Adrenal Fatigue

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I just came across this.....I think this is what led to my ms. It says that

it can contribute to it.

Tina

Tired? Moody? Adrenal Fatigue May Be to Blame

Mark A. Stengler, ND

La Jolla Whole Health Clinic

<IMG SRC= " http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/images/drop_caps/blue_t.gif "

WIDTH= " 36 " HEIGHT= " 38 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 214 " > he epidemic of exhaustion

affecting so many Americans today may have at its

root a condition that is common and easy to correct -- yet that condition

often goes unrecognized by medical doctors. The culprit is adrenal fatigue (AF).

Adrenal glands produce stress hormones in response to stressful situations.

With AF, the hormone response mechanism is so overwhelmed that it becomes

ineffective. AF is usually triggered by long periods of mental, emotional or

physical stress, and it is worsened by poor nutrition and unhealthful lifestyle

choices.

In my estimation, 20% of Americans suffer from some degree of AF. And I find

that this disorder often causes -- or contributes to -- the development of

numerous other illnesses, particularly chronic fatigue syndrome and diabetes.

When AF is correctly diagnosed and treated, the other conditions often are

relieved as well.

STRESS HORMONE FACTORY

Located on top of each kidney is a crescent-shaped adrenal gland. The

hormones these glands secrete affect blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism,

liver

function, immunity and the body's response to stress. Although the adrenal

glands produce many hormones, two in particular become depleted in cases of AF

--

dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and cortisol.

DHEA. The body converts DHEA into estrogen and testosterone. Abnormally low

DHEA levels may contribute to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders,

poor resistance to infection, diabetes, weight gain, osteoporosis, sexual

dysfunction, menopausal symptoms and mood disorders. DHEA also plays a role in

aging.

On average, the citizens of the Japanese Island of Okinawa (one of the

world's longest-living people) have much higher DHEA levels at age 70 than

Americans

do -- 30% higher for men and 172% higher for women.

Cortisol plays an important role in fighting infection... stabilizing blood

sugar... controlling the body's use of proteins, carbohydrates and fats... and

regulating the sleep cycle. Cortisol is secreted at higher levels during the

fight-or-flight response to stress, providing a burst of energy, heightened

alertness and decreased pain sensitivity. But when cortisol levels are elevated

for long periods, production by the adrenal glands drops. Insufficient cortisol

can make you prone to fatigue, infection, allergies, diabetes and thyroid

dysfunction.

Depletion of DHEA and cortisol adversely affects the way your body handles

stress, inflammation, blood sugar regulation, energy production, immune response

and cognitive function. That's why AF can be a contributing factor in a

surprising number of ailments. A weakened immune response plays a part in cancer

as

well as in recurring infections, particularly of the respiratory tract. And

poor regulation of blood sugar can contribute to both diabetes and alcoholism

(alcoholics often crave simple sugars, which are found in alcohol, so improving

blood sugar balance can help reduce alcohol cravings).

making the diagnosis

Conventional medical doctors often don't recognize AF -- even though the

condition was described in medical literature in the early 19th century. It was

known then as hypoadrenia, which means low or underfunctioning adrenal glands.

If you show signs of AF, your best bet for diagnosis and treatment is to see

a holistic doctor. For a referral, consult the American College for

Advancement in Medicine (, <A

HREF= " http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/h/GRLR/RGVK/6C/NO9HY " >www.acam.org</\

A>). In addition to assessing your

symptoms, the doctor may perform...

Saliva testing to measure cortisol levels. This test is more accurate than a

blood test. A pattern of low cortisol levels throughout the day indicates AF.

I ask patients to collect saliva samples in test tubes upon waking... before

lunch... in the late afternoon... and before bed. Cortisol levels are normally

highest in the morning and decrease throughout the day. People with severe AF

usually have below-normal cortisol readings during at least two of the four

time periods. I also use a saliva test that measures the DHEA level in the

morning, when it is normally highest.

Saliva testing of cortisol levels is used by many research institutions,

particularly to assess the effects of stress. Several commercial labs offer

saliva

hormone testing -- including Quest Diagnostics, the nation's largest

conventional medical lab, which is used by medical and naturopathic doctors. To

use

Quest, you must have a prescription for the test from a doctor. A lab I have

used for years that usually doesn't require a doctor's order is ZRT in

Beaverton,

Oregon (, <A

HREF= " http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/h/QBVG/RGVK/6C/NO9HY " >www.salivatest\

..com</A>). The Adrenal Function Test,

including four cortisol samples and a morning DHEA reading, costs $150, which is

not

covered by insurance. If your state does not allow residents to order lab

testing directly (check the list on the ZRT Web site), you can order the kits at

the same price through my clinic (call ).

Blood pressure measurements, taken three times -- first while you lie on your

back, then when you sit upright and again when you stand up. Normally,

systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure will increase

between 5 mm Hg and 10 mm Hg from the first reading to the third. If blood

pressure drops, it may indicate AF -- the adrenal glands may not be producing

the

stress hormones needed to maintain blood pressure.

Pupil testing, performed in a darkened room. A practitioner shines a

flashlight from the side across one eye, and the pupil should continue to get

smaller.

With AF, the pupil first contracts and then dilates again.

HEALING strategies

Lifestyle changes and treatment reduce symptoms in most people with AF in

four to six weeks. In severe cases, full recovery may take several months. My

advice...

Curb stress. A hectic lifestyle sets the stage for AF. Are you working too

hard? Is your job emotionally draining? Are your relationships unsatisfying? Try

to alleviate stress and seek out emotional support.

Get enough rest. Go to bed by 10 pm, and aim for eight to nine hours of sleep

nightly. Whenever possible, take a 15- to 30-minute nap after lunch, even if

you're getting the required amount of sleep. On weekends, nap for an hour or

two.

If you have insomnia, it's vital that your sleep problems be resolved. Take a

walk in the early evening or listen to relaxing music. One hour before

bedtime, take 100 mg to 200 mg of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), an amino acid

that

increases brain serotonin levels and promotes relaxation... or take 0.5 mg to 3

mg of melatonin, a hormone that induces sleep. Both are available at

health-food stores.

Eat right. People with AF are prone to blood sugar swings that sap energy, so

it is imperative to eat breakfast. I also recommend between-meal snacks, such

as whole-grain toast or whey protein drinks. My favorite is Jay Robb's Whey

Protein, which is naturally sweetened. It is available at major health-food

stores and at <A

HREF= " http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/h/KPGL/RGVK/6C/NO9HY " >www.jayrobb.co\

m</A> (). Almonds, walnuts and macadamia nuts

are good snack foods, since they provide protein for blood sugar

stabilization. Avoid simple sugars, such as those found in fruit juice and soda,

as well

as processed grains, such as white breads and pastas. These trigger a quick

spike and subsequent drop in blood sugar levels.

Don't severely restrict salt intake unless you have high blood pressure.

People with AF often benefit from salt because it helps maintain blood volume

and

proper circulation. Aim for 2,400 mg of sodium daily. Limit caffeinated

beverages, such as coffee, tea and cola, to one cup daily because caffeine

stimulates the already overtaxed adrenal glands. Avoid alcohol, which contains

simple

sugars.

Exercise in moderation. Too little exercise is harmful, since exercise helps

balance stress hormones. But overexercising worsens fatigue. General

guideline: If you're exhausted after your workout or feel more worn-out than

usual the

next day, you're doing too much. Start by walking 15 minutes daily. As your

adrenal glands recover, you can gradually increase to 45 minutes of moderately

intense exercise daily.

Avoid lung irritants. Cigarette smoke, air pollution and allergens can worsen

AF by stimulating cortisol release. If you smoke, please quit. Avoid

secondhand smoke, and reduce exposure to allergy triggers with a high-efficiency

particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Clear up infections. Acute and chronic respiratory infections as well as

other types of infections can exacerbate AF symptoms. To speed recovery, work

with

a holistic doctor, who can recommend natural immune boosters, such as the

herb astralgalus.

HELPFUL SUPPLEMENTS

The following nutritional supplements are invaluable in promoting adrenal

function. Take them until you recover. All are available at health-food stores.

(Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.)

Adrenal glandular extract (AGE) is made from cow or sheep adrenal tissue. It

contains growth factors (substances that promote cell healing and

regeneration) and nutrients that support gland function and adrenal repair. Take

one to

two tablets, two to three times daily, on an empty stomach. If you get a

headache, have insomnia or feel jittery, lower the dosage.

Ashwagandha is an herb used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for

normalizing adrenal gland function. I like Jarrow's Sensoril Ashwagandha, which

uses a

form of the herb that has been well studied and standardized. Take one capsule

of this product daily on an empty stomach. Side effects are rare.

Rhodiola rosea, an herb that has been extensively researched, supports normal

adrenal function. I wrote about it in the June 2006 issue of Bottom Line

Natural Healing. I recommend using a product such as Paradise Herbs' Dual Action

Rhodiola, which is standardized to 3% rosavins (the active ingredient). Take

500 mg twice daily, on an empty stomach. If you feel jittery, try a lower dose.

B vitamins are involved in the production of stress hormones. Particularly

important is pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), which is best taken at a dosage of

500 mg, three times daily. Side effects are uncommon. The rest of the B

vitamins can be taken as part of a multivitamin formula.

Vitamin C is needed for the adrenal glands to synthesize hormones. I

recommend 1,000 mg to 2,000 mg twice daily. Reduce the dosage if you develop

loose

stools.

For severe cases of AF, hormone support with DHEA and cortisol may be

required. This therapy should be administered by a knowledgeable doctor. The

goal is

to reduce the workload of the adrenal glands so they can heal. Over time, the

hormone replacement can be reduced, then discontinued once the adrenals are

functioning optimally.

For more information on AF, I recommend the book <A

HREF= " http://link.bls.bottomlinesecrets.com/h/FJ1F/RGVK/6C/NO9HY " >Adrenal

Fatigue: The 21st

Century Stress Syndrome</A> by , ND (Smart Publications).

adrenal fatigue symptoms

Patients with AF typically experience low energy or exhaustion (even after a

good night's sleep), plus one or more of the following...

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Light-headedness upon standing up

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Mood swings, especially

irritability

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Decreased ability to cope with

stress

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Low libido

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Poor concentration

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Impaired memory

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Slow recovery from illness

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Low back pain

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Salt and/or sugar cravings

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Inability to lose or gain weight,

despite calorie reduction or increase

Conditions Associated With Adrenal Fatigue

Although AF is not the direct cause of all the conditions below, it can be a

contributing factor in...

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Alcoholism

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Arthritis

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Asthma

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Exercise burnout (becoming ill

after intense workouts)

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Autoimmune disorders, such as

lupus and multiple sclerosis

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Cardiovascular disease

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Chronic fatigue syndrome

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Depression and/or anxiety

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Diabetes or hypoglycemia (low

blood sugar)

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Insomnia

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Menopausal symptoms

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Osteoporosis

<IMG SRC= " http://bottomlinesecrets.com/images/bullets/blue_bullet1.gif "

WIDTH= " 11 " HEIGHT= " 7 " BORDER= " 0 " DATASIZE= " 71 " >Recurring infections

</HTML>

[Guest guest]

I've posted some great sites lately about thyroid, mercury and adrenals. You

may need to take iodine. Have you ever been tested for hypothyroidism. Do some

research on that and determine if you have any symptoms related to it.

Abri328@... wrote: I just came across this.....I think this is what

led to my ms. It says that

it can contribute to it.

Tina

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