An Ayurvedic Approach to Adrenal Depletion

Peter Bowes

According to the Ayurveda, disease results from an imbalance in our bodies, minds, and spirits. Ayurveda uses the concept of Rasayana to help describe this action. Rasa literally means "life force" or "life energy' and ayana means "that which enters". So Rasayana action or activity is that which is nourishing and promotes positive life energy. The opposite is also true. That which robs the body, mind and spirit is what we refer to as toxic action or activity. This would seem to be an obvious and clear observation and yet many people suffer from an extraordinary imbalance in their daily lives. This is most obvious when we look at the "average" diet of our so-called modern society. The daily consumption of processed foods, processed sugars, caffeine, meat, and other toxins we consume literally rob us of our "rasa" - or life.

Many of us are unaware of the damage we inflict on our bodies and minds on a daily basis. The constant worries and stress of dealing with life's challenges can also robs us of our life force. Often we develop bad habits in response to stress, which further implicate us. This is most evident in our society's use of caffeine in all of its forms. Millions of people are addicted to caffeine, whether it is in the form of coffee, black teas, chocolate or even the seemingly benign bottle of soda pop. The average daily intake of caffeine in the US is equal is approximately 200mg per day.(1) This is equal to about two cups of mild coffee, although for the average coffee and tea drinker the amount is much higher. One 12 oz. cup of Starbucks coffee contains 375mg of caffeine. Even very young children are consuming significant amounts of caffeine. A recent study involving 36 children and teens, ages 6 to 18, were excessive caffeine drinkers. All reported drinking at least 1.5 liters of cola each day or an average of 11 liters of cola each week -- a caffeine intake roughly equivalent to two large cups of instant coffee or three small cups of ground coffee per day, and 17 such servings per week. (2)

To make matters worse, tens of millions of people in the US alone are addicted to cigarettes. So what is the net result of all of this abuse to our bodies? Quite simply it is called imbalance, or more directly stated - disease.

This disease presents itself in many shapes and forms of illness. Most people who complain of fatigue, insomnia, swelling of the joints, depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and a host of other ailments are often suffering from adrenal depletion or adrenal exhaustion as a direct result of the overuse of caffeine and other toxic materials. The adrenal glands have become overused and overworked. Many people feel tired upon waking and think they need a "pick me up" from Starbucks or some kind of sugar just to get started. This creates a viscous cycle that continues day after day for millions of people.

Generally the coffee or tea drinker feels worse in just a few short minutes after finishing the drink. Why is this? What is going on in the body that could create this kind of illusion and deception? To understand this one must have a basic understanding of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two triangular shaped organs located on top of the kidneys. These glands serve several functions. The first is the production of cortisone and adrenaline. Adrenalin is produced when the body is under stress of some sort. It is nature's way of allowing the body's metabolism to speed up in response to a stressful situation. This increase in metabolism can result in increased blood flow from the heart to the muscles of the body as well as the brain. Generally the respiration increases and the system can metabolize protein, fats and carbohydrates at a quicker rate thus giving the entire system more energy. This is known as the "Fight or Flight" syndrome. This syndrome may be of benefit in an extremely difficult situation where this enhanced energy is needed quickly, but it comes at a high price. That price, simply stated is exhaustion or a depletion of rasa. The system must return to an equilibrium or status quo. The laws of karma are always at work and this is most evident in the body and mind. If great energy is required then deep rest and relaxation is also required to bring the body back to a state of balance. Ayurveda is constantly reminding us to bring our bodies, minds and spirit into balance. Lack of balance creates disease .

So the adrenal production is very powerful and sometimes needed, but it should not be produced by artificial means. This is exactly what happens with caffeine and other stimulating chemicals. These chemicals unnaturally force the adrenal gland to produce adrenaline. This adrenaline dumping into the blood stream is what causes the sensation of the so called "pick me up'' from having that cup of coffee or tea in the morning.

Although initially it may seem to be a small thing for many people it can become a major problem in their lives. Without realizing it, many millions of people including children of a young age are addicted to caffeine in it's many forms. Constant overuse of the drug "caffeine', forces the adrenal glands to work at an abnormal rate. Nature did not intend for the adrenals to be used except for in extremely stressful situations. Drinking coffee, tea and pop all day forces the adrenal glands to work in a way Mother Nature never intended. Again what is the result? Depletion of rasa or ojas. According to Ayurveda, natures demands balance. Without balance you will experience disease. The disease associated with chronic overuse of the adrenals is what we are seeing throughout society. As we mentioned above: fatigue, insomnia, swelling of the joints, depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are the most common know ailments. A deep sense of hopelessness can often accompany this imbalance.

The good news is that if you one of the many millions suffering from this malady the fix is not difficult. First and foremost: one must stop using the substance which is the cause of the problem. This may include coffee, pop, tea or any other substance containing caffeine. As much as possible reduce the stress in your life.
You may feel some discomfort for a few days once you've stopped taking the caffeine. This is mild withdrawal symptoms associated with the absence of something that the body has become very dependent on. These symptoms can range from mild headaches, body aches and a sense of being even more tired. These will generally dissipate in a few days. Again it is simply the body's way of balancing itself. Besides avoiding caffeine, processed foods and stress it is important to repair the damage to the adrenals themselves. This can generally be accomplished with a good diet. One should focus on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables. One should avoid processed food as much as possible. The long term ingestion of caffeine in any form depletes the body of minerals and vitamins that it needs to function properly. Specifically it robs the body of calcium, zinc, iron, and Vitamins B and C.

Generally is best to try to get our vitamins and minerals through the diet but this may be difficult. Especially if the body is extremely depleted, as is often the case in caffeine abuse. So you might want to take a high quality Vitamin Supplement to help restore the B vitamins and minerals in the system. Amla is the richest source of Vitamin C and can be taken by itself or in the form of Chyawanprash. This is a wonderful way to help the body reestablish its balance. Chyawanprash contains Amla along with over 40 different herbs which act in harmony to feed the depleted system what it is lacking from the chronic abuse. One of the most powerful herbs available for repairing the Adrenals is Ashwagandha. In Ayurveda Ashwagandha is called the "King of the Herbs" and is the herb of choice for restoring the Adrenals to there natural state.

Ashwagandha works by delaying release of cortisol by the adrenals. This helps to prevent the adrenals from becoming exhausted and aids in the repair of the gland once it is already exhausted .Ashwagandha is also know to have a sedative effect thus calming the nervous system. Ashwagandha may very well help to reestablish a good sleeping pattern which is often interrupted by long term caffeine use. It has been found that Ashwagandha increases the number of immune cells known as T cells and B cells which are critical to fight infection. Triphala can also be taken to help the body eliminate the toxins stored in the colon. You may also feel that you need to cleanse the blood. You may want to consider taking Neem or a product containing Neem to help further your clean your system of the toxins.

You should start feeling better within a few weeks but it make take three to four month for the body and the Adrenal Glands to return to there normal state of health.

Caffeine addiction and adrenal exhaustion is a serous issue for millions of people and yet Nature provides a simple and beautiful way to reestablish the balance they we all must strive for. By living in moderation and maintaining good habits, we can once again find a state of balance where rasa is preserved and cherished instead of wasted and neglected.

References
1. Barone JJ, Roberts H. Human consumption of caffeine. Caffeine. Springer-Verlag: New York, 1984.
2. Roberts H. Caffeine consumption. Paper presented at a meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Pharmacology Session, New Orleans, October 1991.
3. Gray, J. Caffeine, coffee and health. Nutr Food Sci 1998;6:314-19.

Info on Chyawanprash

Ageless Wonder

(Reprinted from the YogaJournal.com)

For centuries the Ayurvedic herbal formula chyavanprash has been hailed as the ultimate anti-aging tonic.

Long before there were vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant supplements, there was chyavanprash, one of Ayurveda's most respected anti-aging foods. Chyavanprash is in the Ayurvedic category of rasayana- a super-concentrated mixture of vitamin-rich herbs and minerals designed to restore spent reserves of vital energy (ojas) and revitalize normal body function. For centuries it's been used to maintain youth and optimal health, and its adaptogenic properties make it an excellent anti-aging and anti-stress tonic.

Its rather unusual name is derived from the legend of Chyavana Rishi, a forest sage who practiced austerities. He kept his body covered with clay and grass so his eyes would shine through like jewels. One day a king by the name of Sharyati and his young daughter came into the forest on a hunt. Upon encountering Chyavana Rishi, the princess, who was perplexed by his shining eyes, poked them with blades of grass. This enraged the sage, which caused the king to appease him by having his daughter marry the rishi. Once having a taste of nuptial bliss with his young bride, Chyavana was keen to to prolong his pleasure.

Ashwini Kumar, the famous Ayurvedic physician, remedied their vast age difference by prescribing kayakalpa, a rejuvenative treatment, for the rishi. This treatment included a ritual bath in a nearby river and eating the herbal formula that became known as chyavanprash.

Chyavanprash has a jamlike texture. It is considered a single entity even though it contains over 40 herbs and minerals, which include ghee, sesame oil, honey, raw sugar, long pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, sandalwood, turmeric, cloves, saffron, amalaki, ashwaganda, shatavari, bala, gudduchi, and gokshura.

The dominant ingredient is amla, also known as amalaki or Indian gooseberry, a long-living tree that produces an intensely sour citrus fruit; it is one of the most powerful rejuvenative herbs in Ayurveda. Each amla fruit, about the size of a golf ball when ripe, contains more than 3,000 mg of vitamin C, a powerful source of antioxidants. Its touch of sweetness also plays a significant role. In Ayurveda honey and sugar are commonly added to certain herbal formulations to act as an anupan, a substance that directs the properties of the herbs deep into the tissues. In the case of chyavanprash, its sweet flavor means it is quickly assimilated into the bloodstream, which helps to better facilitate its active ingredients into cell walls.

Chyavanprash can be used by people of all ages. According to Ayurveda, it decreases vata and kapha and increases pitta doshas. It has a warming, unctuous, and heavy nature that is believed to improve longevity. Chyavanprash is also commonly called upon to support those with physical weakness from loss of body weight; respiratory ailments such as chronic cough and asthma; metabolic fatigue due to a lack of natural vitamins, proteins, and minerals; as well as some age-related conditions, including diminished resistance to disease, anemia, and loss of memory. One teaspoon of chyavanprash jam taken twice daily is often advised. If you buy chyavanprash in powdered form, five grams of the powder should be mixed with one cup of warm water and taken twice daily.

Many sources list the formula as having no specific contraindications, but because chyavanprash can increase pitta dosha, it should be used cautiously if you suffer from aggravated pitta disorders, such as diarrhea or peptic ulcer. And as always, consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking this or any other herbal formula.

Herb columnist James Bailey

This is an article discussing the efficacy of standardized extracts.
(Reprinted from the YogaJournal.com)

Making Sense of Labels

Knowing what to look for on a supplement label can help you make a better choice.Shopping for herbal supplements can be as confusing as reading the Yoga Sutra in Sanskrit. With the various health claims advertised on the labels, different quantities and sizes, and the different ways the herbs are manufactured, what do you need to know in order to make the best decision? There are four key areas to focus on: labels; potency; delivery system, such as tincture or capsules; and quantity.

Labels: In 1994, the U.S. Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), spelling out clear warnings to manufacturers on labeling and marketing their products. The law allows manufacturers to make only general claims about how a product effects the body, referred to as "structure-function" claims. For example, an herb that benefits the eyes may state, "beneficial for eye health," implying a benefit to the eye structure, or "beneficial for the health of your vision," indicating it aids eye function. But it may not say, "cures glaucoma."

Unfortunately, the law limits the consumer's ability to know what health conditions the herb is used for. For example, "vision health" could mean anything. In these cases, you can consult a self-help herb book for guidance. A good one is The Natural Pharmacy (Prima Publishing, 1999).

Potency: Three considerations effect cost: whether they are ground-up raw herbs, whole herb extracts, or standardized extracts. Ground-up raw herbs are cheaper, but also weaker. I avoid them because they're less effective and tend to have higher bacterial and fungal counts.

Whole herb extracts are safer, more concentrated, and generally more effective than raw herbs. With a few exceptions, traditional herbal healing systems cook their herbs in water, forming a concentrated tea.The remaining inert bulk plant material is then filtered and thrown out. Today, extraction companies can better preserve and concentrate an herb's active components in their original proportions, while also killing any microbes. The tea is then spray-dried into a powdered form and put into capsules. Whole herb extracts are usually twice as expensive as raw herbs—but have up to five times greater efficiency—plus they're often easier to digest and absorb.

Standardized extracts are even stronger and more expensive because of the cost of extraction. They are a hybridization of traditional and pharmaceutical methods in which the most active ingredient in the plant is isolated out and concentrated. In some cases that can be useful-the consumer is guaranteed a minimal standardized amount of the herb's active ingredient. But what if the herb works by virtue of several active ingredients that work in synergy only when in their natural proportions? That's why I lean toward whole herb extracts. They contain all of the active components of the herb in its natural potency.

Delivery System: Herbs can be consumed in a variety of ways, but the most common are tincture and capsules. Tinctures should indicate the weight ratio of herbal material to liquid, thus a 1:2 contains more herbal material than a 1:4 concentration. Most people prefer capsules because the herb's often bitter taste is hidden. Yet traditionalists believe this is a mistake because the taste contains an important aspect of its healing ability. For that reason tinctures are considered better. But if you just can not find a certain herb palatable, capsules are better than nothing.

Quantity: If you choose to take your capsule form, be aware that they vary in both size and count. Watch out for products that have more capsules but may be smaller in size. Do the math: 90 350 mg capsules is less herb than 70 500mg capsules.

Herb columnist James Bailey

What are standardized extracts?