite is a rhodiola and ginseng combination Please remember to nourish your adrenal glands and they will take care of you!  

Carissa Doherty ND Naturopathic Doctor Natural Care Clinic at naturalcareclinic.ca