Low levels of cortisol and aldosterone is typical indication of adrenal insufficiency (underactive adrenals). Failure to produce adequate levels of cortisol can occur for different reasons. The problem may be due to a disorder of the adrenal glands themselves (primary adrenal insufficiency) or to inadequate secretion of ACTH by the pituitary gland (secondary adrenal insufficiency). About 70 percent of reported cases of Addison's disease are caused by autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system makes antibodies that attack the body's own tissues or organs (including adrenals) and slowly destroy them. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when at least 90 percent of the adrenal cortex has been destroyed. Tuberculosis accounts for about 20 percent of cases of primary adrenal insufficiency in developed countries. I would suggest that your friend gets tested for auto-antibodies and TB infection which could reside in the body in dormant state for years (the most up-to-date blood test is called Quantiferon-TB).
Secondary adrenal insufficiency is much more common than primary adrenal insufficiency and can be traced to a prolonged stimulation of adrenals in stress by ACTH from pituitary gland leading to adrenal fatigue. In secondary adrenal insufficiency adrenal glands drop production of cortisol, but not aldosterone. A form of secondary adrenal insufficiency may occur in people who had been taking steroidal drugs for a long time. Steroidal drugs (glucocorticoid hormones), which are often used to treat inflammatory illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, or ulcerative colitis, block the release of both corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and ACTH. Normally CRH instructs the pituitary gland to release ACTH. If CRH levels drop, the pituitary is not stimulated to release ACTH, and the adrenals then fail to secrete sufficient levels of cortisol.
The body interprets physiological stressors, such as lack of sleep, imbalanced blood sugar levels or intensive athletic training in the same way as psychological stress due to bereavement or divorce, for example. Adrenal function is significantly influenced by blood sugar levels, therefore much of the dietary schedule should aim to stabilise levels of sugar in the blood. Nutrients that specifically support the adrenal glands are vitamin C, found in most fresh fruit and vegetables. Magnesium is dramatically depleted in times of stress, and symptoms of a deficiency often include fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and a predisposition to stress. The B-complex vitamins can help to support adrenal function, particularly vitamin B5, which directly supports adrenal cortex function and hormone production.
Great results in adrenal function stimulation are achieved with Scenar therapy (electrical neuro-stimulation). One of my patients has recovered her adrenal function only with three sessions of Scenar therapy!
Hope it helps.
Alla Cranham, MSc ABMT,
Registered Homotoxicologist
Mercury House
Northgate
Nottingham
NG7 7FN
Tel +44(0) 845 450 7316
Mob +44(0) 77361 47458
Fax +44(0) 115 9163109
http://www.in-vivo-health.co.uk