Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #210 on: November 06, 2009, 09:09:42 PM » by Pastorswife2B

Do any of you have experience or opinions/reasoning on the use of DHEA (straight up or in a chelated 7-keto formula) in treating your adrenals?

-H.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #211 on: November 07, 2009, 01:22:45 AM » by mykidsmom

Quote from: Pastorswife2B on November 06, 2009, 09:09:42 PM

Do any of you have experience or opinions/reasoning on the use of DHEA (straight up or in a chelated 7-keto formula) in treating your adrenals?

-H.

I actually have experience with both. I would highly recommend staying completely away from DHEA. The problem I found with it is it indiscriminately "decides" what hormones it wants to make - not necessarily giving you what you NEED. If you need increased cortisol (I'm assuming that's the case since this is an adrenal thread), you may actually GET increased estrogen, or progesterone, etc. etc. When I started taking DHEA I *thought* it would help straighten out my hormones. What it really did was mess them up more. My ND at the time said that DHEA supplemented does not function the same as DHEA our body produces. Unlike using supplements to nourish or increase a certain gland/hormone, DHEA supplemented just becomes whatever in the body with no controls on it necessarily. At the time, I was estrogen dominant and all the DHEA wanted to do was increase my estrogen levels. That's how she explained DHEA to me.

I have used 7-keto with some success. I do not understand why the 7-keto is so different from the straight DHEA, but it is! Maybe like other chelated supplements, it's just more bioavailable to the body therefore bypassing the whole process of having to "decide" what it's going to become. I dunno. If your adrenals aren't completely shot then this might work for you. Once my adrenals hit almost complete shutdown I needed something stronger (actual hormone). But before I hit that point the 7-keto did seem to help some.

hth

patti

« Last Edit: November 07, 2009, 01:25:34 AM by mykidsmom »
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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #212 on: November 07, 2009, 01:53:38 PM » by DHW

I have seen the 7-keto DHEA recommended by a regenerative medicine MD. He suggests the Life Extension brand, just one capsule daily. He also recommends DIM to prevent harmful effects from estrogens. (Similar to cholesterol, estrogens can be either beneficial or harmful.)

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #213 on: November 08, 2009, 03:30:23 PM » by mommyM

Pregnacy and the Adrenal Glands, how have you felt with your adrenal gland problems and pregnancy? Huh

?

I just read in Above Rubies that pregnancy is supposed to help your adrenal glands. It would be interesting to hear your stories on how you feel pregnancy affected your adrenal glands.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #214 on: November 08, 2009, 04:14:27 PM » by ladyhen

Quote from: mommyM on November 08, 2009, 03:30:23 PM

Pregnacy and the Adrenal Glands, how have you felt with your adrenal gland problems and pregnancy? Huh

?

I just read in Above Rubies that pregnancy is supposed to help your adrenal glands. It would be interesting to hear your stories on how you feel pregnancy affected your adrenal glands.

I had problems in pregnancy due to adrenal exhaustion. Also had some severe complications during my last two births. This was before I was being consistently treated for adrenal problems, however.

Also, my oldest dd has adrenal insufficiency that our doctor said was caused by my low adrenal function during pregnancy. Seems that adrenals will scavenge from the growing baby's system during pregnancy.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #215 on: November 08, 2009, 07:29:27 PM » by mykidsmom

Quote from: mommyM on November 08, 2009, 03:30:23 PM

Pregnacy and the Adrenal Glands, how have you felt with your adrenal gland problems and pregnancy? Huh

?

I just read in Above Rubies that pregnancy is supposed to help your adrenal glands. It would be interesting to hear your stories on how you feel pregnancy affected your adrenal glands.

I wonder if it matters if you're carrying a boy or a girl? When I'm pregnant with girls my adrenals are shot. I can hardly function. When I carry a boy I have more energy and my adrenals do better then any other time of life. Weird huh? Roll Eyes

patti

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #216 on: November 08, 2009, 11:17:08 PM » by Pastorswife2B

Quote from: mykidsmom on November 07, 2009, 01:22:45 AM

I have used 7-keto with some success. I do not understand why the 7-keto is so different from the straight DHEA, but it is! Maybe like other chelated supplements, it's just more bioavailable to the body therefore bypassing the whole process of having to "decide" what it's going to become. I dunno. If your adrenals aren't completely shot then this might work for you. Once my adrenals hit almost complete shutdown I needed something stronger (actual hormone). But before I hit that point the 7-keto did seem to help some.

hth

patti

So what do you think was the turning point for your adrenals. What helped them stop getting worse and start getting better?

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #217 on: November 09, 2009, 01:11:35 AM » by mykidsmom

Quote from: Pastorswife2B on November 08, 2009, 11:17:08 PM

Quote from: mykidsmom on November 07, 2009, 01:22:45 AM

So what do you think was the turning point for your adrenals. What helped them stop getting worse and start getting better?

I think ultimately, it was change in diet, supplementing BOTH thyroid and adrenal with actual hormone (vs. supplements) and I also think the progesterone cream helped. Between all those things my entire hormonal system began straightening out and slowly my adrenals started to heal. As time has gone I've been able to remove the thyroid and adrenal hormones and drop my progesterone way low. One thing with adrenals is if they are low in fucntioning, your entire glandular system is low because your adrenals will draw from other glands trying to fix themselves. That leaves those other glands low. It's a vicious circle.

I think the last big boost I noticed to my adrenals came when I added vit. D to my diet. I was REALLY low (19). It made a huge difference to my energy levels and I noticed I stopped crashing at 4:00pm. I think it's important that you nourish your entire endocrine system and then the individual glands be given the hormone they need to function properly. In time (took me about two years) things will begin to heal.

hth

patti

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #218 on: November 11, 2009, 11:38:14 AM » by mommyM

Quote from: ladyhen on November 08, 2009, 04:14:27 PM

Quote from: mommyM on November 08, 2009, 03:30:23 PM

Pregnacy and the Adrenal Glands, how have you felt with your adrenal gland problems and pregnancy? Huh

?

I just read in Above Rubies that pregnancy is supposed to help your adrenal glands. It would be interesting to hear your stories on how you feel pregnancy affected your adrenal glands.

So, from the above, I take that pregnancy can be a trying time for your adrenals. That is what my natural doctor had told me too. I wonder where that info came from that pregnancy is good for your adrenals?

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #219 on: November 11, 2009, 05:41:32 PM » by mykidsmom

Quote from: mommyM on November 11, 2009, 11:38:14 AM

Quote from: ladyhen on November 08, 2009, 04:14:27 PM

Quote from: mommyM on November 08, 2009, 03:30:23 PM

Pregnacy and the Adrenal Glands, how have you felt with your adrenal gland problems and pregnancy? Huh

?

I just read in Above Rubies that pregnancy is supposed to help your adrenal glands. It would be interesting to hear your stories on how you feel pregnancy affected your adrenal glands.

I think the answer is, it depends. When I'm pregnant with a boy my adrenals are better then when I'm not pregnant. I have tons of energy, I sleep well, I feel fantastic. At least for me I can tell by week 6 if I'm having a boy or a girl. Grin

For me, girls wear on my adrenals. So I'm not sure there is a clear cut answer to what you are looking for. If you've had previous pregnancies I would judge by them.

patti

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #220 on: November 11, 2009, 06:38:53 PM » by ladyhen

And I had a dreadful time with my last three pregnancies due to low adrenal function. Several organs were low functioning and heart tachycardia was real bad with the last one, a boy, and I went into shock during his birth. Don't know and have never heard anything about the sex of the baby being a factor. Huh

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #221 on: November 11, 2009, 09:37:59 PM » by mykidsmom

Quote from: ladyhen on November 11, 2009, 06:38:53 PM

I know baby sex is likely not a factor. Grin

I was just pointing out for me it seems to be. I think it would be safe to say for you that being pregnant again (if your adrenals are shot right now) could be like your others then. Although, if you are eating healthier, and supporting your adrenals right now then it might be fine. Have you looked into taking Isocort? I would highly recommend it if your adrenals are that low. I believe it is safe during pregnancy as well but you'd want to check with an ND.

patti

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #222 on: November 29, 2009, 11:56:10 PM » by SuMara

Hi Ladies,

I don't remember if I've posted on WTM before (poor memory, you know?), so I'll introduce myself. I've been married for almost 17 years, and have 10 children (in 14 years). I can't say that I've had major stressful situations in my life (as in things outside of myself happening to me - family situations, job problems, abuse, accidents, etc.), other than one family situation in early 2007 that has ongoing emotional ramifications. I have, however, had many pregnancies in a relatively short period of time, and I currently live in a very small house that is in constant clutter because I don't have a place to put things (and even writing about it right now makes me cry) and IT DRIVES ME CRAZY Cry

. My kids do much of the housework and cooking because #1. I want them to be trained to be responsible and capable, and #2. I can't do it myself.

Okay, so here goes. I feel terrible. Right this minute I am in a very low state - depressed, tired, headache, heart going crazy, lower back pain, discouraged. I've suspected adrenal fatigue for several years, read up on it, forgot what I read a few years ago, and am currently re-reading. I am convinced that this is me, and it is discouraging and depressing. I'm too tired and too financially strapped to do much about it. Funny, huh? The syndrome that needs research and energy to learn about and treat is the one that has symptoms of fatigue, lack of motivation, insomnia, etc. How do I research and apply what I've learned if I can't even cook a meal? Okay, I CAN cook a meal, but it sure seems overwhelming.

I feel so lazy. I am inadequate as a parent. Instead of training my children to begin with, I'm forever "mopping up the spills", so to speak - dealing with the results of poor training, and in a not-so-gracious manner too much of the time.

My request right now is for prayer. I can't do this alone. I'm too tired and discouraged. Can someone just come over and fix me the right meals and present them to me at the right times and encourage me to be a good mom?

SuMara

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #223 on: November 30, 2009, 12:12:59 AM » by SuMara

I forgot to add that my youngest is 9 months old and nursing. She's just starting solids. I really enjoy nursing, but I don't know how much it adds to my stress. Since I stay up so late, I usually nurse her before I go to bed. In the morning, an older sibling will get her up before I even know she's awake, so I do not have to be wakened out of sleep to care for her. If I did have to, I would surely be in a much more dreadful state. I HATE to be wakened out of sleep. I would rather stay up late to nurse a child one last time, than to go to sleep earlier and be wakened at that same late hour to nurse.

SuMara

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #224 on: November 30, 2009, 05:25:51 PM » by mommyM

SuMara, What is your blood pressure? Low or High?

1. Make sure every morning you eat protein for breakfast with some salt.

2. Take Licorice Root, I think it is ok when you are nursing and encourages your adrenal glands, should be fairly cheap on luckyvitamin.com. Also, almost all the vitamin C in your body is used up in the adrenal gland. I take a buffered Vitamin C.

3. Take a big baby break, pregnancy is very hard on the adrenal glands according to my doctor.

4. You say you go to bed late, train yourself to go to bed at least 1 or 1/2 hour earlier every nite.

Wish you could come to my place and rest, but sorry I live in Guate and a busy missionary mom, the only difference is that here you can hire a maid for about 6$ a day! Take Care, each little change will make a difference, do not give up!!

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #225 on: December 01, 2009, 12:50:17 AM » by SuMara

Thanks, MommyM, for your reply. I definitely hit a low point last night, which actually improved even before I went to bed.

I do not have a blood pressue cuff, so I don't know if I'm high or low. During regular prenatal visits, my blood pressure has always been within the normal range, except for once or twice. That, of course, does not tell what is going on now.

I'm working on the going to bed earlier part. The late bedtime has been so much a part of my life for years that it is HARD to break that habit.

My current supplements:
~Mega Foods food-based Complex C
~evening primrose oil
~Mega Foods food-based Optimum Foods
~vitamin D3
~milk thistle
~vitex
~Mega Foods food-based Magnesium
~World Organic Liqui-Kelp (iodine)
~B complex
~B-12 spray
~Source Naturals Daily Essential Enzymes
~Tri Light Adult Herbal Minerals
~Tri Light BoostaMune (with blue-green algae)
~Garden Greens Essential Veggies (just got it today from vitacost)
~Michael's Adrenal Xtra (just got it today - has c, pantothenic acid, ashwagandha root, rhodiola rosea root extract, rhodiola rosea root, licorice root)

Yikes! That sounds like a lot - didn't realize how much I took until I wrote it out. These supplements change periodically, as I learn more, run out of money, or want to try something new. The ones that always stay are Tri Light minerals (usually with blue green algae, as that really seems to help), vitex, evening primrose oil, vitamin c, b complex, and a multivitamin (Garden of Life Perfect Food is my favorite, but also very pricy).

Oh my! A maid for $6/day! Do they do a good job? Let's see, my birthday is coming up . . .

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #226 on: December 01, 2009, 01:08:33 AM » by SuMara

Oh, yes, protein. With so many pregnancies, I've been in the protein habit for years. I can't really concentrate on making decisions in the morning, especially about food, so usually one of my daughters either makes me something with protein so I don't have to think, or else asks what I'd like and gets it to me fairly soon. Even the 3-year old knows that we have to have protein, although she may not know exactly what protein is. I love meat and cheese and deviled eggs (salad eggs) and almond butter and some nuts and peanut butter fudge Grin

(that counts, right?). I can eat beans and hummus. Actually a gyro sounds wonderful right now! Okay, I'm in a very hungry mode and thoughts of food abound. Food is way more important than I ever wanted it to be, but it just has to be that way. I am lost without regular meals, and without plenty of protein and some good fats. We use butter, Tropical Traditions coconut oil, and very little olive oil (we do not like the taste of it).

Diet has to be one of my main areas of focus. Some things we do well: raw cow's milk, free-range chickens, free-range chicken eggs, no canned soups, etc. We try to buy organic whenever affordable - the Lord has blessed us with friends who raise chickens and other friends who own and operate their own bulk food store. Our milk is from an Amish family. Other things we don't do so well: um, well, I'll skip the examples.

I said that we were financially strapped, and we are, especially since my husband's work as a self-employed electrician has really dropped in the last few months. He is making my health a priority, and insists that I take my supplements.

Okay, enough jabbering on.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #227 on: December 01, 2009, 09:04:11 AM » by ladyhen

SuMara,

That sounds like a good diet and supplement regimen, imo.
I had low adrenal episodes for years before progressing to full adrenal failure, so I know how tiring the search and the condition can be.

You didn't say if you were getting salt in your diet. As the adrenals control the sodium/potassium balance in your body, it's important to have enough salt in your diet. Something that helps me get going in the morning it to had a generous pinch of sea salt and a couple of glasses of water. Of course, drink plenty of water throughout the day.

I've also found that sleeping in complete darkness helps me to have better sleep and feel more energetic in the morning. I keep a lightweight hand towel to cover my eyes if there is any light at all in the room. It works so well for me, however, that we went ahead and put blackout curtains over the windows in our room and covered the clock.

As much as you are able, try to find the time to lay down (important factor - a prone position helps this to work!) for at least 15 to 30 minutes a day and close or cover your eyes. When my children were little, I would fill the bathtub and lay in it with the lights out. Having my ears underwater helped to shut out the family noises so that I would actually rest.

If it is your adrenals, the adrenal complex that you just got should start helping in a week or so.

hth~

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #228 on: December 01, 2009, 10:39:48 AM » by mommyM

The maid is great, sorry I can't send you one, sounds like your kids do real well though and WOW on all the supplements! You probably need more salt especially if you drink alot of water. Also, go to a local Wal-Mart or pharmacy and check your blood pressure. If you go with some supplements to support your adrenal gland, you actually could cut out some of the others if you are financially strapped.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #229 on: December 01, 2009, 10:36:20 PM » by SuMara

I do crave salt and I do eat salt. We use Real Salt. From my reading I've heard about drinking salted water, but that sounds really gaggy to me. The drinking water part is great - I already do that all day long. But salt in it? My question is if it's just as effective to eat a salty meal/snack and drink plenty of water? Do I eat salt until I seem satisfied and don't crave it?

Here's a funny: Earlier in our marriage I used to get so mad at my husband (mostly fuming inside) because I thought he was ruining his health by using lots of salt and lots of butter. Now, I'll salt things that he thinks are plenty salty, and I can't seem to get enough butter (I'm assuming it's the salt in it that I want).

I almost always take a nap in the afternoon. Thirty minutes?! That's just enough to give me a headache. My naps are 1-3 hours. I often sleep better at naptime than at night. My four youngest also nap when I do, so they do not disturb me. The olders, however, sometimes get a little wound up and keep me awake Tongue

.

I'll have to work on that darkened room thing. I'm sure it would benefit both my husband and I.

I never thought of going to Walmart for the blood pressue. Duh!

As far as supplements: I use the epo for premenstrual and menstrual reasons - it helps even out my moods and pain. Someone had suggested to me personally that I sub an omega 3 and St. John's Wort for the epo to help with the depression. Questions: Will this still be effective for cycle issues? Is the SJW safe for nursing? I also use all of the supplements for various reasons - I really want to keep myself supplied with appropriate nutrients for myself and for nursing baby, and to boost our immune systems during winter months. If I slack off in taking them I can tell.

Thank you, ladies, for your replies. It helps to know that I'm not alone, even though I feel that way sometimes.

SuMara

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #230 on: December 02, 2009, 10:55:44 AM » by ladyhen

Quote from: SuMara on December 01, 2009, 10:36:20 PM

Sounds like us, SuMara! Yes, even the mainstream medical community is beginning to learn that salt and butter aren't really bad for you. Butter is a GOOD fat, and your body does need good fats.
I use salt to taste or craving. Learning to listen to my body's cravings has really helped my overall health. I don't like the salted water, either, and I get plenty of salt (I use RealSalt, too) in my diet. I do, however, find that if I start the morning with a good pinch of salt and 2 glasses of water it has the effect of 'jumpstarting' my adrenals. Really helps me with the morning fatigue.

Have you tried Vitex, chaste tree berry? It does much the same thing as epo by normalizing your own hormone production. OOPS! Just read that you already are taking it. Wink

Anyway ~ wish that I could be more help. Sounds like you are on the right track. Be sure to post in a week or two if the new adrenal suppl. works for you.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #231 on: December 02, 2009, 02:48:23 PM » by mommyM

SuMara, I have some ideas for you on the salt thing, one of my favorite pick me up snacks is 1/3 of a banana and rub that sea salt right into the banana. Us gals on here should not eat bananas and drink lots of water without using the salt. If you drink lots of water, because of nursing, you need to keep a bag of salty tortilla chips handy and eat one chip with every cup of water you drin. Tortilla chips are not all that bad for you and this will only add up to maybe 8 chips a day, give or take. Of course, all of your children will all of the sudden have low blood pressure and need more salt too, just kidding.

I don't like the salt water either, but I do notice that I feel well if I get the salt into me.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #232 on: December 02, 2009, 02:52:20 PM » by boysmama

I notice a benefit to starting the day with a big pinch of salt and at least 16 oz. water also.

Lemon or lime juice really helps hide the taste of the salt in the water. It's really very little salt per glass of water. You may be trying to adding too much.

I don't think that just using lots of salt throughout the day results in the same cellular rehydration as getting a little bit of salt with each glass of water.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #233 on: December 02, 2009, 03:05:44 PM » by Jade

For an affordable option, you might want to try nettle seeds. They seem to be nearly a specific for adrenal exhaustion. According to the article I read (which I included in the link below), they are "especially effective for those suffering from severe burnout, resulting in profound fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain and alternating feelings of depression and intense anxiety. Nettle seed can lessen all of these symptoms, and sometimes eliminate them completely."

I've been taking them sporadically, and I really notice a difference in my energy levels when I take them. They're like a nearly-instant boost of motivation/energy. I just eat about a half-teaspoon of them. I think I could probably do better with eating more, but I don't love the taste... Roll Eyes

Here's a great article about using nettle seeds as an adrenal trophorestorative:

http://bearmedicineherbals.com/?p=271

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #234 on: December 02, 2009, 11:52:16 PM » by SuMara

MommyM - took my blood pressure this evening at Walmart and it was high. Now, what does that mean? I had just been walking all over the store, remembered about the bp and headed right for the pharmacy. My heart rate was also high - 104. Man, that is high. I don't remember if my heart was racing when I took the bp, but it certainly does race a lot lately.

Jade - where do you get nettle seeds? Has anyone else tried this successfully?

SuMara

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #235 on: December 03, 2009, 02:53:14 PM » by mommyM

Quote from: SuMara on December 02, 2009, 11:52:16 PM

If you have high blood pressure, then do not do the salt! You may need to look on the high blood pressure thread, maybe this is causing your fatigue?

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #236 on: December 03, 2009, 04:01:12 PM » by ladyhen

Actually, only about 10% of the population is sodium reactive in this way. There are many other factors that can affect blood pressure. This is a very common misconception.

http://www.naturalnews.com/015820_blood_blood_pressure_salt.html

SuMara, you stated that your bp was high. What were the numbers? Were they higher than your normal? Your heart rate was high, however. Were you out of breath or weary at the time you took these readings? When my heart rate is around 100 bpm, I definitely feel strange. It is, of course, quite possible for the machine to be off.
Do you have a chiro, ND, or midwife that you see? It wouldn't hurt to have your bp checked occasionally to see if this is something to be concerned about.

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #237 on: December 03, 2009, 11:12:53 PM » by Pastorswife2B

Su,

I have just recently 'stabalized' my Adrenal Fatigue so I'll share with you what I did and why and maybe you can glean some things from that.

My symptoms centered around a issues with Potassium, I ended up in the ER with such low potassium it was making me pass out. After deciding my Adrenal glands were to blame I started on several supplements only to figure out they made me worse! Figured out that I am also EXTREMELY chemically sensitive and I have had to switch to whole food supplements.

I decided that Vit b especially pantothenic Acid was important so I take NOW foods Royal Jelly and Brewer's Yeast.
Vit C - I get this through NOW Foods Acerola cherry powder 4:1 concentrate.
I take a prenatal vitamin NOW Foods Special 2 (I am nursing also! mine is now 7 months).
Vit D I'm pretty difficient so I'm taking about 10,000 IU's a day
I am taking DHEA in the 7 Keto form to help my body make up the hormone lack of under functioning Adrenals
And I'm taking Adrenal Aid II from mountain Meadow Herbs, It's a pregnancy and lactating formula so no Licorice root. After doing my research I decided against using Licorice while nursing a young baby and I tend to get pregnant when nursing an older one ;-).

And a word on how I start my mornings. I know allot of girls on here have found the salt water and extra salt has helped them, for me it just brings on a very bad episode. The Adrenal glands regulate the salt and potassium ratio in your body and when they are not functioning correctly that ratio gets thrown off, for some that means they have to much potassium and not enough salt so they benefit from salt. For me my body tends to hoard the salt and flushes out to much Potassium; so test your body on whether it improves for you to do the salt, or drags you down.
Because of this I tend to start my morning with a strong infussion of Nettle leaves and Oatstraw. Nettles are very good for the Adrenals and Oatstraw has an anti inflammatory action which is an aid to healing degenerative conditions. They both provide me with a nice boost of Potassium and get me going strong for the day!

For an infusion the night before I take about 1/3 cup of each herb in a quart jar and fill it with boiling water. I leave it on the counter over night and drink in the morning as I'm getting around.

I hope this helps you and offers you some hope. I was to the point only about 2 months ago that I couldn't function, I wasn't even keeping meals on the table. After working out a regimen and keeping on it for about 3 weeks I was back to functioning level and I'm beginning to get to the point that tackling a work project seems almost doable! Keep working at it when all the right pieces come together you'll look up and realize, wow I've come along ways!

-H

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #238 on: December 04, 2009, 01:41:15 AM » by SuMara

ladyhen - bp was 143/63. I don't know what my normal is. It was about 10pm when I was at the store, and I had just been walking all over it, so my heart rate should have been elevated some, but 104 seemed higher than expected. My midwife lives too far away; I do not go to a chiro or ND. A friend goes to a midwife for her health issues, but I think that mw is also too far away for me. I can always visit Walmart regularly

, maybe sitting to rest for a bit before taking the bp. I've printed the article you linked to so I can read it.

Pastorswife2B - Thank you for your story, especially how you are different and what has helped. I just reread an article by James Howenstine (News With Views) on iodine insufficiency. If his article is accurate, then I would need way more iodine than what I'm taking.

Does anyone know of a way to check at home for low iodine?

MommyM - I'm fairly certain that I have adrenal fatigue. There are just too many symptoms, and too many, "Hey, that's ME!" when I read about it. For a reference point, in the book by James L. Wilson in the chapter with cartooned symptoms, I counted 16 out of about 20 symptoms that registered strongly with me. Those cartoons are not all-inclusive, and I have other symptoms as well.

I don't remember if I read about it here or not, except for one comment about lithium orotate, but does anyone else deal with the racing heart? What do you do about it? Or does that symptom just diminish as the adrenals begin to recover? I have it all day, but more so at night. Sometimes it keeps me awake.

Thanks again for all of your input. Off to eat my salty, buttery snack Grin

SuMara

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Re: Herbal Remedies to Boost a Tired Out Adrenal Gland?
« Reply #239 on: December 04, 2009, 10:38:55 AM » by ladyhen

SuMara -

Good idea to try the bp machine after resting a bit.
But if your heart rate is that high, and you have the racing heart, it might not go down. Otherwise, it wouldn't keep you awake or waken you at night, right!? Wink

I have that aspect of adrenals, too. It wears me out, and frightened me when it first started happening.
A lot of herbal supplements for Adrenal insufficiency contain Hawthorn berry, which strengthens and protects the heart. I make a tincture with Hawthorn berries which I take, along with a nettles and oatstraw tincture (Getting an all-around fix on the minerals, PW2B. Cheesy

) But I don't seem to have problems with potassium levels.
My doc, an MD that practices classical homeopathy, put me on lithium orotate for the heart tachycardia (racing). That has been a major help and I don't have daily episodes and can sleep at night. I also take Isocort and always will, as my adrenals have failed completely. My daughter also has low functioning adrenals and doesn't respond to the same supplements that I take. The doctor has a pharmacy that makes a hydro cortisone/herbal mix specifically for her. This doc, who also has Addison's Disease, said that not everyone responds to the same treatment for their adrenals.
What I have found that sometimes helps me when my heart rate is too high or I am having anxiety attacks is to put ice compresses (or a cold drink container) on my neck/head, right below and in front of the ear so that the temporal artery is chilled. Cooling my blood seems to help calm me and my heart.
Pastorswife2B mentions a lot about finding the minerals and vitamins that combine to work for her. It takes some doing to find the right balance, but sounds like you're on the right track. Her nettles and oatstraw blend is what I take, along with some horsetail in it, along with a calcium/magnesium supplement. I have had to do plenty of research and trial to find what it takes to keep me going. I know, that's really hard to do when adrenals aren't working and you can't sleep well or concentrate.

Have you tried blacking out your windows at night yet? Getting enough sleep in a blacked out room really helps me. If nothing else, put a hand towel or bandanna over your eyes at night.

praying that you are improving ~ c

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