Are you experiencing any of these stress-related symptoms?
Constant fatigue, for no obvious reason
Bursts of energy late in the evening
A weak immune system
A feeling of being overwhelmed
Cravings for sweet or salty food
Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning
Insomnia, difficulty staying asleep
Did you know that all of these can be caused by the under-functioning of your adrenal glands and
endocrine system? You might be one of millions of people who have experienced stress or trauma,
and who are now suffering from a condition named Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.
What is Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome?
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome can cause all of the symptoms listed above, and it is becoming more and
more prevalent in our over-stressed modern society. We call it a syndrome because it usually occurs
as a collection of individual symptoms. Any of these symptoms, taken by themselves, might point to
an alternate illness, but taken together they clearly suggest Adrenal Fatigue.
You will find many different definitions of Adrenal Fatigue, but very few of them manage to describe
the complex systems and relationships within the body that play a role in this condition. This
definition is a much more suitable description:
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is a group of diverse symptoms that present due to the under-functioning
and depletion of key neurotransmitters and hormones produced by the adrenal glands, HPA axis,
thyroid gland, and often reproductive glands.
Adrenal exhaustion… The new epidemic
If you want to see how many people suffer from Adrenal Fatigue, just take a look around you. How
many of your friends and family complain of being continually tired or having a weak immune
system? You probably know moms or dads who spend long hours at work but don’t get any rest at
home. You might see other friends drinking several large coffees a day, yet still experiencing almost
constant fatigue.
There are many ways to exhaust your adrenal glands and endocrine system, and most are connected
to the stresses forced upon us by modern life. The burdens that we place on ourselves today, in terms
of our time management and our finances, are totally different from those faced by previous
generations. In the 1960s a one-income family could afford a nice house and a very comfortable life.
That seems almost inconceivable for most families today, who have to stretch their budgets, work
long hours and earn two incomes just to keep their heads above water.
Time pressures and financial constraints are far from the only factors in this modern epidemic. Other
triggers for Adrenal Fatigue include our high-sugar diet, the rise of pesticides and chemical pollutants
in our foods, the rise in food intolerances, and our sedentary lifestyles. Combine these factors with
hormonal decline (which many of us are experiencing earlier and earlier these days), and you have a
recipe for fatigue, sickness and loss of vitality.
So how widespread is Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome? Some practitioners believe as many as two-thirds
of Americans have suffered from some degree of adrenal exhaustion. But while some of us can
bounce back relatively quickly from a period of stress or trauma, others find it more difficult. Left
untreated, Adrenal Fatigue can gradually worsen until simple everyday tasks become a challenge.
That’s why it is important to address the cause of your Adrenal Fatigue early, and begin a restorative
treatment to rebuild your health, vitality and energy levels.
The 9 causes of Adrenal Fatigue, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, hormonal decline,
physical trauma and much more.
A full explanation of the organs, systems, hormones and neurotransmitters involved in Adrenal
Fatigue
Detailed information on the lab tests that can diagnose your Adrenal Fatigue, including cortisol
testing, thyroid testing, and several integrative lab tests that your doctor has probably never
even heard of
Simple dietary principles that will help to restore your depleted adrenal glands
Lists of foods to eat and avoid, including a list of ‘wonder foods’ that are particularly helpful for
those suffering from adrenal exhaustion
• Simple tests for Adrenal Fatigue that you can complete at home, including a full Adrenal Fatigue
questionnaire
• Tips on how to reduce your stress levels, restore your emotional balance, and use Asian meditative
practices to support your endocrine system
• A full list of vitamins, minerals, glandular extracts and other supplements that are supportive for
your adrenal glands
• A discussion of the benefits of hormone replacement, including all the information you need to
know before going to your doctor
A simple 5-step plan to design your treatment regimen and start recovering your health and vitality
As you can see, Adrenal Fatigue is much more complicated than simply ‘tired adrenal glands’. But
here’s the good news. Taking the first steps towards better health is relatively easy. Make a few
simple adjustments to your diet and lifestyle, and you could start to feel better within weeks.
http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/get-started/
http://www.drlam.com/blog/75-signs-symptoms-and-alerts-of-adrenal-fatigue-syndrome-2/1970/
Symptoms:
Difficulty getting up in the morning regardless of sleep time
Consistently tired throughout the day
Craving salty foods
Dark circles under your eyes
Lower than average ability to handle stress
Weight gain
Lower back pain
Low sex drive
Degrade in respiratory system
Dry skin
Lower immune system
Low blood sugar
Low blood pressure
Heightened energy levels at midday and in the evening
Bad circulation and numbing of your fingers
Unable to fall asleep despite being tired
Wake up in the middle of the night for no reason
Heart palpitations at night or when stressed
Low Blood pressure consistently
Low libido and lack of sex drive
Low thyroid function, often despite thyroid medications
Feeling of hypoglycemia though laboratory values are normal
Depression, often unresolved after anti-depressant
Endometriosis
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Uterine fibroids
Fibrocystic breast disease
Hair falling off for no reason
Irritable under stress
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Feeling “wired” and unable to relax
Feeling of adrenaline rushes in the body
Fogging thinking
Inability to handle stress
Waking up feeling tired in the morning after night’s sleep
Feeling tired in the afternoon between 3:00 and 5:00 pm
Inability to take in simple carbohydrate
Coffee needed to get going in the morning and throughout the day
Coffee, tea or energy drinks triggering adrenaline rush and adrenal crashes
Feeling tired between 9:00 and 10:00 PM, but resists going to bed
Craving for fatty food and food high in protein
Craving for salty food such as potato chips
Dry skin more than usual
Unexplained hair loss that is diffuse
Exercise helps first, but then makes fatigue worse
Chemical sensitivities to paint, fingernail polish, plastics
Electromagnetic force sensitivity, including cell phone and computer monitors
Delay food sensitivity, especially to diary and gluten
Unable to get pregnant, requiring IVF Post partum fatigue and depression
Recurrent miscarriages during first trimester
Abdominal fat accumulation for no apparent reason
Temperature intolerance, especially to heat or sunlight
Dysmenorrhea advancing to amenorrhea
Premature Menopause
Constipation for no apparent reason
Joint pain of unknown origin
Muscle mass loss
Muscle pain of unknown reason
Cold hands and feet
Premature aging skin
Inability to concentrate or focus
Psoriasis of no known reason
Gastritis despite normal gastroscopy
Low back pain with no history of trauma and normal examination
Dizziness for no known cause
Fructose mal-absorption
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) chronically
Numbness and tingling in extremities bilaterally
Mouth sores recurrent
Short of breath even though breathing is fine
Ovarian cyst
Breast cancer associated with estrogen dominance
Grave’s disease
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Legs that feel heavy at times
Dark Circle under eyes that does not go away with rest
Loss of healthy facial skin tone color
Body feel tense all over and unable to relax
Postural orthostatic tachycardia
Irritable Bowl Syndrome, with more constipation then diarrhea
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome unimproved with medicine
Fibromyalgia unresolved after conventional help
Systemic Candida that gets worse when under stress
Electrolyte imbalance despite normal laboratory values
Irregular Menstrual Cycle that “stops and go”
Lyme Disease but unable to fully recover after medication or intolerance to drugs
H Pylori Infection in the past and was told resolved but never feel the same since
Heavy metal and mineral toxicity may mimic AFS
Testing for Adrenal Fatigue.
There are several ways you can test for and diagnose adrenal fatigue through a range of tests over
multiple times in conjunction with symptoms, knowledge of your body and its functioning state as
well as patience.
These tests include some of the following:
Cortisol Tests
ACTH response and stimulation tests
Thyroid tests
TSH
Free T3
Free T4
TT4
17-HP / Cortisol Ratio
Cortisol / DHEA Ratio
Neurotransmitter Testing
Iris Contraction Test
Postural Low Blood Pressure
Weight control and AFS
1. Reduce Appetite
One of the most important elements to losing weight is to reduce your appetite.
One of the most important elements to losing weight is to reduce your appetite.
Several important methods to reducing your appetite.
Drink liquids, preferably water with lemon slices, when feeling hungry.
Eat five small-portioned meals a day. This controls appetite and allows the body to process the
food better.
Eat vegetables, small amounts of whole grains (such as quinoa, barley, millet, and buckwheat), and
meats at three meals to help control hunger. Use fruits, nuts, and seeds for snacks.
Eat slowly and chew thoroughly. This helps allow more time for the brain to process the
satisfaction of hunger.
Avoid sugar in foods. This helps prevent the rising of blood sugar levels in many people, which
increases appetite. It also prevents tiredness, which can help control weight levels because
you stay active.
Take supplements (see below) to help with suppressing your appetite. Supplements help focus in
on the elements that lead to hunger.
In cases with Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, it is also best to rotate your supplements with different
types, in order to allow the body to properly use and process the various nutrients and the
liver sufficient time to clear the metabolic by products out of the body.
Supplements to Consider for Appetite Suppression:
Garcinia Cambogia
Saffron (Crocus sativus L)
Caralluma fimbriata
2. Increase Metabolism
Metabolism plays a partial role in weight control and weight loss. Reducing food consumption to a
starving level is not healthy because it reduces your metabolism. A higher metabolism level allows the
body to burn calories more efficiently, leading to a more controlled weight level. Muscle burns
calories faster than fat, so exercise and workouts can contribute to your weight loss success.
Supplements to Consider for Optimizing Metabolism:
Chromium - known to enhance the action of insulin, which is critical for the metabolism and storage
of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body.
Iodine - needed for the normal metabolism of cells. It helps with the production of thyroid hormones,
which affect every cell in the body.
Green tea - rich in many polyphenols that can activate the body’s thermogenic fat-busting activity.
Fiber - helps by linking with bile to help get the excess cholesterol out of the body. Fiber also reduces
digestion rates, to help control the levels of blood glucose, which therefore reduce metabolic
syndrome symptoms 3. Reduce Fat Cell Production
Supplements to Consider for Reducing Fat Cell Production:
Raspberry Ketones
African Mango
Capsicum frutescens
Adrenal fatigue plays a significant role in weight gain, yet is not noted by scientists or health
institutions as an identified condition. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands become
exhausted and do not operate correctly. Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome reduces the proper production of
hormones. It can often come from stress or long-term medical illnesses and infections. In summary,
adrenal fatigue causes tiredness at any point in time during the day. It creates that feeling of having
no energy and the feeling of needing to lie down.
Many people suffer from adrenal fatigue, yet do not even know it. This condition causes tiredness,
anxiety, depression, memory loss, allergies, lack of concentration, insomnia, overall exhaustion, and
many more issues. Tiredness and exhaustion alone can contribute to weight gain and other health
issues. Almost every adult experiences adrenal fatigue at one point in time or another, yet many
experience it long term. It can be difficult to pinpoint adrenal fatigue as the problem, since most
symptoms are tied into other health issues. Nevertheless, many people face this serious problem
every day.
Recovery from Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome is not ordinary, since the condition is not noted as a real
condition by many institutions. Successful weight management must start with ensuring optimal liver
function.
Two Kinds of Food Allergies
Something most people are not aware of is that there are two kinds of food allergies. Sometimes you
may be severely allergic, and have serious immediate anaphylactic reactions (a reaction commonly
associated with peanuts and seafood). This is called an IgE or "true allergy", and is what most people
think of when they hear the words food allergy.
However, the second type of food allergy is far more common, and far less popularly
understood. The second kind is called an IgG food intolerance, food sensitivity, or delayed food
allergy. Delayed food allergies have many different types of reactions, that take place hours or even
days after you've eaten the offending foods. You may not even be aware that some of the physical
problems you are having are related to something you ate, much less something you ate 3 days
ago. If we *do* associate a physical response with something that we ate, we are usually trying to
think of something unique that we ate, never realizing that we are most likely sensitive to something
we are eating all the time. Some of the most common food allergies are wheat and
dairy! Sometimes, it can even be a reaction to a specific combination of foods that you don't react to
individually...
Leaky Gut Syndrome and Adrenal Fatigue
When you have multiple food sensitivities, the lining of your stomach and intestines becomes
irritated and inflamed, and if you are continually eating something or other that is irritating, it never
has a chance to rest and heal, leading to stomach pain, or heartburn, or gas, or other digestive
discomfort. You may even develop "Leaky Gut Syndrome", which is an increased permeability of the
intestinal walls that allows undigested proteins and fats to "leak" out of the intestine and into the
bloodstream, where it sets off an autoimmune reaction. This irritation triggers increased cortisol
secretion as your adrenal glands are alerted to an increase in histamine levels (the histamine causes
the inflammation, the cortisol is an anti-inflammatory).
What does this mean for people with tired adrenal glands?
If you are constantly eating something that is causing inflammation or autoimmune response, you are
asking your already tired adrenal glands to continually maintain elevated cortisol levels to supress the
inflammation. Now imagine if your sensitivity is to wheat, which is consumed in at least one form at
nearly every meal, either as a main feature, or as an ingredient in the canned soup that you used, or
the soy sauce you marinated the meat in. The unrelenting exposure to an allergen is an often
unrecognized contributing factor in adrenal burnout.
Food Sensitivity Tests
Your doctor can order an ELISA test (blood test) to identify your level of sensitivity to the most
common offenders. There are some who debate the reliability of the results (especially the moderate
to low scores) however, it is still a good starting point for a list of things that you can try eliminating or
monitoring for reactions. If you have multiple food allergies (which is quite likely), this will be the
fastest and easiest way to determine what they all are.
Can You Cure Food Allergies?
Fortunately, it is possible to reverse some IgG delayed food allergies. It is important when you have
multiple food allergies to start by eliminating EVERYTHING on your sensitivity list, for a period of 2-3
months, because it can take that long to clear the allergens from your system. You should be taking a
good probiotic during this time to help repopulate your intestinal tract with beneficial bacteria to aid
digestion. Aloe Vera juice also has intestinal healing properties. If you have a candida yeast
overgrowth in your gut that should be addressed during this time as well.
After that healing and cleansing time, you can start re-introducing the eliminated foods one at a time,
starting with the lowest scoring offenders. It should be very obvious after the resting period which
foods cause a reaction, and what it is. It is possible that many of the foods that previously caused
problems can be tolerated in small or infrequent amounts. Keep a journal noting each food you try to
reintroduce. If you don't get a reaction the first day, you can try that food a second time on the next
day, and if you still have no reaction, you can have more on day 3. After that, wait 4 days, and try the
next lowest scoring food on your list, following the same method. If you *do* have a reaction, of
course, you don't need to keep trying that food.
Delayed food allergies are far more common than most people realize, and can be at the root of
MANY health issues, not just adrenal fatigue. If you have chronic health issues that you just can't
seem to shake, consider the possibility of a food sensitivity to something you eat regularly and try an
elimination diet, you may find the results to be enlightening!
The 3 Steps to Heal Adrenal Fatigue
Treatment for adrenal fatigue involves reducing stress on your body and your mind, eliminating
toxins, avoiding negative thinking, and replenishing your body with healthy food and positive
thoughts.
1. Adrenal Fatigue Diet
In every case of adrenal recovery, diet is a huge factor. There are a number of foods that support
adrenal function. They will help replenish your adrenal energy so your system can come back to full
health. But first you must start by removing any hard to digest foods and any toxins or chemicals in
your environment.
The idea is to remove anything that taxes your adrenals. Foods to avoid are:
Caffeine: This can interfere with your sleep cycle and make it hard for your adrenals to recover. If you
must drink coffee or a caffeinated beverage, then have a limited amount in the morning before noon.
Sugar & sweeteners: Includes avoiding high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweetener as well. Avoid
sugary foods, cereals, candy, sweets, etc. Be aware that sugar is an additive in many breads,
condiments and dressings. Try to avoid as much extra sugar as possible. Use raw honey or stevia as an
alternative.
Processed and Microwaved foods: First of all the microwave has its own dangers, but additionally,
most microwaveable foods have many preservatives and fillers that are hard to digest and wear out
your body’s energy and digestion cycle. Try to buy food on the outer walls of your grocery store and
prepare your own food whenever possible.
Hydrogenated Oils: Vegetable oils like soybean, canola and corn oil are highly inflammatory which can
lead to adrenal inflammation. Try to only use good fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, organic butter or
ghee.
Next, you will want to add in nutrient dense foods that are easy to digest and have healing qualities.
Some of the top superfoods for adrenal health include:
Coconut
Olives
Avocado
Sea Salt
Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, brussel sprouts, etc.)
Fatty fish, e.g. wild-caught salmon
Chicken and turkey
Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds
Seeds, such as pumpkin, chia, and flax
Kelp and seaweed
Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
These foods help overcome adrenal insufficiency because they are nutrient dense, low in sugar and
have healthy fat and fiber.
When to Eat
One of the major dietary mistakes made by people with low adrenal output is not eating soon enough
after waking. If you have adrenal fatigue, it is very important that you eat before 10:00 AM. This is
vital in helping to replenish the waning stored blood sugar supply after the previous night's energy
needs.
An early lunch, preferably before noon, is better than a late lunch because your body quickly uses up
the morning nourishment and is ready for more. Between 11 and 11:30 AM is usually the best time
for lunch. You should also eat a nutritious snack between 2 and 3 PM to sustain yourself for the
cortisol dip that typically occurs between 3 and 4 PM. Your evening meal should be eaten between 5
and 6 PM.
A few bites of a high quality snack before bed can help get through sleep disturbances.
What to Eat and Drink
If you are experiencing adrenal fatigue, you will do best combining fat, protein and complex
carbohydrates (like whole grains) at every meal and snack. This combination helps provide a steady
stream of energy throughout the day. It is important to remember that foods that are converted too
quickly into energy (like sugary snacks or highly processed foods) will quickly let you down
Salt?
In most cases of adrenal fatigue, salt (in moderation) benefits those who add it to their diet. Unless
you are one of the rare people with adrenal fatigue and high blood pressure, add some salt to your
food. A sea salt or Celtic salt is preferred, as these are the kinds containing the valuable nutrients.
Some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are actually caused by your body's needs for salt.
Proteins
Good quality protein from meat, fish, fowl, eggs, dairy and various plant sources (soy and other
legumes, nuts and seeds) is an essential part of any adrenal fatigue diet. Try to avoid processed
proteins such as packaged lunch meats and processed cheeses. Proteins generally have more
nutritional value and are easier to digest when eaten lightly cooked or raw.
Vegetables
Every day, you should include 6-8 servings of a wide variety of vegetables in your meals, especially
those that are naturally highly colored (bright green, red, orange, yellow or purple). Vegetables
provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and a high amount of fiber. It is a good idea to vary
how you prepare vegetables, because different nutrients are made available through different
cooking methods.
Adrenal Recovery Soup
The following vegetable soup recipe has proved helpful in adrenal support. It is rich in minerals and
alkalinizing to help balance the acidity that usually occurs in people experiencing adrenal fatigue and
stress. It has a calming, settling effect. This soup, called “Taz,” comes from Dolores S. Downey's
“Balancing Body Chemistry with Nutrition” seminars.
16 oz. green beans
1 cup chopped celery
1 zucchini, sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup tomato juice
1 cup spring water
2 tbsp. raw honey
1 tsp. paprika
1 cup chicken broth
Combine ingredients and simmer for one hour until vegetables are tender. Pepper to taste.
Fruit
People with adrenal fatigue and blood sugar problems should go lightly on fruits, especially in the
morning. Fruits contain a significant amount of fructose and potassium, which is a detrimental
combination for those with exhausted adrenals. However, it is preferable that any fruit that you do
eat is organically grown. Below is a short list of fruits people with adrenal fatigue tend to do well with,
and ones they should avoid.
Preferred Fruits
Fruits to Avoid
papaya
bananas
mango
raisins
plums
dates
pears
figs
kiwi
oranges
apples
grapefruit
grapes (only a few)
cherries
Summary of What to Eat
Here are 9 easy rules to follow:
•
Eat a wide variety of whole, natural foods
•
Combine a healthy fat, protein and carbohydrate source with every meal
•
Eat lots of vegetables, especially the brightly colored ones
•
Salt your food to a pleasant taste
•
Eat mainly whole grains as your source of carbohydrate
•
Combine grains with legumes (beans), or legumes with seeds or nuts to form a
complete protein
•
Avoid fruit in the morning
•
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of fresh essential oils (cold pressed olive, grape seed, safflower,
flax, etc.) into grains, vegetables and meats daily
•
Eat high quality food; it becomes you.
By following these simple guidelines, your food intake can help support your adrenals and prevent
low blood sugar.
2. Adrenal Fatigue Supplements
Another big key to overcoming adrenal fatigue, is taking the right supplements. I always recommend
eating the right foods to heal your body.
However, due to soil depletion (from over-farmed and unhealthy farming practices), much of the
fruits and vegetables do not have the same amount of nutrition that it did even 50 years ago. So,
certain adrenal boosting nutrients are needed to get your adrenal function back up such
as:
Ashwagandha
Holy basil
Fish oil (EPA/DHA)
Magnesium
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Vitamin D3
Zinc
Taking these supplements in their whole food form could greatly improve your symptoms of adrenal
insufficiency.
Adrenal Insufficiency Recovery Time
Recovery for adrenal fatigue can take a little while. After all, it took months, maybe years to wear out
your adrenals; so it takes a little time to build up their strength again. For full adrenal recovery you
can expect it to take:
6-9 months for minor adrenal fatigue
12-18 months for moderate fatigue
Up to 24 months for severe adrenal fatigue
Book - Adrenal reset diet
http://draxe.com/3-steps-to-heal-adrenal-fatigue/
http://www.drlam.com/protocol/diet/andrenal_fatique_diet.asp?print=yes
http://www.adrenalfatiguerecovery.com/delayed-food-allergies.html
https://www.adrenalfatigue.org/adrenal-fatigue-diet
pictures:
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http://www.choicesunlimited.ca/tired-depressed-adrenal-fatigue/