Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is a rare, chronic condition brought about by the failure of the adrenal glands, it is not usually diagnosed until well progressed, symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, loss of weight, faintness, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, salt cravings and painful muscles and joints.
The adrenal glands have an inner core known as the medulla and an outer shell known as the cortex. The inner medulla produces adrenaline, and the cortex produces steroid hormones essential for life - cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol mobilises nutrients, enables the body to fight inflammation, stimulates the liver and helps to control the amount of water in the body. Aldosterone regulates salt and water levels.
Around 70% of Addison's cases are auto-immune related, where antibodies attach to cells in the adrenal cortex. These destroy the cells which make cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal medulla is not affected, in which case, we would recommend that you read The Auto Immune Disorder Protocol
Physicians in
China may prescribe Liquorice alone or with cortisol to treat mild cases of Addison's disease, in which the body produces too little of this hormone.
Disclaimer: Regenerative Nutrition advocates a holistic approach to natural health and wellbeing. The body's ability and power to heal depends upon the totality of diet, nutrition, lifestyle and environmental factors. No claims for the cure of any disease is intended, or implied. Always consult a health care practitioner when combating disease states. The statements in this article have not been approved by the FDA.