Adrenal supplements are marketed to combat fatigue by many alternative practitioners. They typically contain a combination of herbs such as ashwagandha, ginseng, holy basil and rhodiola.
Avoid products with adrenal cortex extract derived from animals that have been exposed to bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE), also known as mad cow disease. This ingredient may cause side effects including a high salt craving, diarrhea and nausea.
1. Dizziness
Dizziness, or a lightheaded, woozy feeling, can occur with adrenal supplements. Dizziness can be a sign of an underlying medical problem that needs treatment. It can also be a side effect of some medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, sedatives and some blood pressure-lowering medicines. Dizziness can also be a symptom of anxiety disorders. Some types of anxiety attack may cause a person to feel dizzy and nauseous.
The adrenal glands are a group of hormone-producing glands located on top of each kidney. They are responsible for regulating stress response and hormone production. Some alternative health practitioners believe that chronic stress prevents the adrenal glands from functioning properly, which leads to a condition called adrenal fatigue. They claim that nutritional supplements can help restore the function of the adrenal glands and alleviate symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
Adrenal cortex extract is a commonly used dietary supplement. It is made from the adrenal glands of animals like cows and pigs. The extract contains the hormone hydrocortisone. Some people with adrenal fatigue may use the supplement to boost their immune system and provide them with essential hormones.
While adrenal cortex extract may help some individuals with adrenal fatigue, it is not a cure for the condition. The condition is a complex process that involves many factors. Moreover, the symptom of adrenal fatigue can have physiological, psychological or environmental causes and no two people show the same set of symptoms.
If you take adrenal cortex extract, it is important to check the label for steroid hormones and other ingredients that could cause side effects. You should also avoid taking any products derived from bovines, since they might have contracted the disease known as mad cow disease.
2. Nausea
A person who has adrenal fatigue may have symptoms such as nausea that make it difficult to eat. These symptoms are common in adrenal fatigue, but they can also occur when a person has other conditions such as depression or fibromyalgia. Regardless of the cause, anyone with these symptoms should talk to his or her doctor. If the doctor doesn’t have an explanation for the symptoms, he or she might refer the patient to an endocrinologist, who is a specialist in glands and hormones.
The two adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. They produce several different types of hormones, including cortisol and aldosterone. In some cases, the adrenal glands can be damaged by illness or injury. One example of this is Addison’s disease, which occurs when the outer portion of the adrenal gland, called the cortex, deteriorates. This reduces the secretion of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
There are herbal supplements that are designed to support the function of the adrenal glands. These supplements often contain herbs such as ashwagandha, ginseng, holy basil and rhodiola. Some of these herbs have been shown in small clinical trials to help with stress, anxiety and fatigue. However, there are no studies that show these herbs can help the adrenal glands to work normally.
There are risks associated with taking adrenal extract, which can cause nausea and other side effects. It can be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it is likely to interfere with certain medications. It is also not recommended for people with low immune system function, because it can make an infection more serious. Adrenal extract can also be dangerous if it comes from bovine (beef) sources, since it may contain the protein that causes bovine spongiform encephalitis or “mad cow disease.” People who are concerned about this issue should look for a product labeled as “wildcrafted,” “pure” or “organic.” These products may have fewer concerns about contamination.
3. Excessive sweating
If you take adrenal extract, you may experience a side effect of excessive sweating. This can be a sign that the supplements are not working to balance the hormones in your body, and you are experiencing excess cortisol. If you are experiencing this, it is important to talk to your doctor about your concerns and see if there is an underlying cause for the excess sweating.
Adrenal cortex extract is a natural product that is used to help support healthy adrenal function. However, this supplement should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women. In addition, it is not recommended to be used by people who have low immune system function as it may make them more susceptible to infections.
One of the primary causes of symptoms like fatigue and low energy levels is due to poor adrenal function. This can be caused by chronic emotional or physical stress, and it can lead to a depletion of your adrenal glands’ hormone production. These hormones are vital for balancing your blood sugar, regulating your metabolism and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
The adrenals also secrete the “fight or flight” hormones adrenaline and cortisol to increase your blood pressure and heart rate. When these hormones are out of balance, you can develop a number of health problems, including difficulty waking in the morning, irritability and insomnia.
Another possible side effect of taking adrenal supplements is muscle twitching. This can be a result of anxiety, sleeplessness or high blood pressure. It can also be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, liver congestion or low thyroid function. In some cases, it can be a symptom of the rare but serious condition known as adrenal pheochromocytoma.
4. Heart palpitations
The adrenal glands have a crucial role in keeping the body healthy. They regulate blood pressure, control immune system responses and regulate the hormones cortisol and epinephrine, which help the body respond to physical stress. When the adrenal glands aren’t functioning well, you may experience a wide variety of symptoms including low energy and chronic fatigue. You may also have trouble sleeping, digestive problems and anxiety. Fortunately, most adrenal disorders can be managed with dietary changes and some supplements.
Adrenal support supplements often contain freeze-dried adrenal gland cortex (the outer layer of the adrenal gland) extract from cows. They are commonly used to treat Addison’s disease, a condition caused by adrenal insufficiency that results in hormonal deficiencies. These supplements are also marketed to treat low adrenal function, high levels of potassium in the blood, low thyroid function, autoimmune disorders, depression and pain and swelling (inflammation).
In addition to adrenal extract, some supplements may contain other ingredients like magnesium or acetyl L-carnitine, which help the body absorb vitamin C. Ingesting too much adrenal support supplement may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain.
If you are considering taking an adrenal supplement, consult your doctor. He or she can let you know whether this product is safe for you and will not interact with any other medications or vitamins you are taking. In addition, your doctor can help you determine if you are at risk for an adrenal disorder by checking your postural (orthostatic) blood pressure. This test involves measuring your blood pressure while you are reclining and again when you stand up. In a normal response, your blood pressure should be higher when you are standing than when you are lying down.
5. Fatigue
While adrenaline and noradrenaline are powerful stimulants that help the body to cope with physical stressors, cortisol is also an important hormone that balances a wide range of other bodily functions. For this reason, it’s critical that the adrenal glands aren’t overworked or drained. The word “adrenal fatigue” is often used to describe unexplained feelings of tiredness. However, there are many physical illnesses that can cause unexplained fatigue, including thyroid problems, autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia, sleep apnea, cancer, anaemia, kidney or liver disease, infections and mental illness.
Multiple peer reviewed studies have debunked the notion of adrenal fatigue as a medical condition, yet it persists as a popular trend in alternative medicine circles. It’s a problem because if you’re told your symptoms are related to adrenal fatigue, you may miss out on a thorough workup by a medical professional to find and treat the real underlying cause of your symptoms.
There are several supplements that can support adrenal function, particularly those that contain adaptogens that have been shown to manage stress and encourage homeostasis. These include withania somnifera, rhodiola rosea, panax ginseng, vitamin C and magnesium. Additionally, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Studies show that sleep deprivation actually raises cortisol levels, which can lead to fatigue.
Finally, when it comes to purchasing supplements, be sure you’re buying from a trusted source. A recent analysis of adrenal support products sold on a popular online shopping website found that six herbal formulas, three bovine-derived products and one herbal-bovine combination product contained thyroid hormones and steroid hormones (pregnenolone, budesonide, androstenedione, progesterone, cortisone) that were not listed as ingredients. These substances could be dangerous in high doses.
