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If you are thinking about taking an adrenal fatigue supplement, you might agree with this statement:

With all of the adrenal support supplements out there, it is hard to know what is the best adrenal fatigue supplement to get high-quality ingredients and a good value.

With all of the adrenal supplements on the market, however, finding the right one for your needs can be challenging. Sorting through the list of possible ingredients that might be helpful and the wide range of adrenal fatigue supplement quality out there is a tough task.

Best Adrenal Fatigue Supplements – 2019 Guide

To help identify the top adrenal fatigue supplements out there, our clinical team got together to discuss how we have used adrenal supplements in the past to improve clinical outcomes in people experience adrenal exhaustion from daily life. The output of that effort are these notes reflecting our views on the different adrenal fatigue products out there. We hope that it is helpful, particularly if you are looking to get started on supplements to improve symptoms of adrenal fatigue in the near future.



1. Integrative Cortisol Manager – Editor’s Choice

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager has moved up to top our list of the best adrenal fatigue supplements. A safe, natural supplement, this high-quality adrenal fatigue supplement draws high marks from many different practitioners.

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager is what one could consider a “clean” supplement. It does not contain sugar or salt, artificial flavorings or preservatives. It is also free of gluten, wheat and corn and does not contain animal or dairy products. The recommended dosing is one tablet daily.

We are fans of the proprietary blend of compounds in the Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager supplement. As will come up throughout this article, a useful ingredient when it comes to reducing adrenal fatigue is Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha. Often used in Indian ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is a root with a strange smell that is used to treat a variety of conditions. Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager contains ashwagandha in both leaf and root form as well as other active ingredients such as L-theanine, magnolia bark, epimedium and phosphatidylserine.

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager adrenal fatigue supplements are frequently prescribed by practitioners. In particular, they are used to help stabilize cortisol levels during the day for people who are out of balance. While taking these adrenal fatigue supplements, most people notice a sense of relaxation.

People with a soy allergy should avoid Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager brand supplements. Also, people with unusual cortisol levels should consider getting tested and/or using these supplements under the direction of a clinician.

Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager can have powerful effects on your cortisol levels and daily cycles. As a result, some people with abnormal cortisol levels (particularly in the later part of the day) might experience higher levels of anxiety and palpitations while taking this adrenal fatigue supplement. It might be worth considering monitoring your cortisol levels before taking (and while on) this supplement. Also, Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager does contain soy for anyone with a soy allergy.

Summary Points Integrative Therapeutics Cortisol Manager tops our list as the best adrenal fatigue supplement list.

Pros Powerful ingredient blend.

Powerful ingredient blend. Reputable company. Cons Contains soy.

Contains soy. Some practitioners would recommend cortisol testing before using.

2. 1Body – Adrenal Support – Diverse Ingredients

1 Body Adrenal Support – Cortisol Manager is another adrenal fatigue supplement that is focused on improving cortisol management through the day. Adrenal Support is manufactured in the USA at a cGMP certified facility. cGMP, or Current Good Manufacturing Practice, refers to manufacturing processes and practices that comply with regulations set for by the FDA (theoretically an added measure of quality). Additionally, 1Body offers a money-back guarantee, even if your bottle is empty. As a bonus, 1 Body occasionally runs promotions offering a free e-book reviewing ways to tailor your diet to reducing adrenal fatigue.

Active adrenal fatigue ingredients in Adrenal Support include gotu kola and schisandra. Additionally, Adrenal Support – Cortisol Manager contains ginger which often helps people who experience nausea while taking pills or supplements. In their commitment to producing a quality product, 1 Body changed all of the B12 used in this Adrenal Support to methylcobalamin, a cleaner form of B12.

Clients report improved energy and reduced stress in as early as days. Specifically, many people report a decrease in the frequency and length of naps. People report less bloating and improved weight management (a secondary effect from stabilization or cortisol levels). Generally speaking, people report an overall sense of well-being and enjoyment of life. Adrenal Support comes in a soft capsule formulation and they are relatively easy to swallow with a tolerable taste. The recommended dosing is two capsules with meals.

Adrenal Support may cause constipation. Additionally, people taking other medications may feel like the supplements are less effective.

Because Adrenal Support – Cortisol Manager contains licorice, it should be used with caution in anyone who has a hormone-related condition. Licorice, in certain situations, can act like the hormone estrogen and cause hormone imbalances. Occasionally, people have also reported interactions with co-existing thyroid medications and supplementation. The downside of that interaction is that any existing supplementation regimens may need to be adapted. The upside is that Adrenal Support may help reduce the necessary dosage for thyroid supplementation. Infrequently, people have also reported digestive issues (most commonly constipation) while taking Adrenal Support.

Adrenal Support is a vegetarian, gluten-free supplement that contains Choline (50mg), Eleuthero (100mg), Ginger (45mg), Gotu Kola (25mg), L-tyrosine (380mg), Licorice (40mg), Magnesium (20mg), Pantothenic Acid (100mg), Schisandra (20mg), Vitamin B6 (25mg), Vitamin B12 – Methylcobalamin (100mcg) and Vitamin C (60mg).

Summary Points Adrenal Support is a popular alternative and is close to the top of our adrenal fatigue supplement list. It lacks ashwagandha but has the other two recommended adaptogens which is a plus. Adrenal Support also gets positive marks from being made in a cGMP certified facility and the fact that it’s vegetarian and gluten-free. Overall, this is a popular choice as an adrenal fatigue supplement option.

Pros Made in cGMP facilities.

Made in cGMP facilities. Money-back guarantee.

Money-back guarantee. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Cons Requires caution when used with thyroid supplements.

Requires caution when used with thyroid supplements. Licorice in the formulation may cause hormone imbalances in certain people.

3. Unlimited Health – Adrenal Relief – Ashwagandha Focus

Unlimited Health was started by an entrepreneur who was struggling with symptoms after becoming a new parent. After experimenting with different combinations of supplement through trial and error, he created Unlimited Health – Adrenal Relief and is now offering his preferred combination of ingredients to others.

While a relative newcomer to the adrenal fatigue supplement scene, we have heard positive comments about this supplement which has pushed it up on our list. It does lack two of our preferred adaptogens but makes up for it with a powerful dose of ashwagandha. If you like ashwagandha as a centerpiece of your adrenal fatigue replacement strategy, then this is one to check out. It checks in at 450mg of the root. Unlimited Health also rounds out with your fairly standard B complex vitamins and magnesium.

One other feature that bumped Unlimited Health is the guarantee. While not the longest in the industry at 30 days, we still view it as a testament to the company’s belief in its product and formulation based on personal experimentation. The guarantee does contain some risk as the company has not been around as long as some of the other ones on this list but 30 days seems like enough time to notice whether the product is working for you.

The Adrenal Relief supplement includes ashwagandha, Magnesium, Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C. Clients who have used this supplement report improved sleep quality and energy even while providing relief from adrenal fatigue.

Summary Points Unlimited Health is a relative newcomer to the game but has drawn high marks for its potent use of ashwagandha and its guarantee. The back story of how this supplement came about seems promising as well (we have not spoken with the company) and anyone who has used ashwagandha and feels adventurous should definitely give it a look.

Pros Features ashwagandha.

Features ashwagandha. Money-back guarantee.

Money-back guarantee. Vegetarian and gluten-free. Cons Lacks gotu kola and schisandra.

Lacks gotu kola and schisandra. Company has limited track record.

4. Adrenal Edge – Adrenal Fatigue Support – Liquid Adrenal Supplement

Adrenal Edge – Adrenal Fatigue Support is an interesting liquid adrenal fatigue supplement because it features both adaptogenic and nervine ingredients. As discussed, adaptogenic ingredients help with the hormonal stress response related to the functioning of the HPA axis . In contrast, nervine herbs (e.g. wood betony) are used to support and rejuvenate nerves and produce more calm.

Adrenal Edge is also unique on the list because it comes in a liquid form. In certain people, a liquid supplement may improve digestion and absorption because it does not require digestion of the binders and ingredients on the capsule or tablet. Additionally, people who do not like to swallow pills will approve of a liquid adrenal supplement. Unfortunately, there have been some complaints about the taste being pretty bad which can make the liquid advantage less palatable. We haven’t tried mixing it with juices or other liquids but perhaps that would take the edge off.

Currently, the makers of Adrenal Edge do not explicitly state the concentrations of the ingredients in their products. Adrenal Fatigue Support also offers a long 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee which bumped it up on our list.

Advocates of Adrenal Edge state that it improves energy levels, helps with calmness, and helps counteract symptoms from conditions like chronic fatigue. Unfortunately, enough people have voiced that it provided little to no benefit for their particular symptoms (a risk which is alleviated by the guarantee). People with elevated blood pressure may want to think twice about this supplement as it does contain licorice.

Adrenal Edge contains a wide range of herbal ingredients, some of which are not found on any other supplement in this list. Ingredients in this supplement include astralagus, eleuthero, ginkgo, gotu kola, lavender, licorice, passionflower, spearmint and wood betony.

Adrenal Edge seems to have a wide range of effects in people, including having no effect at all.

Some adrenal fatigue supplements will provide little to no benefit to certain people. For whatever reason, Adrenal Edge seemed to have no effect on a larger number of people when compared to other adrenal support supplements that our practitioners have experience with. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to try it and see what happens. For some people, the liquid format of Adrenal Edge might be enough of a benefit to people who cannot swallow pills to justify a relatively lower potency.

Summary Points Adrenal Edge is a great choice for people who do not like to (or cannot) take pills. Liquid supplements are, sadly, the only thing that some people can take and Adrenal Edge offers a wide range of herbals including gotu kola and ginkgo.

Pros Liquid format helps people who cannot swallow pills.

Liquid format helps people who cannot swallow pills. 60-day guarantee. Cons Exact ingredient dosing vague.

Exact ingredient dosing vague. Infrequent reports of limited to no effects.

5. Gaia Herbs – Adrenal Health – Organic Ingredients

Gaia Herbs is one of the most reputable supplement brands in the business. Gaia Herbs operates out of North Carolina and, since their founding in 1986, prides itself on maintaining rigorous organic standards and working with likeminded farmers. Frequently prescribed by practitioners, we like the fact that Gaia Herbs has a long corporate history and that they are explicit about their commitment to healthier standards. In addition to adrenal fatigue supplements, Gaia produces a number of other supplements for other conditions.

Clients who have used Adrenal Health report a wide range of improvements. As with most decent adrenal fatigue supplements, most people report decreased levels of stress and higher levels of energy throughout the day. Interestingly, users of this supplement relay improvements in the tone and moistness of their skin and decreased mental cloudiness. Ashwagandha is sometimes associated with improved appetite control and it was also cited as a reason that people like the Adrenal Health supplement. Some people also reported improved depth and quality of sleep.

Adrenal Health may cause sleep disturbances and anxiety.

In spite of some people experiencing better sleep, others reported sleep disturbances. Specifically, some people felt either excessive sleepiness or an inability to sleep while taking Adrenal Health. The latter symptom has been reported to be accompanied by feelings of palpitations and heightened levels of anxiety which is always a possible side effect of adrenal supplementation and one we would prefer to avoid. More concerning is that enough people have reported no effect at all and it is something we will continue to monitor as we update our adrenal supplement guide over time.

While the state the serving amounts for a few ingredients on the bottle, Adrenal Health does not have explicit serving amounts of their proprietary adaptogenic ingredients listed. Important ingredients in the Adrenal Health supplement are ashwagandha, holy basil (50mg), rhodiola, schisandra (120mg) and wild oats milky seed.

Summary Points Adrenal Health gains points because it hails from a reputable company with an emphasis on organic principles. Although it lacks Gotu Kola, it does have the two other major adaptogens and adds in holy basil and rhodiola. Given its solid manufacturer, seeming commitment to quality, and frequent effectiveness, Adrenal Health is definitely one to consider.

Pros Organic ingredient focus.

Organic ingredient focus. Established corporate track record. Cons May cause sleep disturbances.

May cause sleep disturbances. Some may experience no improvement at all.

6. Neuroscience – AdreCor – Adrenal + Neurotransmitter

Consisting of vegetarian capsules, this gluten-free supplement has a slightly different focus than most adrenal fatigue supplements. Neuroscience – Adrecor differs in that it is heavy on neurotransmitter-modulating compounds. Neurotransmitters are messengers within the nervous system that help turn particular neural pathways on and off and play a vital role in eliciting emotions, sensations and other processes from the nervous system. Many traditional Western medications explicitly target neurotransmitters in the treatment of conditions like depression but can also have long-term side effects. Given the powerful effects that neurotransmitter modulation can have in the body, we are always hesitant to recommend neurotransmitter-heavy supplements for adrenal fatigue without the oversight of a practitioner.

Like most of the other supplements, Neuroscience – Adrecor does not break out the specific amounts of their proprietary blend. Ingredients in this supplement include Folate (120mcg), Green Tea, L-histidine, L-methionine, L-tyrosine, Magnesium (14mg), Niacin (6mg), Pantothenic Acid (300mg), Rhodiola, Vitamin B6 (12mg), Vitamin B12 (60mcg), Vitamin C (300mg) and Zinc (3mg).

Summary Points An interesting and unique product, Adrecor is definitely one to consider for anyone who thinks neurotransmitter imbalances are playing a role in their symptoms. For any heavy or ongoing use, however, it would probably be better to use Adrecor with the help and expertise of a qualified practitioner.

Pros Loaded with neurotransmitters.

Loaded with neurotransmitters. Vegetarian & gluten-free. Cons Ingredient composition vague.

Ingredient composition vague. Weak adaptogen profile.

7. BLÜ Proprietary – Unique Adaptogens

BLÜ Proprietary states that they disclose more by stating the percentage of compounds in its ingredients. While we celebrate the attempt at transparency, they do not disclose the serving amounts in milligrams of many of the ingredients. From their materials, one also gets the sense that they are sensitive to the fact that their supplement may not work for everyone. Given the wide variance in quality in the adrenal fatigue supplement industry, we always give bonus points to companies that are willing to offer a strong guarantee, even if it costs more to do so. As such, BLÜ Proprietary finds itself a bit lower on the list.

That being said, BLÜ Proprietary does offer some unique ingredients not found in other supplements. The addition of Turmeric to this adrenal supplement provides some people with anti-inflammatory effects. Maca, prepared from a plant from Peru, may help improve energy and low libido. Milk thistle may help with overall blood sugar and cholesterol management.

Ingredients in BLÜ Proprietary include ashwagandha, Bacopa Monnieri, black pepper, green tea, Maca, milk thistle, turmeric and vitamin C (150mg).

Summary Points BLÜ Proprietary finds itself near the bottom of our adrenal fatigue supplement rankings for a few reasons. First of all, the supplement only contains one of our three preferred adaptogens. They do offer a highly unique blend that includes Maca and Turmeric which, for some people, may offer a more comprehensive anti-inflammatory effect even if it is not fully aligned around improving adrenal fatigue.

Pros Wide range of ingredients.

Wide range of ingredients. Nice guarantee. Cons Ingredient composition vague.

Ingredient composition vague. Weak adaptogen profile.

8. Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive – Practitioner Favorite

If you are looking for an adrenal fatigue supplement that is often prescribed by integrative medicine practitioners, Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive is worth a look. This adrenal fatigue supplement has a long history of being marketed directly to practitioners but is also available for purchase by the public. Vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free and wheat-free, this adrenal fatigue supplement features eleuthero root extract along with Coleus forskohlii, rhizome and licorice extracts mixed with a combination of other vitamins. They do not break out the specific serving amounts of the herbal components of their proprietary combination.

A recently updated formulation, feedback on this new version of Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive is still coming in but it shows promise. Ingredients in Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive include Coleus forskohlii, Eleuthero, Licorice, Pantothenic Acid (150mg), Rhizome, Riboflavin (3.4mg), Thiamin (3mg), Vitamin B6 (6mg) and Vitamin C (60mg). The combination of ingredients focused on reducing adrenal fatigue along with other vitamins helps make Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive a more complete adrenal fatigue supplement.

Because it is usually used in clinical practice, some might find it harder to dose Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive supplement for their own symptoms.

Most people who use Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive get it dosed by their integrative medicine practitioner. People who choose to use it without a clinician involved may find it harder to dose to address their symptoms in the optimal manner. Others might be able to figure out the right adrenal supplement dosing for Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive with trial and error. Regardless, Integrative Therapeutics is well-liked in the practitioner community and combines interesting adaptogenic ingredients with supporting vitamins.

Summary Points Integrative Therapeutics – Cortitive is a practitioner favorite that, in time, might become more widely used by people looking for a balanced adrenal fatigue supplement.

Pros Unique ingredient mix.

Unique ingredient mix. Vegetarian, soy & gluten-free. Cons Some people might require practitioner oversight for optimal dosing.

Some people might require practitioner oversight for optimal dosing. Ingredient dosing not disclosed.

9. Metagenics – Adreset – Established Company

Metagenics has been a consistent source of supplement quality since the early 1980s. While providing a wide range of products that address a number of health needs, the Metagenics – Adreset brand is a solid adrenal fatigue supplement.

Scientifically formulated, the Adreset comes in multiple bottle sizes and is said to be vegetarian. The Metagenics Adreset features Asian Ginseng extract, Cordyceps Mycelium and Rhodiola. The ingredients were designed with the purpose of stabilizing the fight-or-flight response in the body and helping one stay calm under stress. An unusual ingredient in the Metagenics formulation is Cordyceps Mycelium, a mushroom that is often used in Chinese medicine. Cordyceps Mycelium is typically associated with improving endurance but is also said to have benefits in regards to adrenal support.

Clients who have used the Metagenics – Adreset adrenal fatigue supplement formulation report more stable energy throughout the day and improved mental clarity. Most people report that Adreset takes a week or more before people note an effect but some people have improved symptoms right away. The addition of Cordyceps may also confer improvements in the immune system and better blood sugar regulation.

While high-quality, Metagenics Adreset adrenal fatigue supplements are on the more expensive side when it comes to similar supplements.

Adreset is on the higher end of pricing as far as adrenal fatigue supplements go, but some long-time users feel that the the improved performance is worth it. In a small number of cases, the energy enhancement provided by Metagenics – Adreset led to anxiety, and even nightmares, and required that a different supplement be utilized.

Summary Points This supplement has certain things to be happy about but lacks the adaptogenic punch that we look for in an adrenal fatigue supplement. That being said, if you are looking for a supplement that has Cordyceps, this one is a good choice.

Pros Well-established company.

Well-established company. Vegetarian. Cons More expensive.

More expensive. Infrequently causes anxiety and nightmares.

10. Adrenal DMG – Cortisol Management

A relative newcomer to our experience (and seemingly to the market), Adrenal DMG has come out of the gate with favorable early responses. Designed with cortisol management in mind, Adrenal DMG packs a lot of quality ingredients into an adrenal fatigue supplement offered at a reasonable cost.

Adrenal DMG has been reported to help with stabilizing energy levels, reducing anxiety and improving the length and quality of sleep. Other infrequently reported effects included a stronger immune system, better endurance and improved skin health. Some people also reported fewer food cravings (particularly sugar).

Adrenal DMG features a number of active ingredients, including dimethylglycine, Sensoril (ashwaganda root extract), licorice (glycyrhiza glabra) root powder, adrenal cortex, policosanol and echinacea purpurea herb extract. Additionally, cranberry, grapefruit seed, wild cherry bark and garlic bulb extract round out the formulation.

Adrenal DMG pills are relatively easy to swallow but it is beneficial to take them with lots of water. The company behind Adrenal DMG also offers a 100% money back guarantee in the event that you do not like the product.

Adrenal DMG has a strong garlic taste and should not be used with coffee.

The garlic in Adrenal DMG may leave a garlic aftertaste which is somewhat unpleasant when getting it from a supplement. Coffee lovers may need to kick their coffee addiction while using this Adrenal DMG. The Adrenal DMG smell may also take getting used to.

Summary Points Adrenal DMG is a promising new addition to our list and we look forward to watching how it progresses as an adrenal fatigue supplement.

Pros Potent ingredient blend at a reasonable price.

Potent ingredient blend at a reasonable price. Easy-to-swallow capsules. Cons Should not be used with coffee.

Adrenal Fatigue – The Hidden Illness

If you aren’t familiar with adrenal fatigue, don’t be concerned. Many people have not heard of the the concept as adrenal fatigue as a disease is not usually taught in traditional Western medical training. On top of that, adrenal fatigue, when referred to in Western medicine, is usually acknowledged when there is a complete failure of the adrenal glands (e.g. Addison’s disease) and largely ignored when the adrenal insufficiency is less dramatic. Also, mild to moderate adrenal fatigue as a condition is hard to diagnose with existing lab tests and requires less common types of testing and interpretation to identify it.

There are a number of related terms used to represent adrenal fatigue and the constellation of associated symptoms. Adrenal fatigue often refers to adrenal glands that are still working but are largely burned out. Adrenal stress also represents this idea as well but might refer to general stress put on the adrenal glands (whether they are working efficiently or not). Adrenal support is the idea that we can provide an extra boost, or support, to the adrenal glands through nutritional inputs like adrenal fatigue supplements.

As mentioned earlier, most traditional medical providers are familiar with complete adrenal insufficiency (e.g. Addison’s disease). In this situation, the adrenal glands stop working complete for any of a number of reasons and the body can no longer produce an adequate stress response, crippling its ability to respond to events. People with complete adrenal insufficiency usually receive adrenal supplementation through medications.

Adrenal fatigue, on the other hand, is thought to be a less visible consequence of modern life. Consider early human societies and the way they pursued their daily lives. In many cases, daily life consisted of long periods of recreation combined with bursts of high stress activities. An example of a burst is when the hunters would get together and stress themselves during a three day hunt for food to bring back to the community. These discrete, stressful periods enabled people to channel their adrenal hormones towards accomplishing a necessary, high-intensity task and then let their adrenal glands rest and recover during periods of relaxation.

In contrast, modern society is less defined in terms of stressful periods and periods of relaxation. From crossing a busy street to a difficult, daily work day, external stress is a consistent part of most people’s daily lives. Because of this, the adrenal glands are required to function throughout the day in ongoing, unscheduled bursts, leading to an ongoing adrenal hormone response from the glands. In many people, this overtaxing of the adrenal glands leads to them not being able to keep up – and even burn out – often leading to adrenal fatigue or adrenal insufficiency

The prevalence of adrenal fatigue has likely been accelerated by the widespread adoption of mobile devices. The device, despite all of its benefits, is an easy way to get a shot of pain or pleasures at all hours of the day. This easy access to stressful stimuli from things like social media have put our adrenal glands into overdrive, leading to even more burnout.

When this happens in modern society, the body no longer has the ability to respond to external stressors effectively. When a stressful event happens, the body can only make a subpar effort to respond, leading to additional burnout of the adrenal glands. Symptoms of the adrenal glands ability to generate a response might include low energy levels, fatigue, and general lack of pleasure in daily activities.

Unfortunately, traditional medical tests often do not diagnose mild to moderate adrenal fatigue. At a biological level, adrenal insufficiency is often characterized by abnormalities in one stress hormones and primarily cortisol levels. Some believe that the most accurate forms of cortisol testing are saliva based and this form of testing is unusual in traditional medical settings. The result is that people with symptoms consistent with adrenal fatigue may go undiagnosed, leading to ongoing symptoms and no adequate adrenal support supplementation.

Adrenal Fatigue – Biology & Physiology

When present, the manifestation of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are not just caused by failure of the adrenal glands. Instead, adrenal insufficiency is usually the consequence of an interplay of various glands and organs in the body playing off one another, leading to a compound effect of abnormalities that lead to the characteristic adrenal fatigue symptoms.

Three different glands are involved in what is known as the HPA axis: the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain and the adrenal glands (near the kidneys). These glands are responsible for a number of functions that help regulate hormones and how our hormones influence our nervous system. One critical role that these three glands play together is that they help regulate the stress (sometimes known as the fight-or flight) response in the body.

Evolutionarily, the stress response is a vital mechanism that protects us from external threats. When threatened, the glands work together to mobilize our tissues and intentions to help us fight off or run from the threat effectively. In a primitive context, an effective stress response could mean the difference between life and death.

More specifically, an external stressor triggers the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin from the hypothalamus. These hormones are transmitted to the pituitary which stimulates ACTH, or adrenocorticotropic hormone. ACTH then stimulates the adrenal glands which produce cortisol and other glucocorticoid hormones.

Naturally, cortisol levels rise when we wake up and peak about 45 minutes later and then again in the late afternoon. They are lower at other times during the day and the lowest while we are sleeping at night. During a stress response, elevated cortisol levels help release glucose, increase the blood pressure, and decrease our immunity.

The body is not set up to handle a stress response that continues indefinitely as it would cause damage to the tissues and organs. As a result, in normal settings, after the glucocorticoid levels rise, it will reach a level at which it tells the hypothalamus to stop producing vasopressin and CRH. This provides a valuable self-regulatory mechanism that shuts off the stress response.

Adrenal Supplements – Questions to Ask

It can be dizzying for a consumer to make sense out of all of the adrenal fatigue supplements out there and, generally speaking, of the supplement industry as a whole. Supplement manufacturers are largely self-regulating and it’s not easy for the average person to take their supplement to a chemical laboratory to extract out exactly what ingredients are in their supplement. Because the industry is set up the way it is, we think that supplement companies that rise above the fray by going above and beyond in terms of transparency and return policies (a standard in most industries now) set themselves apart from the ones that don’t.

Questions To Ask Before Buying

We ask these questions to help us filter possible supplement options:

1. How long has the company been around?

2. What values and principles (e.g. cGMP, organic) does the company attempt to communicate?

3. Are the ingredients in the supplement fully disclosed?

4. Is there a money-back guarantee if the product does not work?

5. If there is a guarantee, how long is the supplement return policy good for?



As you can see, within reason, price is not a major differentiating point because we feel that a higher price is almost always worth it if you are getting a quality product. The risk of a higher price point is further reduced by a money-back guarantee. Additionally, if a company is willing to stand by its product for a longer period of time, it lends even more credibility to the product. This, of course, assumes that the company has been around long enough to be around to service the guarantee!

We also favor specific adaptogenic ingredients (listed above) which we think have the most efficacy in clinical practice. That’s not to say that other ingredients aren’t useful and shouldn’t be tried, particularly by people who’ve used on adrenal support supplement and have had no effect. At times, new synergistic effects will occur and produce positive effects when ingredients are used in specific combinations. As a result, trial and error is a must as most people don’t want to go through the hassle of getting the raw materials and titrating the doses of adaptogens, vitamins and minerals themselves.

Adrenal Support Supplements – Ingredients

Ingredients used in various combinations to supplement the adrenal glands in the setting of adrenal sufficiency include vitamins and minerals, herbs, and glandular extracts:

Amino Acids

L-tyrosine. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that is said to help improve stress.

Minerals

Magnesium. Magnesium is a highly common mineral in the body that is essential for the proper functioning of a variety of organ systems and tissues.

Vitamins

Choline. Choline is a water-soluble vitamin.

Vitamin B5. Vitamin B5, also known as Pantothenic Acid, helps with energy production and fat metabolism.

Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6, also known as Pyridoxine, helps stabilize the nervous system and maintain calm.

Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B vitamin that plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells, DNA, and amino acids. B12 is typically found in meat products and, in modern diets, it can be a source of deficiency in people who do not eat animal products.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for tissue health and immune system function.

Herbs

Herbs play an important role in adrenal fatigue supplements and there is no shortage of combinations that have been put together to help create the desired effects.

Ashwagandha root. Known as indian ginseng, ashwagandha is said to improve the immune system and improve stress and fatigue.

Asian Ginseng. Known as one of the adaptogens, this herb is said to help with stress.

Astralagus root. Used in Chinese medicine, this adaptogenic herb has cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to helping with stress.

Cordyceps Mycelium. Cordyceps is sometimes used in Chinese medicine to help increase libido and improve mental clarity.

Eleuthero root. Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, has been used to promote overall health and stamina.

Ginger extract

Gotu Kola leaf. Revered for an adaptogenic effects, Gotu Kola helps improve cognition, digestion, and recovery from stress.

Ginkgo Leaf. A staple in Chinese medicine, Ginkgo helps improve cognition and mood.

Holy Basil. Holy basil is revered in India for its anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties.

Lavender flower. Lavender has grown in popularity in Western culture and aids in sleep and relaxation and helps reduce inflammation.

Licorice root. Licorice is thought to be an immune booster and also has a soothing effect in times of stress.

Passionflower leaf. Passionflower helps with sleep by increasing GABA levels and may help with digestion.

Rhodiola root. Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb widely used in Europe and Russia to reduce fatigue and stress.

Schisandra Berry. Shisandra is a potent adaptogen that enhances athletic and cognitive performance.

Spearmint leaf. Spearmint is known for its anti-inflammatory and hormonal balancing capabilities.

Wild Oats Milky Seed. Sometimes referred to as a natural Viagra, this fiber-rich compound may help improve sleep, fatigue and stress.

Wood Betony. Used by European herbalists, this herb is thought to create more feelings of pleasure.

Glandular Extracts

Glandular extracts have been used for almost a century to help people with symptoms related to adrenal insufficiency. Glandular extracts typically consist of processed animal (e.g. cow, pig, sheep) gland tissue.

Theoretically, glandular supplementation has the advantage of not requiring ongoing use after the adrenals have been repleted.

Unfortunately, there are a number of possible negative consequences to using glandular extracts for adrenal supplementation. There is not a lot of standardization around ingredients given the diverse amounts of other compounds that may be present in the glandular tissue which makes isolating supplementation difficult. Additionally, with long-term use, the body may become dependent on these supplements as the intrinsic stress response dials down due to the perception that the body’s stress response is adequate. Finally, accidental over-ingestion can precipitate an adrenal crisis with symptoms such as palpitations and anxiety. Most people should take glandular extracts in conjunction with a licensed medical provider.

Adrenal Fatigue Supplements – Summary Points

There are a lot of good adrenal fatigue supplements out there for anyone who wants to give them a try. Ultimately, one’s experience with adrenal fatigue is a highly personal experience. Because little rigorous scientific research has been performed on the phenomenon of adrenal insufficiency, all-encompassing guidelines are hard to come by. Although we’ve done our best to provide quality information based on our experience, it’s always recommended to take any supplement under the direction of a healthcare practitioner.

We hope that you found this best adrenal fatigue supplement guide helpful and wish you good luck in achieving optimal health.