GHS Natural Health Blog

Q. I have severe Adrenal Gland fatigue with the most severe problem being Fatigue (also have hypothyroidism, sensitivity to chemicals and perfumes, insomnia etc). However, I am particularly interested in American Ginseng for my Fatigue problem.

A. The adrenal glands produce a large number of hormones. The cortex (outer part) produces corticosteroids that include cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), aldosterone and the sex hormones, testosterone and oestrogen. Cortisol is the major hormone involved in the stress response. Under prolonged stress cortisol levels are elevated, which increases blood pressure and blood sugar levels thereby suppressing the inflammatory response of the immune system.

In early humans there were long periods of time between exposures to stressful situations in which the body could recover, but in today’s busy world the ‘fight-or-flight’ response is activated many times a day for most people so the body never gets the chance to recover and levels of stress hormones may be chronically raised.

With adrenal fatigue or adrenal exhaustion, over time the adrenal glands may be unable to keep up the pace of hormone production due to exhaustion of nutritional reserves or damage to the gland itself and the result is low production of adrenal hormones and resulting symptoms of illness such as fatigue. Environmental illness sufferers usually have low corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) (1). This is a hormone produced by the hypothalamus in the brain that signals the release of another hormone, ACTH, which tells the adrenal glands to increase their hormone output. If CRH is low then adrenal hormones will also be low.

Whether it is low CRH levels causing under stimulation of the adrenal glands or adrenal exhaustion, usually people suffering from CFS, fibromyalgia and other environmental illnesses have low output of the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA (2, 3, 4). DHEA is thought to counteract the negative effects of prolonged high cortisol levels such as immune suppression and damage to brain cells through over stimulation. DHEA has been shown to increase energy and feelings of well being.

In the early stages of adrenal exhaustion cortisol levels become chronically elevated and DHEA levels start to decline. This has a negative impact upon thyroid function since cortisol is directly antagonistic to thyroid function.

Cortisol reduces thyroid activity by reducing stimulation of the thyroid gland through decreased output of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. It also acts to stop the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 (thyroxine) into the active form, T3. Low thyroid function has many health consequences.

The most widely used herbs to treat this condition include Ginseng, Licorice and Echinacea. Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) improves adrenal function and increases blood pressure and energy. Panax ginseng has a strong anti-stress effect, reducing high cortisol levels and bringing the ratio of cortisol to DHEA into balance.

Licorice contains a compound, glycyrrhizin, which raises the body’s level of cortisol by inhibiting its breakdown. Only use licorice only for a maximum of 8 weeks as it can raise cortisol levels too high and cause high blood pressure as well as interfere with fluid balance, due to its effect on mineralcorticoid hormones.

Echinacea has immune stimulating activity, including an adrenal stimulating action so may benefit people with low adrenal function. If using Echinacea, supplement with vitamin C as adrenal levels can decrease as the glands requirement increases due to the stimulation produced by the herb. 500-2000mg of vitamin C daily is a suggested dosage.

The EWG (Environmental Working Group) analysed 14,841 personal care products and compared ingredients found in these products against chemicals listed in 37 toxicity and regulatory databases. From this study the EWG has developed a list of top ingredients which are known and probable carcinogens; known and probable reproductive and developmental toxins; and ingredients that are illegal for use in cosmetics in the U.S. or E.U., or that have been found unsafe for use in cosmetics by authoritive bodies.

1. MERCURY

Unsafe for use in cosmetics according to FDA; Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; Possible human carcinogen

2. THIMEROSAL

Unsafe for use in cosmetics according to FDA; Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; Possible human carcinogen

3. LEAD ACETATE

Known human reproductive or developmental toxin; Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products

4. FORMALDEHYDE

Known human carcinogen; Not safe for use if aerosolized, in aerosolized product; Skin sensitizer

5. NICKEL

Known human carcinogen; Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Skin sensitizer

6. TOLUENE

Unsafe according to International Fragrance Association; Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products

7. PETROLEUM DISTILLATES

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Possible human carcinogen; May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products

8. ACRYLONITRILE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Possible human carcinogen; Skin sensitizer

9. ETHYLACRYLATE

Unsafe according to International Fragrance Association; Possible human carcinogen; Skin sensitizer

10. COAL TAR

Known human carcinogen; Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products

11. DIBUTYL PHTHALATE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; Endocrine disruptor

12. POTASSIUM DICHROMATE

Possible human carcinogen; Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; Skin sensitizer

13. METHYL CELLOSOLVE

Unsafe according to International Fragrance Association; Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; Endocrine disruptor

14. FERROUS SULFATE

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products; Reproductive or developmental harm – limited evidence

15. SELENIUM SULFIDE

Possible human carcinogen; Restricted in EU cosmetics (manufacturing/structural limits); Reproductive or developmental harm – limited evidence

16. DIMETHYLAMINE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Respiratory toxicity hazards; Skin or sense organ toxicity hazards

17. CHROMIUM

Known human carcinogen; Reproductive or developmental harm – limited evidence; Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards

18. ZIRCONIUM SILICATE

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products; Restricted in EU cosmetics (manufacturing/structural limits)

19. ACRYLAMIDE

Possible human carcinogen; May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products; Restricted in EU cosmetics (impurity limit)

20. PHENYLPHENOL

Possible human carcinogen; Endocrine disruptor; Reproductive or developmental harm – limited evidence

21. D&C BLUE 6

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products; Color additive – banned or not approved for use in food

22. EXT D&C GREEN 1

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products; Color additive – banned or not approved for use in food

23. EXT D&C RED 1

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products; Color additive – banned or not approved for use in food

24. EXT D&C RED 3

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products; Color additive – banned or not approved for use in food

25. ACID VIOLET 43

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; May contain harmful impurities or form toxic breakdown products; Skin sensitizer

26. HEXACHLOROPHENE

Unsafe for use in cosmetics according to FDA; Lung sensitizer used in products that may be inhaled; Cancer – limited evidence of carcinogenicity

27. FD&C RED 3

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Color not approved for use around eyes, in eye products; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

28. LIDOCAINE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Neurotoxicity hazards; Respiratory toxicity hazards

29. HYDROXYANISOLE

Unsafe for use in cosmetics according to industry panel; Skin sensitizer; Neurotoxicity hazards

30. BHA

Possible human carcinogen; Endocrine disruptor; Skin sensitizer

31. LITHIUM CARBONATE

Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; Endocrine disruptor; Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards

32. DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Reproductive or developmental harm – limited evidence; Cardiovascular or blood toxicity hazards

33. IODINE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Endocrine disruptor; Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards

34. PHENACETIN

Possible human carcinogen; Kidney toxicity hazards; Neurotoxicity hazards

35. PHENOLPHTHALEIN

Possible human carcinogen; Reproductive or developmental harm – limited evidence; Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards

36. PROGESTERONE

Possible human carcinogen; Possible human reproductive or developmental toxin; Endocrine disruptor

37. ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM TETRACHLOROHYDREX GLYCINE COMPLEX, ANHYDROUS

Unsafe for use in cosmetics according to FDA; Restricted in EU cosmetics (manufacturing/structural limits); Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

38. DISPERSE BLUE 1

Possible human carcinogen; Kidney toxicity hazards; Industry-recommended limits on concentration/use

39. FERRIC AMMONIUM CITRATE

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Persistent and bioaculative; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

40. BASIC VIOLET 14

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Coal tar dye – cancer studies unavailable; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

41. ACID ORANGE 24

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Coal tar dye – cancer studies unavailable; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

42. 2- AMINO- 4- NITROPHENOL

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Cancer – limited evidence of carcinogenicity; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

43. BRUCINE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Highly toxic; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

44. ACID BLUE 3

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

45. ACID YELLOW 3

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel

46. PIGMENT BLUE 15

Color additive – banned or not approved for use in cosmetics; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel; In other consumer products besides personal care products

47. NAPHAZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel; Not assessed by industry panel

48. DIPHENHYDRAMINE HCL

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel; Not assessed by industry panel

49. TETRAHYDROZOLINE HYDROCHLORIDE

Prohibited for use in cosmetics in the European Union; Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel; Not assessed by industry panel

Q.  Are there any herbs that would help revive a damaged brain?

A.  This is very difficult as it would depend on how damaged the brain is, but there has been lots of work done with Brahmi with very positive results (after car crash injuries etc.) but you could be looking at months of recuperation.

Also Gotu kola is a really good one as it is actually a brain food – nourishes the brain.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a brain tonic that seems to be useful for decreased mental capacity due to a physical disability or advancing years. Ginkgo works by increasing the ability of the brain to use available oxygen, and it also directly stimulates the area of the brain responsible for memory.

Ginkgo, Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng also increase the activity of some of the brain’s neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit messages from one nerve cell to another).

Brahmi, Gotu kola and Ginkgo can be taken dried as an infusion – to make tea, add ¼ to ½ tsp dried herb to a cup of boiling water (150 mL) for 10 minutes, 3 times a day.

For both Panax and Siberian Ginseng pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp finely chopped Ginseng root. Steep for 5-10 minutes (1-3/daily for 3-4 weeks).

Ginkgo, Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng are very strong herbs and have adaptogen properties which can decrease and/or increase efficacy of prescribed medication.

It is very important to always advise that if on any prescribed medication they should check with their health professional. Anyone on Warfarin should not use any herbal products at all.

Treating Alzheimer’s disease is harder if that is the brain condition as Alzheimer’s disease is a traumatic degenerative disease. Often it leads to loss in memory and loss in cognitive function, but herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Ginseng have been shown to improve concentration and memory in Alzheimer’s patients by increasing the cerebral blood flow to the brain.

Visit Global Herbal Supplies for a full range of herbs.

Q. I tried Psyllium for irritable bowel syndrome and it helped so much. I have a friend who has Crohn’s disease which is much more serious. Do you know if Psyllium has ever been used to relieve the symptoms of Crohn’s disease?

A. Recent studies have shown positive benefits of Psyllium in Crohn’s Disease, where it acts as a probiotic helping to heal the inner lining of the inflamed intestines.

Probiotics are friendly microorganisms responsible for numerous essential body operations, including maintaining the chemical and hormonal balance, preventing infiltration of harmful bacteria, yeasts, viruses, moulds, and other parasites, producing and regulating vitamins, stimulating the function of the entire digestive system and promoting proper immune function.

Traditionally, Psyllium husk is used as an intestinal cleanser, gentle bulk-forming laxative for constipation, stool softener and to treat haemorrhoids and other intestinal disorders. It also expedites the elimination of waste and toxins.

How to Take Psyllium

Psyllium is mixed with water and thickens quickly so it must be consumed immediately. If it is the first time taking Psyllium, begin with a low dose (one-half to one teaspoon) mixed with 8 oz (1 litre water daily). Increase to up to two teaspoons and two 8 oz glasses of water daily as needed. Take either in the morning or before bedtime.

It is very important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, up to six to eight full glasses of water, as Psyllium soaks up water in the digestive tract. A shortage of water could cause constipation or intestinal blockage.

Cautions

• Psyllium may interfere with mineral and medication absorption (prescription and non-prescription). Always allow at least one hour between taking medication and Psyllium. In general, prescription drugs should be taken one hour before or two hours after Psyllium, because the absorption and effectiveness of many drugs may be reduced.
• Before starting Psyllium for Crohn’s Disease consult a health professional.

Unlike irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which is a progressive and non-degenerative digestive disorder, Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that can involve any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus, and tends to affect multiple layers of the bowel lining, which can lead to many additional and hard-to-treat complications.

Another problem associated with Crohn’s Disease is a disturbed immune system. Crohn’s disease is also known as a “wasting” disorder because the immune system no longer functions properly. The numerous symptoms happen because the body virtually “shuts down.”

The immune system is composed of immune cells and proteins. In a normal uncompromised immune system these cells and proteins defend the body against harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other foreign invaders.

The immune system in Crohn’s disease is activated only when the body is exposed to harmful invaders.  As well it is often associated with auto-immune disorders outside the bowel, such as aphthous stomatitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
 
There is no actual cure for Crohn’s disease, but with proper management some people can be free of symptoms for long periods. The treatment regime for Crohn’s disease varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the disease and the area affected, however, most treatments aim to reduce the inflammation, relieve the pain, diarrhoea and bleeding.

It is important that people with Crohn’s disease have the correct nutritional intake, as chronic disease tends to increase the caloric or energy needs of the body, especially during disease flare-ups and is often associated with poor digestion and malabsorption of dietary protein, fat, carbohydrates, water, and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. The intestines may not possibly absorb the protein, calories, and vitamins that are eaten.

Foods that can aggravate the situation include milk, alcohol and hot spices. A diet low in fat may be beneficial for Crohn’s disease. Keep a food diary to learn if there are foods that make the situation worse.
 
Other possible supplements include Aloe (Aloe Vera), Licorice (Glyhrizza glabra), Fish oil (EPA, DHA), Glutamine and a good brand Multi Vitamins and Minerals.

Chinese/Tibetan Wolfberry (Goji Berry) is a nutrient-dense super food that is rich in polysaccharides, which have potent immune stimulating effects. These polysaccharides appear to be highly effective in raising levels of immunoglobulin, an immune protein that steadily declines with age. It is over 15 percent protein, contains 21 essential minerals and 18 amino acids.

There is no evidence that Crohn’s Disease is contagious, however, some cases have started after contracting gastroenteritis. Some doctors suspect it is triggered by an unusual immunological response to a usually relatively harmless organism.

Others believe that the disease is possibly started by bacteria in the gut which release toxins to attack the wall of the intestines causing the damage in Crohn’s Disease.

Q. I am looking for some product for jet-lag and to boost the immunity.

A. Your body has more than 100 circadian rhythms and each 24-hour cycle influences an aspect of your body’s function, including body temperature, hormone levels, heart rate, blood pressure and pain threshold. A circadian rhythm is roughly a 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of plants and animals, etc., and partly depends on external factors such as sunlight and temperature.

Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including humans. There are clear patterns of brain wave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration and other biological activities linked to this daily cycle.

Many travellers have experienced the condition known as jet lag, exhibiting symptoms of fatigue, disorientation and insomnia. When a person travels rapidly across multiple time zones, the circadian rhythms do not shift at the same rates or in a synchronized manner. This results in poor synchronicity among various body functions and rhythms, resulting in ”jet lag.”

Re-synchronization takes place over a number of days, depending upon the number of Trans-meridian time zones crossed, but generally takes place more quickly after travelling in a westward direction than in an eastward direction. Exposure to afternoon light after a westward flight speeds up re-synchronization and exposure to early morning sunlight speeds up re-synchronization after an eastward flight.

The time of departure and arrival do not have much influence on the circadian rhythms, but the amount of sleep you get while on the plane and directly after arrival does matter. If you sleep poorly on the flight, the sleep deprivation contributes strongly to the disorientation and fatigue associated with jet lag.

Because of the increased air pressure while travelling on board a pressurized aircraft, alcohol can have an adverse diuretic effect on your body. Coffee and tea also can have this effect to a smaller degree.

The pressurized air in the aircraft is already devoid of moisture, requiring your body to compensate for this lack, but with increased urination, the problem gets worse, causing extra dehydration.

Keep your food intake moderately light and drink plenty of water during the trip instead of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated fizzy drinks. Carbonated drinks can make you feel bloated and may also cause stomach upset. If you do feel bloated and uncomfortable Chamomile tea may benefit.

Some herbs that can help balance jet lag symptoms and boost the immune system are Ginseng, Reishi, Astragalus and Schizandra.

Ginseng in particular has been used in easing the effects of jet lag. Only a small shaving a day is necessary to boost the immune system, but increased dosage would be needed before and during travel.