Fight The Winter Slump With Our 6 Best Supplements For Adrenal Support

The 6 Best Supplements For Adrenal Support

Adrenal fatigue occurs after periods of prolonged stress. At first, the adrenal glands may produce too much of the stress hormone cortisol. Then, as they become “burned out,” they produce too little of this hormone. This leads to tiredness, weakness, brain fog, irritability, frustration, difficulty handling stress, and having a hard time prying yourself out of bed in the morning.

These problems can often be supported by promoting healthy adrenal function. When implementing an adrenal support program, it’s important to take the best adrenal fatigue supplements. Here are six science-backed options that will help maintain healthy energy levels.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B₅) for Adrenals

Pantothenic acid was first linked to the body’s main stress regulatory center, the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, in research released in the 1950s.¹ Pantothenic acid helps the adrenal glands produce healthy amounts of cortisol.¹ In rodent models, pantothenic acid deficiency leads to a decrease in the function of the adrenal cortex, the outer area of the adrenal gland.² Conversely, replenishing pantothenic acid by injecting animals with pantothenic acid derivatives similar to calcium pantothenate led to an improvement in the production of cortisol and other hormones by the adrenals.²

A human study found that the use of vitamin B₅ reduced the rise in urinary cortisol metabolites.³ This indicated that vitamin B₅ can suppress the excessive secretion of cortisol that occurs during times of stress.

Adrenal Bovine Extract (Whole and Cortex)

Alot of naturopathic and integrative health care practitioners use adrenal (whole and cortex) bovine extract to support adrenal health. These are extracts of dried whole adrenal glands and extracts of the outer cortex section of the adrenal glands from cows. These extracts contain hydrocortisone and are helpful in cases of adrenal exhaustion. They may help replenish depleted cortisol.

Eleuthero Root as an Adrenal Gland Support Supplement

This botanical falls under the category of an adaptogen. The technical definition of an adaptogen is, “metabolic regulators which increase the ability of an organism to adapt to environmental factors and to avoid damage from such factors.”⁴ More simply, adaptogens are substances that help the body adapt to stress. Like other adaptogens, Eleuthero root supports healthy energy levels, mental focus, and attention span during times of stress.⁴ Eleuthero root can also help maintain physical performance and endurance.⁵

A standard test to determine whether a substance can reduce the effects of mild stress in rodents is to place them in a tank of water and see how long they’re willing to keep swimming. This stresses out the animals and eventually causes them to give up. Rats given Eleuthero root were able to swim much longer before they became exhausted.⁶

A review of Soviet human studies reported on the results of Eleuthero supplementation in more than 2,100 participants ranging in age from 19 to 72 years.⁷ Eleuthero root increased the ability to adapt to adverse physical conditions, boosted mental performance, and enhanced the quality of work during times of stress.

Ashwagandha for Occasional Mild Natural Stress Relief

Ashwagandha is another adaptogen supplement. It has been used traditionally in India and Ayurvedic medicine to promote vigor and support muscle strength, endurance, and overall health.⁸ In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ashwagandha relieved mild stress and frustration.⁸ Ashwagandha supplementation also was linked to greater reductions in morning cortisol compared with the placebo.⁸ Another human study found ashwagandha supported weight management in adults under stress.⁹

Cordyceps Sinensis: a Powerful Adaptogen Supplement

Cordyceps Sinensis has been used in China for centuries to support vitality, overall health, and energy levels. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that Cordyceps Sinensis may enhance exercise performance in older adults.¹⁰ Similar results occurred in a mouse study. Cordyceps Sinensis increased the amount of time the mice could swim until they were exhausted.¹¹ Additionally, Cordyceps Sinensis is a valuable ally to have around when exposed to environmental factors beyond your control. A rodent study showed that Cordyceps Sinensis can protect against electromagnetic radiation.¹²

Best Adrenal Support Supplements

Taking all six of these adrenal gland support supplements could seem a bit overwhelming. That’s why Vital Nutrients conveniently bundled all six into one formula called Adrenal Support. It contains pantothenic acid, both whole adrenal bovine and adrenal cortex bovine extract, Eleuthero root, ashwagandha, and Cordyceps Sinensis mycelium extract. The synergistic combination is ideal for mild stress relief, for increased energy, and to promote a general sense of well-being.*

Get the next-generation of cortisol balance here for adrenal support.

Cortsiol Balance

References

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.