6 Nutritional Supplements to Help Maintain Healthy Adrenals and Nervous System

A healthy and well-functioning nervous system doesn’t mean we can’t experience stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, and so on. In fact, it is almost impossible to live a life completely free of stress and anxiety. Sometimes there are solid reasons why we experience these emotions, 

such as problems in the workplace or in family life. In these times It’s natural to be anxious and stressed. Even though the best solution to this is to learn how to manage stress with tools like meditation and EFT, it is also helpful to take natural supplements during these times, since they can help replenish our system when it is depleted by stress and tension.

Dietary supplements play an essential role in the prevention of adrenal fatigue and recovery. They do no speed up the recovery, but they are often necessary for healing to take place. This is important because when the body is weak and malnourished, it does not have the strength and capacity to bring about health and symptom relief.

The following supplements represent a comprehensive supplements package for the treatment and management of adrenal fatigue and to support the nervous system:

1. Vitamin C (1,000 to 2,000 mg per day). Out of all the vitamins involved in adrenal metabolism. Vitamin C is the most important. In fact, the more cortisol we make, the more vitamin C we need. The kind of vitamin C you use makes a difference. Use a vitamin C complex, it should be composed of 1:2 ratio of bioflavonoids to ascorbic acid. 

2. Vitamin E (800 IU of mixed tocopherols per day). Not essential to adrenal health but it is essential for enzymatic reactions in the adrenal cascade. 

3. Vitamin B complex. These vitamins play several distinct roles in nervous system function, for example, vitamin B3 is essential for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system, and vitamin B1 is required for the normal functioning of nerves. Therefore, B-vitamins are beneficial for adrenal and nervous system health, it is easier to buy a complete B complex supplement than trying to buy all of them separately. The supplement should contain at least: Pantothenic acid 1,500 mg, B6 – 50 to 100 mg, Niacin – 25 to 50 mg, B12. 

4. Magnesium and calcium are minerals that help maintain a healthy nervous system. Magnesium deficiency is widespread in the US —occurring in up to 80% of adults—and is required for the proper firing of neurotransmitters inside the human body. ​The adrenal glands are dependent on magnesium because It is 

essential for the enzyme and energy generation necessary for the adrenal hormone production like cortisol to deal with stress. When there is not enough magnesium in your body, the stress response can trigger with less stimulus, leading to increased irritability and frustration.

5. Other trace minerals such as manganese, selenium, molybdenum, chromium, copper, iodine, zinc and other micronutrients. Note that the diet outlined in chapter nine of my book “Multidimensional Health” is a good source of these minerals as well as magnesium.

6. Omega 3. The best-known nutrient that is beneficial for the nervous system is omega-3 oil. Glands, in general, require high-quality protein and fat to function correctly. Omega-3 fats play a crucial role in the growth and proper functioning of our body. Therefore, it will significantly benefit your body to increase your intake of Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish

or seed oil, such as flax and chia seed (about 6 grams per day). Intake of Omega-3 fatty acids has not only been associated with nerve health, it has also been correlated with better mood and a positive outlook. It also contributes to improving the structure of the areas of the brain associated with emotions and helps maintain cognitive function and memory in our brains as we grow older. 

As you may know already, I am a big proponent for you to get your daily nutrient requirements from the food you eat. Many vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients work synergistically (like when they are in food). This means that taking them together brings more benefit for health than consuming them separately. Therefore, it is better to focus on a healthy, balanced diet to 

meet daily requirements for your daily nutrients and to only use supplements as a backup. ​

However, when people are under chronic stress, these nutrients get depleted faster than what you can consume them in food. Therefore, in times of chronic stress and anxiety, I would encourage that in addition to focusing on eating a healthy diet you supplement. 

​Always buy vitamins made from a food source not artificial. Look out for artificial coloring, flavoring, and fillers. I found the product “Source of Life” from the brand “Nature’s Plus” in liquid or capsule form to be a great supplement that contains all these vitamins and minerals in the correct amounts (except for omega oils). It is pricey, but the product is made with food, and you won’t have to buy each supplement separately which in the end saves you money and counter space.

You can find them online, health food store or Amazon

Until next week,
​Toni