Hypoadrenalism treatment with plant enzymes

Hypoadrenalism treatment with plant enzymes by Dr. Jenefer Huntoon, Naturopathic Physician, Seattle, WA, www.DrHuntoon.com


What is hypoadrenalism?

Hypoadrenalism is a commonly seen stress-induced disease. People today are subjected to many physical and emotional stresses, so it is not surprising that health problems arise from extended stress. "Hypo" means low or underactive. Thus hypoadrenalism means a lowered hormonal response from the adrenals.

The adrenals are a pair of endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys. When the adrenal glands are functioning properly, they secrete hormones that help an individual to handle stress. When the adrenals are exhausted due to prolonged stress, one's overall ability to handle stress is impaired.


What are the symptoms of hypoadrenalism?

Both physical and psychological symptoms go along with hypoadrenalism. The physical symptoms include chronic fatigue, dizziness and a tendency to fainting spells. A hypoadrenal person may have an abundance of energy when pushing very hard, and then becomes severely exhausted! This person may have to remain in bed to recuperate for several days. Hypoadrenal pateints may have low blood pressure but may not know this since orthodox medical thinking often does not consider low blood pressure clinically significant. A simple test for hypoadrenalism is to compare reclining blood pressure with standing blood pressure. An individual with normal adrenal function should have a rise in blood pressure from reclining to standing. However in the case of weak adrenals the blood pressure drops. One of the most obvious symptoms of hypoadrenalism is tiredness, apparent laziness, and no ambition. A hypoadrenal person may also suffer from insomnia. The mental and emotional symptoms of hypoadrenalism are those of mental deterioration, forgetfulness and an inability to handle even minor stresses. A hypoadrenal individual may have neurotic tendencies related to chronic anxiety. Extreme stress is often caused by crowds, and a hypoadrenal individual may believe he/she is "going crazy" or "slowing down."


What causes hypoadrenalism?

A tendency to weak adrenals is hereditary and runs in families. Physical stresses such as extremes of hot and cold or a trauma such as a physical injury can result in hypoadrenalism. Adrenal depletion often follows extended periods of stress such as long-term illness of a loved one or a series of tragic episodes in one's life. Other contributing factors are poor diet, such as a diet high in white sugar and white flour. Even too much natural sugar, such as fruit juice or dried fruit, can overwork the adrenals. Refined foods deplete the body of B vitamins, which are necessary to help an individual handle stress. Toxic metals in the environment such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum can contribute to hypoadrenalism. We have tests to identify toxic metals and natural methods to remove them.


How does hypoadrenalism affect an individual?

A hypoadrenal person is often a "go-getter", good in school, and very conscientious. The person finds it becomes more difficult to concentrate, and the harder the patient tries, the more tired he/she becomes. This leads to neurosis, depression and fears of an inability to accomplish tasks with previous high standards. Hypoadrenalism often results in allergies or immune system disorders. Building the adrenals also helps the immune system. Often hypoadrenal people do not adequately digest protein and minerals. Thus they become starved for nutrients. Hypoglycemia, or an inability to maintain normal blood sugar levels, can result from poor digestion of food. Worrying about hypoadrenalism aggravates the problem.


How can hypoadrenalism be treated?

Plant digestive enzymes improve digestion and absorption, as well as balance blood sugar levels.
It is important that the hypoadrenal person be on a natural foods diet to reduce stress on the adrenals. This means it is important to avoid refined and processed foods as much as possible, including sugar, brown sugar, molasses, honey, fruit juice and dried fruits. Whole fruit in moderation is beneficial.

A low glycemic diet for hypoglycemia is helpful in reducing adrenal stress. Also, certain nutritional supplements such as vitamin C complex and vitamin B complex can help to rebuild the adrenals. These complexes are most effective when derived from whole foods. Various botanicals have a balancing effect on the adrenal glands. Kidney detoxification helps the adrenals because the adrenals sit on top of the kidneys, and are bathed in the fluid of the kidneys. Vigorous daily exercise also strengthens the adrenals, but in extreme cases the patient is too exhausted to do any exercise. Often the person must remain in bed for long periods of time to give the adrenals a chance to regenerate. It can take up to six months to rebuild the adrenals in more extreme cases.


Summary

Hypoadrenalism is a common condition resulting from prolonged stress. The symptoms are mental and physical exhaustion, dizziness, and inability to handle minor stresses. The treatment program includes improved diet with live plant enzymes, kidney detoxification, nutritional supplementation, botanical formulas, rest and exercise.





Jenefer Huntoon, N.D., has been a practicing Naturopathic Physician in Seattle, Washington, since 1975 at the Naturopathic Clinic, P.S., Inc. (206-632-8804). She is a member of the Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians and is an Internal Health Specialist certified by Logan College. For more information, see www.DrHuntoon.com.