Addison's Disease
Addison's Disease refers to a condition of the adrenal glands; two paired glands that rest on top of the kidneys. In Addison's, these glands do not produce a sufficient amount of hormones, also referred to as adrenal insufficiency. Addison's Disease is considered primary chronic adrenocortical insufficiency and results from progressive destruction of the outer portion of the gland, the cortex. Typically, symptoms do not appear until at least 90% of the cortex has been damaged.[1]
Addison's Disease | |
Causes | Genetics, Infections |
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See Also | Endocrine Conditions, Adrenal Fatigue, Hypotension, Hypoglycemia, Hyperkalemia |
Books | Books on Endocrine Diseases |
Articles | Articles on Endocrine Conditions |
Contents
Naturopathic Assessment
Causal Factors
In order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal the causes of disease must be identified and addressed. With Addison's disease the causes are variable and include lifestyle and environmental factors. More than 90% of all cases of Addison's Disease are attributable to autoimmune adrenal dysfunction, tuberculosis, AIDS, or metastatic cancers. A detailed assessment is required to determine if there are other contributing factors.[1]
Environmental
- Certain infections are implicated in causing Addison's Disease, particularly tuberculosis and disseminated fungi infections due to Histoplasma capsulatum and Coccidioides immitis.[1]
- Individuals with AIDS are at increased risk of developing Addison's Disease due to infectious (ie. cytomegalovirus) and noninfectious (ie. Kaposi sarcoma) complications of the disease.[1]
Genetics
- Congenital adrenal hypoplasia
- A rare X-linked disease[1]
- Genetic factors can predispose a person to develop autoimmune Addison's Disease. Similar to other autoimmune conditions, it is more common in females and often presents between the ages of 30-50 years.[2]
Related Symptoms and Conditions
The conditions associated with Addison's Disease include:
- Hypotension
- Hypoglycemia
- Hyperkalemia or high blood levels of potassium
- Orthostatic hypotension or low blood pressure upon standing
- Graves' Disease
- Premature Ovarian Failure
- Metastatic neoplasms
- The adrenal glands are a common site for cancerous metastases. If the tumour growth is extensive, the adrenal cortex can be damaged sufficiently to produce Addison's Disease.[1]
Characteristics
Common Symptoms
Addison's disease can present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms including:[3]
- Fatigue
- Muscular weakness
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Hypoglycemia
- Unexplained weight loss
- Malaise
- Dehydration
- Hypotension
- Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Naturopathic Treatment
The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. The treatment of Addison's Disease is commonly requires co-management with a specialist.
It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.
Home Care
- Smoking is hard on the adrenals. It is important to quit smoking.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle recommendations include:
- Eliminate stimulants such as tea, coffee, energy drinks, colas.[4]
- Avoid fried, processed food, sugar and white products.
- Controlling sodium and potassium balance is important. Typically what is required is high sodium and low potassium.
- Increase complex carbohydrates and lean protein. Foods rich in iodine and raw foods.
- Ensure you drink adequate water.
- Regular exercise has been demonstrated to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.
Naturopathic Therapies
The prescribing of naturopathic therapies requires the guidance of a naturopathic doctor as it depends on a number of factors including the causal factors, a person's age, prescription medications, other conditions and symptoms and overall health. It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor prior to taking any natural therapies.
Naturopathic Therapies for Addison's disease include:
- Clinical Nutritional Supplementation includes
- Vitamins such as B vitamins, vitamin C[4], vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin B6
- Minerals such as magnesium, iron, copper, calcium, sodium, zinc.[4]
- Amino Acids such as Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, glutamine.[4]
- Other supplements such as Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3 Fatty Acids.[4]
Article | Botanical Approaches to Adrenal Insufficiency, Vital Link; 2006 Fall |
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- Herbs such as Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinale), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Hops (Humulus lupulus), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), Kava-kava (Piper methysticum), Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba), Ginseng (Panax ginseng), Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium), Withania (Withania somnifera), Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea).[4], Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Borage (Borago officinalis), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
- Classical homeopathics: Natrum muriaticum, Argentum nitricum, Silica,[5] Gelsemium, Arsenicum album, Lycopodium, and Sulphur.[4], Iodum, Vanadium
Article | TCM Perspective of Adrenal Dysfunction, Vital Link; 2006 Fall |
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- The TCM diagnosis includes: SP Qi deficiency, SP Yang Deficiency, KI Yang Deficiency, KI Yin Deficiency
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Kumar R, Abbas A, DeLancey A, Malone E (2010) Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. Eighth Edition. Saunders Elsevier.
- ↑ Mitchell AL, Pearce SH (2012 Jan) Autoimmune Addison disease: pathophysiology and genetic complexity Nat Rev Endocrinol doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2011.245. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 22290360 .
- ↑ Ten S, New M, Maclaren N (2001 Jul) Clinical review 130: Addison's disease 2001 J Clin Endocrinol Metab; Vol86(7):2909-22 PMID: 11443143.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Sarris J, Wardle J (2010) Clinical Naturopathy: An evidence-based guide to practice, Elsevier.
- ↑ Locke A (1998) The Family Guide to Homeopathy: The Safe Form of Medicine for the Future. Penguin.