Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I am a 63 year old man. I seem to be tired a lot, even after I get 8 or 9 hours of sleep. I have had blood work done, without any diagnosis of a problem. Are there any supplements that could help me?” — Randy G., Bonduel, WI

A. Dear Randy, I do have some suggestions when it comes to increasing energy. While the thyroid is often the first gland that comes to my mind when people complain about fatigue, I would recommend first focusing on nutrient formulas that can help support your adrenal glands. These two small glands, each roughly the size of an acorn, sit on top of each kidney. They are responsible for secreting important hormones, including cortisol, that help the body respond to stress. Many of us are living lives full of stressful events – work, family, commuting, finances and more. All this stress may cause our adrenal glands to work overtime, leading to what is often called adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion. In cases of adrenal fatigue, the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands drops. This can lead to a lack of energy, weight gain, sugar cravings, and reliance on stimulants like caffeine to get moving every day.

I would first recommend looking for an adrenal support formula that contains ingredients like DHEA, adrenal extract, L-tyrosine, licorice, P-5-P, pregnenolone and rehmannia root extract. DHEA and pregnenolone are pro-hormones, which the body converts to important hormones, including cortisol. Licorice aids in keeping healthy cortisol levels circulating in the body, while other key nutrients (P-5-P, L-tyrosine and rehmannia) help the body resist the negative effects of stress. For optimal benefit, take 1 to 2 capsules of this formula three times daily.

Add to this a blend of four of the best adaptogenic herbs on the planet: rhodiola, eleuthero, ashwagandha and schisandra. Adaptogens work by increasing strength, stamina, and energy without being stimulants. I suggest taking 1 capsule twice daily. However, once you have your energy levels back to where you want them, you may be able to reduce to one a day.

I would also recommend taking a blend of plant oils including Black Spruce, Scots Pine, and Thyme that, when used together, can increase your daily energy—with no negative impacts. This has personally helped me to significantly increase my energy levels. The beneficial effects of these oils are believed to be due to the ability of compounds in the oils to influence the body’s response to stress and to balance the HPA (Hypothalamus-Adrenal-Pituitary) axis in the body, which aids in regulation of mood, sexuality, alertness and energy. I would suggest taking 125 mg of this oil blend daily. Be sure to choose a formula which features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally