Flourinef alternatives

[israelda]

I recently was diagnosed with aldosterone deficiency (causing me to get dehydrated often with need of intravenous saline). Doc. prescribed Flourinef which worked great but gave me severe headaches and bluffy vision (even at tiny doses).
Anyone have a good alternative - I suggested licorice root but he said that was dangerous as it can't be properly dosed and can cause potassium loss.

Many thanks.

[itskt2u]

My son and I each take 2 grams per day of solid licorice extract which is imported from Italy. Our naturopath prescribes this to many of his adrenal patients. I am also on hydrocortisone (Cortef) prescribed by my endocrinologist. I tried using the Cortef without the licorice, but my symptoms got worse when I did. Regular 'licorice root' from a health food store isn't the same as the solid extract. It is the glycyrrhizin content of licorice which has this aldosterone-like effect. Licorice was used to treat Addison's disease many years ago. Dr Riccardo Baschetti from Italy has written medical journal articles (published in several countries) about the modern use of licorice extract in Addisons/adrenal insufficiency. Licorice extends the life of ones own cortisol, or supplemental hydrocortisone, in the body (you will need less HC if you take it).
-Katie

[israelda]

Katie-
Thank you so much for your reply. Do you know the name of the licorice you take and/or the company who makes it so I can try and purchase it here in NY.

David

[itskt2u]

David-

I will be happy to give you that info

[This message has been edited by itskt2u (edited 07-30-2003).]

[CSGJ]

Originally posted by itskt2u:
David-

I will be happy to give you that info

[This message has been edited by itskt2u (edited 07-30-2003).]