Has anyone used liquorice root for treating adrenals before?

[Princesspea]

Was about to purchase NA/NAX then was advised probably best not to start them without a Dr monitoring me on it so now trying to think of an alternative :0(

[skyfall]

If you want a good overview on adrenals and how to think about managing recovery you could look at Dr Peatfield's book - he covers it in detail including treatment using NAX/NA.

I've followed this protocol and it's made a dramatic difference BUT and this is a big BUT you need to be sure that it's your adrenals that need treating and that there are no other hovering problems that are undiagnosed. Symptoms of adrenal distress/hypothyroidism also over lap with a host of other conditions including oestrogen dominance. I've spent the past 6 months working through all the related conditions to discover my thyroid was not as much as a problem as I was led to believe. My dose has been dropped from 100mcg to 25mcg as a result because when I started treating the other conditions, specifically oestrogen dominance and adrenal distress/stress my thyroid function improved.

[Princesspea in reply to skyfall]

Hi, many thank for your reply. I will definitely get Dr Peatfields book and have a look. I have had a couple of books recommended so I will certainly take time to look at them but I am keen to use NA/NAX as I have heard good things about it without resorting to HC just yet. I have 24hr saliva test results that I have been told show I have adrenals that are pretty low, is that sufficient to suggest thats the problem?

Gail

[Xanthe]

Dr James Wilson's book "Adrenal fatigue - the 21st century stress syndrome" is another excellent book with details of tests you can do at home to check for the possibility of adrenal insufficiency,as well as guidance on diet,lifestyle, supplements etc. You could ask your GP to measure your blood pressure sitting (or lying), then standing - a drop in bp on standing is a good indicator of adrenal insufficiency.

I used NAX and it certainly helped, but I needed DHEA as a supplement too, as I was low in this hormone, although my cortisol wasn't too bad. The Genova adrenal test showed me to be low in DHEA. If you can afford the test it's worth doing.

I also used liquorice root as a support to my recovery - it works by reducing the rate at which the liver removes cortisol from the bloodstream, so keeping levels up a bit longer. I wouldn't rely on this alone as it's only part of the potential healing process, and taking too much can increase blood pressure.

[Princesspea]

Hi, many thanks for your reply, that is also one of the books I have had suggested previously and I am going to order it, along with the above, in the next few days. I have 24hr saliva test results showing low cortisol throughout the day and below range at midnight. It shows my DHEA to be fine, in fact slightly above range. Is that ok for it to be that?

Oh maybe I should avoid liquorice root then as I already have high blood pressure.

Gail