These are two interchangeable terms for the hormone that is secreted from the adrenal gland when your body perceives a threat. It is responsible for the “fight or flight” reaction. Epinephrine activates the body’s energy reserves thus keeping you safe by allowing you to fight for survival, or to flee from dangerous situations. It causes increased heart rate, blood pressure and blood flow to the brain, muscles, lungs and heart. Unfortunately, the body produces the same response to real physical threats & mental or emotional stress.

Learn How Adrenal Glands Impact Your Health

After an extended stressful time, the adrenal glands and epinephrine become depleted and you may start to show signs of adrenal fatigue. The Adrenals become worn out and unable to respond mentally, emotionally and physically to situations where quick, efficient action is required. This situation is common in today’s society where everything is fast-paced and we feel as though we are constantly on the go. Many people suffer from low energy, depression, anxiety, poor sleeping and eating patterns and hypertension, all common symptoms of adrenal depletion.

Top Supplements That Support Epinephrine & Protect Your Body From Stress

To optimize levels of epinephrine in your body, and improve your stress response, several supplements can be used.

Direct stimulation of epinephrine, although not always beneficial to your health, is most commonly done with the herb Ephedra. The active ingredients in ephedra are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, alkaloids that stimulate the nervous system in the same way that epinephrine does. Medicinally, ephedra is used for asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, allergies, coughs and colds. By increasing the body’s metabolic rate and decreasing appetite, ephedra is an aid to weight loss and athletic performance.

Vitamins and minerals can be taken that support the production of hormones in the adrenal gland, thus allowing the body to rebuild its levels of epinephrine at its own pace. For example, the B vitamins, especially B5, vitamin C and zinc are found in large amounts in the adrenal gland and help it to function efficiently.

Adaptogenic herbs help people during stressful times and recover from illness and fatigue. They do this by mimicking the structure of the body’s own hormones, increasing cellular repair, improving immune functioning and regulating blood sugar and brain chemicals. Many different herbs and mushrooms are used for this purpose including ginseng, astragalus, licorice, shiitake and maitake.

Potential Side Effects of Epinephrine Supplements

The more common side effects include tachycardia, hypertension, headache, anxiety, apprehension, palpitations, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and tremors.