Therapeutics 1 - Adrenal Therapeutics Flashcards
Q: What is the root cause of adrenal fatigue or exhaustion?
A: The root cause is prolonged stress and overwork, coupled with insufficient rest and recovery, which disrupts homeostasis and affects digestion, absorption, and elimination.
Q: Why is rest essential for recovering from adrenal fatigue?
A: Rest helps restore adrenal function by reducing stress, supporting recovery, and improving homeostasis. Sleep hygiene, aiming for 8-9 hours starting around 10 pm, is crucial.
Q: Why are lifestyle changes necessary in addition to supplements for adrenal recovery?
A: Because supplements alone cannot address the lifestyle imbalance and stress that contribute to adrenal fatigue. Rest, relaxation techniques, and a balanced lifestyle are needed.
Q: Name some relaxation techniques that help manage adrenal fatigue.
A: Techniques include deep breathing, gentle exercise (e.g., Tai Chi, swimming), Epsom salt baths, relaxing herbal teas (e.g., chamomile), and prioritizing rest.
Q: Which activities should be avoided to protect adrenal health?
A: Avoid overexertion, intense exercise, extended fasting, and stimulants like alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and energy drinks.
Q: What dietary approach supports hormone synthesis and adrenal recovery?
A: A diet rich in organic vegetables, fruits, and legumes supports hormone synthesis, detoxification, and body regeneration.
Q: How can blood sugar fluctuations be minimized to support adrenal function?
A: Eat within an hour of waking up, have three balanced meals daily, chew food well, and avoid refined sugars. Consume low-glycemic carbs, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats.
Q: When might it be necessary to eat smaller meals more frequently during adrenal recovery?
A: If blood sugar levels drop (e.g., causing dizziness or sweating), eating smaller meals every 4 hours may be helpful until the system is rebalanced.
Q: Which key nutrients are important for cortisol management?
A: Magnesium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B5 are important for cortisol management and adrenal health.
Q: Why is magnesium important for adrenal health, and where can it be found?
A: Magnesium helps manage cortisol levels and is found in leafy greens, avocados, pumpkin seeds, beans, and legumes.
Q: How does Vitamin C support the adrenals, and when should it be taken?
A: Vitamin C is released by the adrenals during stress. It should be taken as 150 mg of sodium ascorbate three times daily.
Q: What are adaptogens, and how do they help the body manage stress?
A: Adaptogens are herbs that increase stamina, balance adrenal hormones, and help the body cope with stress.
Q: Why should stimulating adaptogens like Siberian ginseng and rhodiola be used cautiously?
A: They should be used short-term during high-demand periods and avoided long-term or in the evenings/weekends as they may inhibit recovery.
Q: What are some examples of relaxing adaptogens, and how do they help?
A: Relaxing adaptogens like ashwagandha, gotu kola, shatavari, and Schisandra support rest, recovery, and have a calming effect. They also help detoxify and support reproductive health.
Q: When should relaxing adaptogens ideally be taken for adrenal support?
A: They should be taken during evenings and weekends to nourish the adrenals. For example, adding two teaspoons of ashwagandha to warm nut milk before bed.
