Sunday, August 21, 2016

Natural ACTH Lowering Supplements (Supplements to Lower/Decrease ACTH) (Adrenocorticotropic-Hormone-Antagonists/Blockers)

ACTH, also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone, is a polypeptide ''tropic hormone'' that is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, in mammals and humans [1]. It's main function is to increase cortisol release from the adrenal cortex and to help maintain equilibrium during Stress [2] [3]. ACTH plays a large role in body temperature [4], mood [5], metabolism [6], resistance to stress [7] [8] [9] and as well, the uptake and proper usage of electrolytes in the body [10]. It also regulates bone mass, low concentrations of ACTH may oppose osteoblast differentiation and high amounts may have anabolic / growth-promoting effects on bone [11]. ACTH is heavily involved with human fertility as well [12] [13] [14].

Among all of these facts, leads one question. What is the purpose of lowering ACTH? 

Well since ACTH increases Cortisol, those with hypercortisolemia (cortisol excess), and the resulting high blood pressure and / or fat gain in problem areas (especially face, trunk/abdomen, hips) may seek to 'hit the problem at the root', which is lowering ACTH in order to get cortisol under control. A valid strategy indeed, but the idea that we should just lower ACTH is also often misread, what we want to do is actually fine-tune the Adrenal Cortex and Adrenal gland so that we are not missing out on the benefits of the lower level glucocorticoids. 

To reduce ACTH and fine-tune the adrenal hormones, we can use three specific supplements.
NOTE: The box next to the name of the supplement with the exclamation mark leads to the primary source/citation regarding the herb or supplements interaction with ACTH.


1.) Ginkgo Biloba Extract [!] {You can buy it HERE}
Proven in humans to reduce stress-induced rise in blood pressure and cortisol/ACTH secretion. It is used by many athletes today, as well as those with prior atherosclerosis and in those with memory problems [Reference].


*Ginkgo Supplements should be taken at 120 MG twice a day for this purpose.*


2.) Magnesium [!] : Nature's Anti-Stress mineral, and well-known for improving sleep and muscle strength. {It can be bought HERE}


3.) Ashwagandha Extract + Phosphatidylserine [!] [!] [!] - Perhaps the most effective combo, these supplements have been used for years to alleviate stress and to improve mental endurance / resilience. Highly recommended, and especially for younger people.


You can buy a powerful Phosphatidylserine supplement --> HERE.

*Phosphatidylserine should be supplemented at 400 MG / per day as shown in the studies. Ashwagandha, simply follow the directions on the bottle*.

2 comments:

  1. This is opposite to the stated reason everyone else is suggesting Ashwagandha. I need to know. Does it increase ACTH release and thereby cortisol production,? Or does it lower ACTH? That could be a bad thing for Addison's disease (low cortisol, low acth, or both).

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    Replies
    1. Ashwagandha typically lowers Cortisol levels.
      https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3573577/

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