Adrenals & Fatigue

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Adrenals & fatigue - Shorts - Brief Article by Jule Klotter, Townsend Letter for

Doctors and Patients

Fatigue, weakness, and exercise intolerance are the primary signs of

hypoadrenalism. Low blood pressure, dizziness upon standing, heart

palpitations, and a tendency toward low weight are other signs. In his

November 2001 newsletter, Dr. of the Tahoma Clinic in Kent,

Washington (www.tahoma-clinic.com) says that the most accurate way to test

adrenal function is to measure the amounts of natural adrenal steroids in the

urine, collected over a 24-hour period, and compare these amounts to the

amounts found in a second 24-hour urine sample, taken after an injection of

ACTH. ACTH, a hormone, stimulates the adrenal glands.

Dr. recommends a combination of diet and supplements to strengthen

weak adrenals. He says that a good diet of whole, unprocessed foods that

avoids sugar and chemicals is necessary for supplements and herbs to be

their most effective. Salt, using as much as tastes good, benefits the adrenal

glands and should be included in the diet. In addition to taking a multiple

vitamin supplement, Dr. advises 1 gram of pantothenic acid twice a

day and 1-3 grams (depending upon bowel tolerance) of sodium ascorbate

three times a day. Low doses of natural cortisol and low doses of DHEA that

correspond to levels normally produced by the body also benefit the adrenals.

Six or more pieces of licorice (without artificial flavor or sugar), an herbal

supplement called Adren-Plus, and an adrenal glandular are also part of Dr.

's protocol.