I’ve been wrestling with adrenal fatigue since my oldest daughter was born.  Although my adrenals have not been completely restored, I made significant progress (until another health crisis threw a wrench into the works).  Throughout the years I’ve read a number of suggestions for adrenal fatigue supplements & other solutions.

This post will hit the highlights, but you’ll probably want to grab a book (or books) for further reading if this is something you’re wrestling with.  I recommend these.  (I haven’t read the Romm book yet, but I’ve read other books — and articles — she’s written and expect this is reliable.)

Adrenal Fatigue (The 21st-Century Stress Syndrome)Overcoming Adrenal FatigueThe Adrenal Thyroid Revolution

Adrenal Fatigue Supplements

• B vitamins – These are necessary to nourish the adrenal glands, and used up rapidly during stress.  Make sure you choose a good quality B supplement, especially if you have MTHFR.  Liver capsules are also a good source of B vitamins.
• vitamin C – Vitamin C, likewise, is necessary to provide what the adrenal glands need to work well.
• magnesium – Most people don’t get enough magnesium to start with, and it’s rapidly depleted when you’re under stress.
• adaptogens, such as Rhodiola rosea and/or ashwaghanda.
• adrenal “glandular” (desiccated adrenal gland) – This is the “big guns.” Usually from cows, this nourishes the adrenals.
• amino acids – These help the body rebuild without the added stress of breaking down proteins into amino acids first.
• phosphatidylcholine -or- lecithin – Phosphatidylcholine is a specific type of fatty acid, found in lecithin.  It can help lower cortisol, which is beneficial if your body is pumping out too much.  (Ideally, take it a little while before bedtime.)  This and related fatty acids are also used for rebuilding cell membranes.  (These NTFactor “energy lipids” chewables made a visible difference for me, although I wish they weren’t soy. UPDATE: These have, unfortunately, been discontinued.)

Liposomal Vitamin CB Complex PlusSeeking Health B MinusPerfect Desiccated Liver CapsulesStandard Process- Adrenal DesiccatedDavinci Laboratories – Tri-Mag 300Rhodiola Rosea SupplementCountry Life Max-Amino Caps

Other Adrenal Fatigue Solutions

• mild to moderate exercise – Exercise is very important, but can be rather tricky, since adrenal fatigue usually results in “burning out” quickly.  Gentle exercise is best.  This other post about adrenal fatigue talks about my preferred exercise DVDs.
• deep tissue massage therapy -Massage is, of course, good for stress relief, as are most forms of touch.
• play – As we get older, we tend to “forget” how to play (or even forget to play).  But play is important for keeping us balanced.
• anything else that helps with stress relief – Everyone’s preferences are a little different, but this might include things like baths (or foot baths), getting out in nature, listening to music, or cuddling with a spouse or with a child.

I’ve tried the majority of these, to some degree or another, at some point or another, and have found most of them helpful.

Originally published 24 Apr 2008.  Updated 15 Jan 2021.