In addition to MC I have rather low cortisol levels; blood work shows 9 in the AM, saliva shows negligible and rising a little as the day goes on. Any ideas on how to raise it? The docs think the blood number is OK and don't believe in the saliva test. Sigh.
Oh, and DHEA (saliva) is also low.
My thyroid seems OK too.
How to raise cortisol safely?
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mzh
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How to raise cortisol safely?
Also have sleep apnea
I'm tapering prednisone, now down to a replacement dose of 6 mg/day. I have read recommendations for people trying to get off prednisone -- to get their body to start making cortisol again -- their docs have provided the following suggestions:
High dose vitamin C, like 1000 mg/day
and
Getting early morning sun on your retinas -- meaning getting up early and spending time in direct sun, being sure to get some in your eyes.
High dose vitamin C, like 1000 mg/day
and
Getting early morning sun on your retinas -- meaning getting up early and spending time in direct sun, being sure to get some in your eyes.
1987 Mononucleosis (EBV)
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
Marcia,
It's hard to win, trying to supplement cortisol, because just about any cortisol supplement will cause your adrenals to produce even less cortisol, or maybe stop producing it completely, as long as you're taking the supplement. Your body will then be dependent on the supplement, and if/when you try to wean of the supplement, there is always a risk that if everything doesn't go right, your adrenals may not resume producing cortisol, at least not at the previous levels.
That said, yes, you can get temporary relief (subject to the conditions described above) from supplemental hydrocortisone. It would need to be done under the care of a doctor who truly understands all the ins and outs of this issue (and, of course, hydrocortisone is only available by prescription, anyway).
Please be aware that most of the OTC herbs and supplements that are sold for the purpose of modifying cortisol levels typically reduce cortisol levels, rather than increase them. Many of them work by helping to reduce stress levels.
I suppose one way to boost your cortisol levels would be to increase your stress level, but somehow that strikes me as counterproductive, in the long run. LOL.
I assume you're well aware that if you use the "sunlight on your retinas" treatment, you should never stare directly at the sun.
Tex
It's hard to win, trying to supplement cortisol, because just about any cortisol supplement will cause your adrenals to produce even less cortisol, or maybe stop producing it completely, as long as you're taking the supplement. Your body will then be dependent on the supplement, and if/when you try to wean of the supplement, there is always a risk that if everything doesn't go right, your adrenals may not resume producing cortisol, at least not at the previous levels.
That said, yes, you can get temporary relief (subject to the conditions described above) from supplemental hydrocortisone. It would need to be done under the care of a doctor who truly understands all the ins and outs of this issue (and, of course, hydrocortisone is only available by prescription, anyway).
Please be aware that most of the OTC herbs and supplements that are sold for the purpose of modifying cortisol levels typically reduce cortisol levels, rather than increase them. Many of them work by helping to reduce stress levels.
I suppose one way to boost your cortisol levels would be to increase your stress level, but somehow that strikes me as counterproductive, in the long run. LOL.
I assume you're well aware that if you use the "sunlight on your retinas" treatment, you should never stare directly at the sun.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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Gabes-Apg
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in line with what tex says, i would research at depth any supplement that is to treat adrenals/cortisol. as there are counterproductive outcomes quite possible.
too much cortisol in our system (and our gut) is a toxin and causes inflammation.
Pre MC dx i too had issues with my body not producing enough cortisol. At this time, I focussed on whole body health, not necessarily just the adrenals.
too much cortisol in our system (and our gut) is a toxin and causes inflammation.
Pre MC dx i too had issues with my body not producing enough cortisol. At this time, I focussed on whole body health, not necessarily just the adrenals.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama