Addison's Disease
Addison’s Disease is a rare condition that affects the adrenal glands and subsequently, the overall condition of your endocrine system. The adrenal glands are the small organs located near the kidneys that release hormones within the body. Those who suffer from Addison's produce insufficient amounts of the cortisol, aldosterone, glucocorticoids and minerlocorticoids hormones, potentially hampering their health across many different bodily systems. Addison’s can affect both men and women of all ages.
The signs and symptoms that are associated with Addison’s usually develop slowly over the course of time. You can experience one or more of the signs.
- Weight Fluctuations
- Low Blood Pressure
- Hyper pigmentation (darkening of skin)
- Severe vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea
- Muscle or Joint weakness
- Impulsiveness
- Behavioral changes
- Salt Cravings
- Dizziness or fainting
- Elevated potassium, calcium or sodium levels
Addison’s is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks its own immune system. While there is no specific reason as to why autoimmune diseases occur, your immune system vulnerability is noteworthy. If you have an autoimmune disorder, your immune system recognizes healthy cells as combatants and tries to fight them off. Addison’s disease causes your body to attack the adrenal glands, in particular the cortex (outer layer of the glands). Common causes that may contribute to Addison's may include:
- Genetics
- Mutation of certain genes
- Adrenal Dysgensis (glands that don’t develop adequately)
- High use of Steroids
- Certain Health Ailments (Thyroid issues, Type 1 Diabetes, Tuberculosis, Leaky Gut)
- Spread of infection, cancerous cells or bleeding in to the Adrenal Glands
Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!
- The most common treatment for Addison’s is hormonal injections, however we always encourage people to try natural remedies. The best natural remedy is to consume foods that help balance hormones.
- Eliminating the use of steroids, birth control and anything else that affects your hormones.
- Decreasing your consumption of caffeine helps. Your caffeine intake can affect your hormones.
- Increase the amount of sleep you get at night. Sleeping 7-8 hours a night helps promote good health. Your body heals itself faster while the it rests.
- Exercises like walking, swimming, mild jogs, and other light cardio activities help to balance the hormones out. Intense workouts can sometimes trigger more hormonal issues.
- Eliminate foods that contribute to hormonal issues such as genetically modified foods, processed foods, sugar, alcohol, dairy and certain meats.
- Practice stress-relief rituals. Stress is known to do damage to your body and can also effect the condition of your hormones. Strategies to calm the body and release stress such as meditating or taking a hot bath can have a positive impact on your overall wellness.
- Raw Food Diets are the best way to eat to help hormonal issues
- Avocado
- Coconut Oil
- Adaptogens (herbs that help with balancing hormones)
- Maca
- Foods high in Magnesium (spinach, kale, swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, brazil nuts)
- Foods high in Vitamin D (mushrooms, kelp, safflower oil, seaweed colloid)
- Foods high in protein (chia seeds, flaxseeds, quinoa, beans, seeds & sprouted nuts)
