{"id":1501,"date":"2018-05-28T02:13:45","date_gmt":"2018-05-28T02:13:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drvanta.com\/?p=1501"},"modified":"2019-02-20T09:58:58","modified_gmt":"2019-02-20T09:58:58","slug":"how-to-treat-orexin-deficiency-naturally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drvanta.com\/how-to-treat-orexin-deficiency-naturally\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Treat Orexin Deficiency Naturally, Including Best Supplements For Fatigue and Sleepiness"},"content":{"rendered":"
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6.Supplements For Fatigue and Sleepiness Associated With Orexin Deficiency<\/strong><\/h3>\nIn other words, what are the best energy supplements for chronic fatigue ? A bit more tricky when it comes to natural supplements for treating orexin deficiency. Truth is, there is not too much research available, as orexins had been discovered only a couple of decades ago. In addition, it is not easy to test orexin levels (they have to be obtained from cerebrospinal fluid), thus many studies had been done in animal studies. Even conventional medicine has to catch up with the research and create new drugs. When I looked at specific supplements for treating orexin deficiency, I considered the following:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
I.Studies that found supplements that specifically boost orexin levels- I mentioned caffeine, but there is some evidence that: <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Nicotine [15<\/a>] <\/a>(nicotine stimulates orexin A and B, and improves the sensitivity of orexin receptors; to be use only in nicotine patch form)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Forskolin [16<\/a>] (but should be used cautiously, can be too strong for some)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Noni [17<\/a>] <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Berberine [18<\/a>] <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Zinc [19<\/a>] could also increase orexin levels<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
II. I think that most \u201cstimulating \u201c supplements would improve orexin levels, as this neurotransmitter is sensitive to stress- remember its role in \u201cfight or flight reaction\u201d-the sympathetic nervous system. However, stimulating supplements (and drugs) can also overstimulate the immune system (which is already overactive in MS).<\/strong><\/h3>\n
III. The relationship between orexins and other neurotransmitters (dopa, norepi, serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA) is quite complex [20<\/a>],[21<\/a>]. The goal is to help balance all of them. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
So what are the best choices ? <\/strong><\/h3>\n
In my opinion, the adaptogens. They have great anti fatigue effects, while acting on various neurotransmitters and overall bring them in balance.<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Rhodiola<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Ashwagandha<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Amla<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Licorice<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Holy Basil are all great choices [22<\/a>]. Other adaptogens like ginseng and astragalus may be to strong and overstimulate the immune system- should be used cautiously.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
IV.Supplements with strong anti-inflammatory qualities could be more important than those specifically targeting orexin system- since inflammation is the underlying problem. The inflammation drives the damage and death of orexin neurons.Supplements with strong anti-inflammatory qualities:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Omega 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Vitamins D, A, E<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Quercetin<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Curcumin [23<\/a>], [24<\/a>]<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
V.Improving sugar metabolism ( which is a significant problem in MS and many brain conditions<\/a>) and avoiding high sugar levels with diet\/ supplements is also important- as orexin neurons are stimulated by low sugar levels and suppressed by high sugar levels. Supplements to consider : <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Chromium picolinate<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Cinnamon<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
VI. Supplements that support the health of brain cells (ie antioxidants, supplements that improve blood flow to the brain) can offer a nourishing environment for the hippocampus and thus would support healthy orexin neurons as well. Consider the following:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Ginkgo biloba<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Resveratrol<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Blueberyy Extract<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Omega 3 (and exercise)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
VII. I also looked at specific supplements and prescription drugs that had been found helpful to manage narcolepsy- because orexin deficiency is the main issue in this condition. If the symptoms of narcolepsy improve with these drugs and supplements, it is very likely they improve orexin system as well. Off note, they are also used for managing MS related fatigue<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Drugs used for managing narcolepsy include modafinil, armodafinil, methylphenidate and various amphetamines , as well as antidepressants:SSRIs, SNRIs and Sodium oxybate (which is a GABA derived drug)- I wrote about natural alternatives to SSRIs<\/a>, SNRIs<\/a> and natural GABA agonists<\/a>. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Prescription drug modafinil: modafinil has an impact on a few neurotransmitters (dopamine, histamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, acetylcholine), and of course orexins. Best natural alternatives to modafinil: <\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Ginseng (remember, ginseng may overstimulate the immune system thus be too strong for someone with MS)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Bacopa [23<\/a>],[24<\/a>]<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Mucuna pruriens<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
5 HTP<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
SAMe<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n
Ginkgo biloba<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
This would be the best energy supplements for chronic fatigue. Consider lifestyle changes, too, not just supplements. A recent meta-analysis in people with MS showed that exercise (ie physical and exercise therapy) and education (cognitive behavioral therapy, patient education, and self-management programs) are more effective as Modafinil or Amantadine for treating fatigue [25<\/a>]. <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Natural alternatives to methylphenidate and other amphetamines:<\/strong><\/h3>\n