There is no one way to heal your adrenals, however, there are some essential nutrients that can help them work at their best and not become over whelmed.
The first one being B vitamins- specifically vitamin B5. B vitamins in general are essential for energy and act as coenzymes, meaning they help the production of enzymes which influence specific biochemical transformations. When we are stressed, we tend to use up extra reserves, which in essence means we deplete our b vitamin stores. Pantothenic acid however is a little special. In the adrenals, it is converted into acetyl-CoA, which is a molecule that helps convert glucose into energy. This molecule is found everywhere, but abundantly in the adrenals because the production of hormones is very energy dense.
Second are electrolytes, particularly potassium and sodium. Our cells are electrically charged by mineral salts, which in turn provide energy and signaling for our body to work properly. Sodium and potassium depend on each other staying balanced, and if one is off, the other will go off, which can directly affect our blood pressure, central nervous system (CNS), energy, and more. This is because the adrenal glands are in charge of fluid balance, and these nutrients play a role in “electrically charging” our cells into making hormones, as well as keeping the body in a state of homeostasis.
Magnesium, another nutrient that is essential. Yes, an electrolyte, but primarily acts as a calming agent on the CNS. We need this in order to not over stress the body, and help with the absorption of potassium, which as we now know is vital. YET too much magnesium can lower sodium through the creation of loose stool, which in turn can affect the previous steps of mineral balance.
Another important nutrient is vitamin C. Much of our vitamin C is used by our adrenals to help produce hormones-particularly cortisol. This is not a bad thing, in fact, it means our body is using up energy to make sure it is on the alert to protect itself, yet if vitamin c gets depleted, our adrenal function declines, and can no longer produce enough hormones for proper function.
Lastly, healthy fats are essential for neurotransmitter and brain health, and as we know, the adrenals are connected to our brain through the HPA axis. Fats help decrease inflammation, and are essential in producing our sex hormones.
Aside from nutrients, medicinal plants can also be helpful in supporting the adrenals like eleuthro, ginseng and holy basil.
Eleuthro, also known as Siberian ginseng, helps to reduce the physical and mental fatigue the body is going through. It helps take the edge off of the stress one is experiencing, and acts energetically in helping the adrenals produce hormone more efficiently, despite the stress.
Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is an adaptogen that reduces cortisol. This is not a stimulating herb like the other two mentioned here, hence it may not help with energy production, but rather, simply reduce stress. This is important for an individual who is highly sensitive to stimulants and must acknowledge the necessity to REST and let the body heal, so the adrenals don’t continue to get over worked. This herb is good for someone who hasn’t been experiencing adrenal fatigue for too long and that the adrenals don’t necessarily need help producing hormones.
Conversely, Rhodiola is a perfect adaptogen for that very situation. When someone has suffered with adrenal fatigue for too long and the adrenals won’t produce hormones due to the chronic stress, they need a stimulating agent to start working again. Think of it as a zap. Rhodiola will also help the body adapt to stress and hopefully act resistant to it so it can relieve symptoms of exhaustion, anxiety and more.