From the Guidelines
A functional medicine approach for a 39-year-old female with overworked adrenals should prioritize stress management, dietary changes, and targeted supplementation to support adrenal function and reduce overall allostatic load.
Key Recommendations
- Begin with stress management techniques including daily meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly) 1.
- Dietary changes are essential: eliminate processed foods, sugar, and caffeine while increasing protein intake (0.8-1g per pound of body weight), healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
- Consider an anti-inflammatory diet rich in colorful vegetables and fruits.
- For supplementation, adaptogenic herbs can be beneficial - ashwagandha (300-600mg daily), rhodiola (200-400mg daily), and holy basil (300-600mg daily) help modulate cortisol levels.
- Additional supplements may include vitamin C (1000-2000mg daily), B-complex vitamins (particularly B5 at 500mg daily), and magnesium (300-400mg daily) 1.
- Regular, moderate exercise like walking, yoga, or swimming for 30 minutes 4-5 times weekly supports adrenal function without causing additional stress.
- Cortisol rhythm testing may help track improvement, with morning levels ideally higher than evening levels.
Important Considerations
- The patient should be educated on stress dosing for sick days, use of emergency injectables, and when to seek medical attention for impending adrenal crisis 1.
- A medical alert bracelet or necklace for adrenal insufficiency is recommended to trigger stress dose corticosteroids by emergency medical personnel.
- Endocrine consultation should be part of planning before surgery or high-stress treatments 1.
Prioritizing Morbidity, Mortality, and Quality of Life
The approach outlined above prioritizes the patient's morbidity, mortality, and quality of life by addressing the root causes of adrenal dysfunction and supporting the body's stress response system. By reducing overall allostatic load, the adrenal glands can recover their normal function over time, typically 3-6 months with consistent implementation.