As most Lymies know, dealing with fatigue is a serious symptom that most of us deal with on a daily basis. The adrenal glands play a huge part in the healing journey of any patient and the stress that happens to their body. There is a debate in Lyme world about which came first (the Lyme destabilizing the adrenal glands or the adrenal glands being under stress and weakened so that the immune system could not fight Lyme Disease - (source)), but either way this is a part of the journey. It is also a significant thing to consider, especially for those who are not seeing healing results in ways that they had hoped or wanted.
“Dr. Gerald Poesnecker, a naturopathic physician who specialized in adrenal fatigue and who treated patients with this condition for many, many years, believed that if a person’s adrenal fatigue were severe enough, then the body wouldn’t mount an immune response to any treatments that were given it...he writes, ‘the bodies of patients with a low adrenal adaptive ability have lost much of their ability to create the needed reaction to produce a cure. On the contrary, when the body is not able to use the energy of these therapies constructively, they actually tend to produce a worsening of the underlying condition because, to the body, they become a stress and not a cure…” (source)
With this concept and many other doctors mentioning how important it is to heal the adrenals alongside healing Lyme comes a tricky concept that many people have tried to master throughout there journeys. It is a tricky endeavor, mostly because like everything with Lyme each patient is different.
As a quick background, my adrenal glands tested into the adrenal failure range at one point in this journey (a common issue for many Lyme patients) and needed medical intervention. At the same time my medical team helped me to nutritionally (through my diet) and supplementally (through a variety of supplements listed below and others that are not listed) support and start the SLOW and LONG process of healing them. As I mentioned above many of these products I continue to use as I continue to repair this area of my body from the fight from Lyme. It is a long road to repair the adrenals and it is something that needs to be considered as such. Don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away. They will come!
Due to my specific issues with Lyme there are many times that a variety of different companies have the same product but I have to use a quality rich supplement from a specific company due to manufacturing. I hope that these help! Here in no particular order are 10 of my tops supplements that I used to use or still use everyday:
1. HAD Adrenal Drops
"HAD Adrenal Drops is a unique homeopathic organotherapy preparation synergistically formulated to restore and support normal adrenal and endocrine functions. Insufficient adrenal function can result in deficient muscular metabolism, lowered resistance to infections, and reproductive and endocrine dysfunctions. HAD Adrenal Drops is indicated for symptoms associated with adrenal disorders, including stress, fatigue, insomnia and adrenal atrophy; and for allergies, hypoglycemia, chronic infections, inflammation and mineralization disorders."
I listed this one first because this is a product that I have used and continue to use and have felt the most difference with. For those who are extremely sensitive to new products (like I was for a very long time) my doctor started me putting a drop on my skin every day and we worked up to the recommended drops before starting this internally.
Many doctors offices carry this product or you can find it on the Internet. It sometimes is available on Amazon but currently it is out of stock so I have found it the cheapest at on Pure Formulas website for $20.30 HERE.
Vitamin B5, or commonly known as Pantothenic Acid is a an important part of healing your adrenal glands as it helps to produce co-enzyme A. Co-enzyme A contributes to cellular respiration and also helps in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
Over the years I have tried a variety of different Pantothenic Acid brands but consistently return to NOW's formula for the quality and also the price. You can find it for less than $13 on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Vitamin B6, is a an important part of restoring your adrenal glands as helps the functions of several pathways that are used to create adrenal hormones.
Over the years I have tried a variety of different Vitamin B6 brands but consistently return to NOW's formula for the quality and also the price. You can find it for less than $7 (for a months supply!!) on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Vitamin D plays an important part in healing your adrenal glands. This is a more "newer" concept but there are so many studies that are being done that show the link between low vitamin d levels and fatigue and adrenal issues. This Biotech product, of D3-50 is one of my favorite formulas that I have found to be very beneficial. You can find it on Amazon HERE.
Lots of times we think of Vitamin C as being a powerful and important antioxidant but it also helps the adrenal glands! Vitamin C is directly involved in the production of cortisol in your adrenal glands and is an essential building block in restoring and healing your adrenal glands.
I have tried a variety of Vitamin C products over the years, but this is the one from Solaray that has best fit my needs. You can find it for less than $15 on Amazon by clicking HERE.
A word of encouragement for those who struggle with taking Vitamin C orally as I know some Lyme patients do. Consult a qualified physician for this. Despite doing high-dose Vitamin C therapy as part of my healing process from Lyme and continue to receive Vitamin C in my weekly Myers Cocktail IVs, I for a LONG LONG time couldn't take vitamin c orally. It was just one of those weird and strange things with Lyme and the way that Mast Cell had affected my body. I heard this from tons of Lymies - so if you think you are alone- you are not. It took me a while, but with the help of my medical team, I have started (under a doctors care!) to add this back in orally and this is the product that I have found the most helpful. It is a non-acidic formula which is helpful as my gut continues to heal. As I mentioned above, you can find it for less than $15 on Amazon by clicking HERE.
6. Magnesium
Similar to #5, with Vitamin C, magnesium is not a supplement that we often consider important in the role of adrenal glands, but it is! Studies have shown that more than 75% of people are deficient in magnesium which is a HUGE issue for those struggling with adrenal fatigue and failure. Sadly, a lack of appropriate magnesium levels can result in fatigue symptoms. There are all different types of magnesium forms so you will want to consult with a doctor and research what is best for your specific case. Listed below are a few of the magnesium products that I have found to be the most helpful:
Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica
I started using this supplement this past summer and after several months I was amazed at how much it has helped my gut. For those that struggle with IBS, abdominal cramps, stomach cramps, etc. that is helped by placing a heating pad on the area this is a great little supplement to have.
For those who are extremely sensitive patients like myself, homeopathic options are a great way to go sometimes and this is a key example. For this I definitely recommend giving it several months before you expect to see a major difference. I noticed some result and help from it quickly but after several months I noticed huge results.
You can purchase Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica lots of places (including your local health store) but I found it for a couple of dollars cheaper on Amazon HERE. After trying it for 6 months and seeing the beneficial difference of continuously taking it daily I found it was cheapest to purchase a pack of 5 which can be found HERE.
I started using this supplement this past summer and after several months I was amazed at how much it has helped my gut. For those that struggle with IBS, abdominal cramps, stomach cramps, etc. that is helped by placing a heating pad on the area this is a great little supplement to have.
For those who are extremely sensitive patients like myself, homeopathic options are a great way to go sometimes and this is a key example. For this I definitely recommend giving it several months before you expect to see a major difference. I noticed some result and help from it quickly but after several months I noticed huge results.
You can purchase Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Magnesia Phosphorica lots of places (including your local health store) but I found it for a couple of dollars cheaper on Amazon HERE. After trying it for 6 months and seeing the beneficial difference of continuously taking it daily I found it was cheapest to purchase a pack of 5 which can be found HERE.
This is one of my favorite products, although as a disclaimer, it is also one of the more expensive supplements that I use. But it is fantastic and I find it the cheapest on Amazon. You can find it HERE.
Magnesium Oil (Magnesium Chloride)
This magnesium oil is probably been one of my most favorite products in my journey with regaining my health. I have used it for pain, but also daily use it for the benefits of adrenal rebuilding. My favorite brand is definitely this Swanson brand - it is wonderful and a bottle will last me for almost 6 months! You can find it on amazon HERE.
Magnesium Malate is a product that was recommended to me by my acupuncturist about two years ago. Unfortunately with the introduction of new treatment rounds, meds, supplements, etc. I haven't been able to try it but it is next up in the rounds for this summer. I am really excited about this product as I have been reading a ton and discussing with medical professionals the benefits of the malate form of magnesium specifically. Interestingly, "Dr.Jay Goldstein, U.S. director of the CFS Institute, has endorsed the use of malic acid as a "valid therapeutic approach" for patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome".
One of the things that I have read is that it takes at least two months to notice any difference with this magnesium so I am excited to share my findings at the end of the summer! The integrative therapeutics brand is the one that a few family members and friends have used and was recommended to me and is what I have purchased to use. You can find it HERE on Amazon.
7. Licorice
Licorice is a key component for Lyme Disease patients for a number of different things, including a helpful supplement for the gut, but Licorice also has additional health benefits beyond the gut as it is beneficial for the liver, helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps lessen the pain and fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and can even help with PMS symptoms. One significant thing that licorice does is that it helps your cortisol circulate for longer!
With all of these benefits, Licorice was a top contender and supplement for me and yet it took a long time for me to find the right company. Unfortunately lots of licorice supplements have added ingredients, which may work for some people, but for a patient like me who is extremely fragile, I needed a supplement that was purely Licorice. After researching I found the Nature's Plus version and it has been a perfect fit for me.
For all that Licorice does, this is one of the more affordable supplements that I used to take. At this current moment I am not taking it anymore but plan to add it back in to the regime in the future. I love when a supplement is helpful and healing for my gut, but also helps my body in other areas! On Amazon it retails for under $11. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Licorice is a key component for Lyme Disease patients for a number of different things, including a helpful supplement for the gut, but Licorice also has additional health benefits beyond the gut as it is beneficial for the liver, helps to lower cholesterol levels, helps lessen the pain and fatigue of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, and can even help with PMS symptoms. One significant thing that licorice does is that it helps your cortisol circulate for longer!
With all of these benefits, Licorice was a top contender and supplement for me and yet it took a long time for me to find the right company. Unfortunately lots of licorice supplements have added ingredients, which may work for some people, but for a patient like me who is extremely fragile, I needed a supplement that was purely Licorice. After researching I found the Nature's Plus version and it has been a perfect fit for me.
For all that Licorice does, this is one of the more affordable supplements that I used to take. At this current moment I am not taking it anymore but plan to add it back in to the regime in the future. I love when a supplement is helpful and healing for my gut, but also helps my body in other areas! On Amazon it retails for under $11. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
CoQ10 is important to the overall function of our body as it is used to produce energy for growing and maintaining our cells. Studies have shows that it can also help to increase endurance. My favorite brand of CoQ10 is the one by Researched Nutritionals above. Unfortunately you will have to have a doctors code to order this and give you a code but I would definitely recommend exploring this as this supplement is phenomenal. Beyond helping with energy, I attribute the fact that I don't suffer as much from pain as other people do from Fibro or Lyme issues to this supplement alone. It took a while to see a difference but it is a "must have" for me. You can find it HERE.
If you can't get a doctors code or help with Researched Nutritionals, than this CoQ10 on Amazon is what I would recommend as the back up plan.
This supplement is used for a variety of different things but it does help to move the fatty acids into the mitochondria where we need them to help produce energy. It is also helpful for boosting metabolism and increasing energy levels.
You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
10. Omega 3's
Many people are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and this can lead to increased inflammation, which requires an increase in cortisol production to manage. (It definitely is a circle that is completely connected!) Taking a quality omega 3 supplement can help to reduce the inflammation that is throughout your body and in turn help to relieve the taxation on your adrenals.
There are so many different brands and kinds of Omega 3 products, but my favorite and the one that I use is the ultimate omega by Nordic Naturals. I would definitely consult with a physician about what kind would be the most helpful for your particular case, and Nordic Naturals offers a variety of different products. You can find the product above (and other Nordic Naturals products) on Amazon by clicking HERE.
Some Additional Helpful Information:
This book, Adrenal Fatigue, by James Wilson, is one of the best resources that I would definitely recommend. Even if you are not dealing with Lyme it is a fantastic resource and one that I have in my library and have referred back to many times. You can find it on Amazon HERE.
There have been studies done over the years that show the importance and the benefits to the adrenal glands with using Himalayan salt. The above brand is the one that I have been using for years. You can find it on Amazon by clicking HERE.
I hope that this product list is helpful for those of you struggling with Lyme Disease or those who are interested in healing your adrenal glands! Let me know if you have any questions!
Looking for additional Lyme Resources? You can find my post, Ten Helpful and Affordable Supplements for Lyme Disease Patients for Healing Your Gut by clicking HERE or find The Lyme Diaries page HERE.
You can also find links to all of my Lyme Disease Books Listed Below:
Please note as a disclaimer that the information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her health care provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a physician-patient relationship.
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