Restorative Medicine in the Treatment of Adrenal Dysfunction

Should be a primary consideration, and any unresolved areas of stress must be addressed.
Psychotherapeutic counseling may be indicated.
Stress reduction techniques, such as biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and tai chi, are also useful stress reaction modulators.
Rest and relaxation should be encouraged, including rest periods during the day and getting to bed early (preferably by 10:30 p.m. or before the evening “second wind”).
A moderate level of enjoyable exercise is also indicated, such that one is not more fatigued after or the next day.

Diet should focus on consumption of a variety of whole, natural, and preferably organic foods.
To control blood sugar fluctuations, each meal should combine some fat (preferably high in essential fatty acids) with protein and complex carbohydrate.
Non-starchy vegetables should be eaten 6-8 servings per day.
Fruits and grains should be avoided at breakfast because these foods can lead to pre-lunchhypoglycemia (in fact bouts of hypoglycemia should be avoided as much as possible).
To avoid hypoglycemia, eat smaller meals more frequently, while being aware of the glycemic indices of food (necessary if hypoglycemia needs to be managed).
Salt need not be restricted especially if hypotension is a sign. Taking ½ teaspoon of salt twice a day is recommended.
Any food sensitivities should be avoided during this phase of adrenal recovery, as well as stimulants (caffeine in any form, nicotine, etc.), alcohol, hydrogenated oils, and deep-fried foods.

Botanicals, nutritional supplements, and replacement hormones can be used to support the adrenal gland and to mitigate the effects of either excess or deficient cortisol production.
Adaptogenic herbs help with a variety of conditions, ranging from the body’s ability to handle stress to increasing red blood cell and white blood cell count in patients who are immune compromised.
Herbs can serve as part of the treatments for fatigue, hypothyroid, hyperthyroid, Graves disease, diabetes, hypoglycemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal hyperplasia, Addison’s, Cushing’s, and any other endocrine conditions.
Herbs can also be taken as a general daily tonic that can support the immune system and promote health.
Some adaptogens also aid in digestion, circulatory tone, and various hormonal imbalances.
Nutritional supplements speed recovery from adrenal fatigue, prevent some of the damage caused by adrenal dysfunction, and , by helping to improve such things as motivation, energy and mood, in many cases are necessary for recovery to occur.

Restoring patient wellness. Building physician practices.