Addison’s disease, its possible causes, common Signs & Symptoms, and how Holistic Remedies can help.

Avoid self-medication specially in chronic or serious health disorders.

The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system and make hormones that affect almost all organs and tissue in the body.  

They are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys.

They produce 2 essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone.

Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency or hypoadrenalism, is a rare disorder of adrenal glands.  

• It happens due to a damage to the adrenal glands.
• Damage to these glands results in too little cortisol and often aldosterone hormones.
• It’s also more common in women than men.
• It can affect people of any age, although it’s most common between the ages of 30 and 50 and can be life-threatening.

Seek emergency treatment if following symptoms appear:

• Reduced consciousness or delirium
• Severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to dehydration.
• Low blood pressure
• Severe weakness
• Confusion
• Pain in the lower back or legs

Some of the main functions of adrenal glands include:

• Body’s ability to turn food into energy.
• Immune system’s inflammatory and stress response.
• The adrenal glands also make small amounts of androgens or sex hormones and cause male sexual development, libido, affect muscle mass and a general sense of well-being etc.
• While aldosterone, help balance the body’s sodium and potassium levels and to keep blood pressure in a healthy range.

Most Common signs and symptoms of this disorder may include.

• Slow progressive fatigue and weakness
• Muscle aches and pains
• Anorexia- Lack of appetite
• Increased sense of taste, smell and hearing
• Increased thirst
• Dehydration
• Ill-defined abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Craving for salt
• Cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Unintentional weight loss
• Anxiety and depression
• Irritability & Restlessness
• Low mood
• Lack of motivation
• Trouble sleeping
• Brain fog
• Dizziness
• Decrease in axillary and pubic hair in women.
• Low blood pressure and low sugar levels even fainting.
• Reproductive problem
• Impotency
• Amenorrhea – Menstrual periods may become irregular or altogether stop.
• Skin changes – hyper pigmentation that is change in the colour of the skin such as brown or bronze darkening of neck, hands, underarms, lips, face and nipples areolas etc.
• Tanning of skin from exposure to sun
• Bluish blackish patches may appear on the mucous membranes.
• Dark freckles and occasionally white patches vitiligo may appear.

An effective medical approach is to identify and treat the causative factors!

Possible Causes and Risk factors of Addison’s disease.

• Usually, an autoimmune disorder that causes it to attack the outer layer of the adrenal gland.
• Tuberculosis
• Radiation therapy
• Fungal infection
• Congenital enzyme defects

Home Remedies and Herbal Supplements for Chronic Adrenal Insufficiency

Make sure to avoid any food or ingredient you are allergic or sensitive to – discussed in this video!

• Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that can help the body protect against stress, stay centred, and retain balanced levels of energy.
• Holy Basil or Tulsi is another great adaptogenic herb that can help balance, restore various functions within the body and respond to illnesses such as stress thus relieve adrenal fatigue a common symptom in Addison’s disease.
• Maca Root is full of health potential wellness benefits such as it can help increase sexual desire or libido, boosts energy, mood, and reduce menopause symptoms.
• Consider Magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins especially Calcium and Vitamin D supplements are critical for protecting bone health, as taking corticosteroids have been linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis and loss of bone density.

Suggested calcium rich foods include dairy products such as raw milk, yogurt, kefir and fermented cheeses, green vegetables such as kale and broccoli, sardines, beans and almonds.

The best way to increase vitamin D levels naturally is to spend about 10 to 20 minutes in the sun each day with your skin exposed.

Top Essential oils for Addison’s disease

Aromatherapy is the use of plants extracts for healing.

Make sure to dilute them in a career oil such as olive oil etc. and apply externally!

• Cardamom essential oil is helpful for Anxiety, mental fatigue, mild depression, indigestion, nausea, heartburn, stomach-ache, poor circulation.
• Cedarwood effective for Immune Support, stress, tension, anxiety and emotional exhaustion.
• Clary Sage helps to Relax and strengthen nervous system
• Frankincense is very effective for Insomnia and difficulty concentrating, as well as a good terrain support.
• Geranium improves Poor circulation, immune support, general overall tonic, stress, anxiety and mild depression.
• Rosemary is a good strengthening tonic for the whole body often used for tiredness and may be helpful for exhaustion.

Homeopathic approach for Addison’s disease

Homeopathy is One of the most popular, safe and natural holistic systems of medicines – a very unique, personalised approach.

Consult a qualified homeopath for a proper assessment and take tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, modalities and peculiar signs and symptoms etc.

Here are Top 7 suggested homeopathic remedies for Addison’s disease.

1. Adrenalinum – This homeopathic remedy is derived from the adrenal glands and is used to support adrenal function.

It may help increase energy levels, improve stress tolerance, and enhance the body’s ability to cope with physical and emotional stressors.

7. Sepia is recommended for female hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, and mood swings.
8. Plumbum Metallicum for darker skin pigmentation – specially around neck, hands, underarm, nipples or face etc.
9. Phosphorus is effective for hair loss especially underarm, pubic etc.
10. Arsenic Album for individuals experiencing extreme fatigue, weakness, and anxiety. It may also help relieve digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
11. Natrum Mur is beneficial for excessive thirst, salt cravings, and dehydration. It may also help regulate fluid balance in the body and improve energy levels.
12. Phosphoric Acid is indicated for individuals who feel mentally and physically exhausted due to adrenal gland dysfunction.

It may help restore vitality, improve memory and concentration, and alleviate emotional symptoms such as sadness and apathy.

Prevention and additional Tips to avoid further damage to adrenal glands.

• Consume more sodium rich foods like broths, sea vegetables, Celtic or Himalayan salt as Addison’s disease causes low aldosterone levels, which increases the need for salt.
• You may need more consumption of salt if you have gastrointestinal upset that results in vomiting or diarrhoea or excessive sweating.
• Plenty of green leafy vegetables and cruciferous veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, ginger, turmeric, parsley etc.
• Wild-caught fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines that provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
• Grass-fed, pasture-raised and organic products like eggs, beef, chicken and turkey etc.
• High-fibre foods like berries, chia seeds, flaxseeds and starchy veggies.
• Probiotic foods like kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt and kefir.
• Rest and manage your stress.
• Aim for eight to 10 hours of sleep per night.
• Be sure to give yourself rest when needed.
• Practicing hobbies or something fun every day
• Relaxing breathing techniques
• Spending time outside, in the sunlight and in nature
• Maintaining a consistent and reasonable work schedule
• Too much alcohol or caffeine, can interfere with your sleep and can result in anxiety or depression.
• Certain supplements may be able to help support your immune system and help you cope with stress.
• Avoid most sources of sugar and sweeteners.
• Cut down packaged and processed foods, since these are filled with many types of artificial ingredients, preservatives and sugars.
• Minimise hydrogenated and refined vegetable oils soybean, canola, safflower, sunflower and corn.
• Replace this bad stuff with anti-inflammatory diet such as:
• Healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil, butter, avocado, various nuts & seeds.

For your particular health problem(s), or to change your medications it is strongly suggested to avoid self-medication and consult your GP / health provider or Mind & Body Holistic Health Clinic.

You may also book your one-to-one consultation with one of our practitioners for your tailor-made remedies as per your causative factors, peculiar signs & symptoms etc.  

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