General Addison's Disease Information
Addison’s disease is a rare disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands are not able to produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol affects nearly every organ in the body and is important for normal bodily function; aldosterone helps the body retain salt and water. Addison’s disease is the most common cause of adrenal gland failure, which results in insufficient production of these important hormones in the body. Addison’s disease affects both males and females of all ages, including children.

Possible Causes of Addison's Disease
Addison’s disease occurs when the body’s immune system destroys the part of the adrenal glands that produce cortisol and aldosterone. The adrenal glands can also be destroyed by other diseases (like tuberculosis, HIV infection, cancer and bacterial infection), some types of surgery, radiation treatments, bleeding in the adrenal glands due to blood-thinning medications and injury to the glands during late stages of pregnancy or during childbirth.

Possible Symptoms of Addison's Disease
Symptoms of Addison’s disease include steady weight loss, increasing weakness and chronic fatigue. Addison’s disease usually develops slowly, so it is usually not diagnosed until a stressful event, such as surgery, illness or an accident, causes a dramatic change in the body and the adrenal glands cannot produce enough hormones to overcome it. This event is called an Addisonian crisis and is considered a medical emergency.

Possible Lifestyle Changes for Addison's Disease
Consume plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat deep-water ocean fish, including salmon and tuna, at least three times each week. Eat foods that contain germanium, a powerful immune system stimulant, including garlic, onions, shiitake mushrooms and pearl barley. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco products. Do not consume fatty, fried foods; red meats; sodas; sugars and white flour. Get regular, moderate exercise to help combat stress.

Beneficial Supplements
Vitamin B Complex is necessary for adrenal function.

Pantothenic Acid helps the adrenal glands function effectively.

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids are vital for proper adrenal gland function.

Coenzyme A reduces stress and enhances adrenal gland function.

L-Tyrosine aids adrenal gland function and reduces stress.

Chlorophyll cleanses the bloodstream.

Coenzyme Q10 delivers oxygen to the glands.

Astragalus improves adrenal gland function and reduces stress.

Echinacea can increase white blood cell production and protect tissues from bacterial infection.

Milk Thistle Extract aids liver function and adrenal function.

Kava Kava, St. John’s Wort and Valerian reduce stress.

Siberian Ginseng helps the adrenal glands prepare the body for stress.