Adrenal adaptogens are one of the most commonly prescribed supplements by functional medicine practitioners due to the impact of chronic stress on the majority of sick patients. Stress breaks your body down in every way imaginable so mitigating the negative effects of stress is priority number one in most patients.

I’ve been using adrenal adaptogens in my practice for over 15 years now and I’d like to share my favorite adrenal adaptogens that may help you feel better. Adrenal adaptogens can cause negative reactions in some patients so do not take any of these without proper evaluation from a healthcare practitioner to avoid side effects.

What is an adrenal adaptogen?

An adaptogen has “non-specific” activity and acts by increasing resistance of the organism to a broad spectrum of adverse biological, chemical, and physical factors. Adaptogens act by regulating and normalizing organ and system function in the body.  Adaptogens work primarily by affecting the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system. Thus, adaptogens modulate our response to stress (physical, environmental, or emotional) and help regulate the interconnected endocrine, immune, and nervous systems.

Your adrenal glands produce cortisol and adrenaline which make you more susceptible to infections and weaken the immune system. Adaptogens can help with infections through immune-building properties over time.

Adrenal adaptogen myths

Adrenal adaptogens do not increase cortisol levels above that of normal physiologic levels. Adrenal adaptogens do not lower cortisol levels below that of normal physiologic levels. Adrenal adaptogens will only help to normalize levels that may be too high or too low.

“Adrenal fatigue” does not exist based on the most recent scientific evidence. There is no doubt that adrenal gland and HPA-axis dysfunction exists but not in the way that adrenal fatigue has be traditionally described. I still use the term on this website since it is searched for online so I want people to be educated when they come to this website.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola rosea is a flowering perennial native to sub-Arctic regions around the globe, notably Scandinavia and Russia, where it has been studied extensively since the 1960’s. Traditionally used in Russia and Mongolia for the treatment of long-term illness and weakness caused by infection, Rhodiola root has been studied for its favorable effect on central nervous system activity and neurotransmitter levels (e.g. dopamine, monoamines and beta-endorphins).

Widely regarded as an effective natural antidepressant, rhodiola is distinguished by its lack of side effects. In addition to mood health, rhodiola has been shown to help improve sleep quality, memory and learning, to help reduce binge eating and to help increase stress tolerance in astronauts. Rhodiola is rich in potent antioxidants including vitamin C, catechins, organic acids, proanthocyanidins and the active compounds salidroside and rosavin.

Rhodiola has the following positive effects on the body:

* Enhances utilization of glucose

* Increases serotonin levels in the brain

* Improves energy and stamina

* Balances norepinephrine (adrenaline)

* Improves dopamine levels

* Reduces anxiety

* Enhances memory and brain function

* Antioxidant properties

* Stimulates healing

* Increases work productivity

* High altitude sickness

* Improves Depression

* Antimicrobial

* Cardio-protective

* Neuroprotective

* Immunomodulatory

* Improves female fertility