ADRENAL BURNOUT SYNDROME ::::PART I:::::::::

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ADRENAL BURNOUT SYNDROME

Thousands of people suffer from constant fatigue, unrelieved by rest and

sleep. This is the main symptom of adrenal burnout syndrome.

Other symptoms may include a craving for sweets, low blood pressure and blood

sugar, irritability and depression. Low energy impairs every system of the

body. Secondary symptoms range from impaired digestion to infections. Toxic

emotions accumulate with adrenal burnout. The world looks bad, people are

evil, and a hopeless attitude is not uncommon.

The condition is also called adrenal hypofunction, exhaustion or

insufficiency. Unlike fatigue, oneís energy does not return after a good

nightís rest.

Burnout is a more serious derangement of the body ís energy system.

The adrenals are the major glands the body uses to respond to stress. Its

hormones raise the blood sugar and blood pressure, and promote energy

production. Adrenalin or epinephrine is used for emergencies. Longer-acting

anti-stress adrenal hormones cortisone and cortisol. Aldosterone, another

adrenal

hormone, retains sodium and increases the blood pressure. Related closely to

the

sympathetic nervous system, the fight-or-flight response it is called. When

the adrenals become depleted, the body is unable to handle stress.

Most physicians do not diagnose adrenal burnout syndrome. Rarely, if enough

tests are run, it may be called ís disease. This doctors consider

incurable. Recovery from adrenal burnout, however, is definitely possible. The

condition affects both men and women, and even children as well. Some children

are born this way and never experience plenty of energy.

Burnout may develop slowly or be caused by a single trauma. F. Kennedy

experienced burnout during World War II. Late one night, his patrol boat was

rammed by a Japanese destroyer, killing most of the crew. He never recovered

from the shock. For the rest of his life, he needed replacement adrenal

hormones. If he had found the right practitioner, perhaps they would not have

been

needed.

CAUSES OF ADRENAL BURNOUT

Excessive stress, an important cause of burnout, can be from many sources.

Chemical toxicity and nutritional depletion are among the physical causes.

Mental, emotional or spiritual stress may be a major factor. Financial, family

or other stress may also contribute to burnout.

Any excessive stress can deplete the adrenals, especially when weakened by

poor nutrition. Working too much or emotional stress are two common causes.

Excessive stimulation, especially for children, is another cause. Fast-paced,

high-stress, fear-based lifestyles are a sure prescription for adrenal burnout.

Other stressors in cities are noise and electromagnetic pollution.

Cell phones, microwave towers and appliances like televisions, microwave

ovens and computers give off strong electrical fields.

Nutritional Deficiencies are a common cause. When under stress, the need for

nutrients is much greater. Carbohydrates, when excessive in the diet, stress

the adrenals. Diets low in protein may also create deficiencies. Inadequate

or poor quality water affects oxygenation of the tissues.

Most diets are low in nutrients required by the adrenals. These include

B-complex vitamins, vitamins A, C and E, manganese, zinc, chromium, selenium and

other and other trace elements. The reasons for this begin with how food is

grown. Most food is grown on depleted soils. Processing and refining further

deplete nutrients.

Habits like eating in the car or while on the run further diminish the value

derived from food. Also, allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy

products can damage the intestines and reduce the absorption of nutrients.

Toxic metals and chemicals often play a large role in adrenal burnout.

Everyone is exposed to thousands of chemicals in the air, the water and the

food.

Other sources are dental materials and skin contact with chemicals.

Over-the-counter and prescribed medications add to the bodyís toxic load.

Toxins may also be generated within the body due to impaired digestion. When

food is not properly digested, it either ferments or rots in the intestines,

producing many harmful substances that are absorbed into the body.

Chronic infections, of dental and other origin, also contribute to the toxic

load. In most people, the organs of elimination do not function at an optimal

level. As a result, toxic substances slowly build up in the body, leading to

adrenal burnout and many other health conditions.

Stimulants damage the adrenal glands. They whip the adrenals.

Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most common stimulants.

Less obvious stimulants include anger, rage, arguing, hatred, loud music, the

news and movies full of suspense. Vigorous exercise, sexual preoccupations

and other thrills may also act as stimulants.

Stimulant use, however, can also be a result of adrenal burnout.

Stimulants are attractive to one in burnout to provide temporary energy.

This is an appeal of the drug culture, both legal and recreational.

Unhealthy responses to stress are another cause of adrenal burnout. These

include habits of worrying, or becoming angry or afraid. Donít worry, be happy

is a great prescription for adrenal burnout. This applies particularly to

high strung, nervous individuals and those with very active minds, as they are

especially prone to adrenal burnout.

Many children today are born with weak adrenals due to their parentsí

nutritional deficiencies. By age three or four, these children are in burnout.

They

are often sick, depressed and have difficulty in school.

SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL BURNOUT

Low blood sugar and allergies result from low levels of cortisol.

Joint and muscle pain are other common symptoms. Multiple chemical

sensitivity is an extreme allergic condition associated with adrenal burnout.

Low

blood pressure and low body temperature may also result.

Later blood pressure rises as toxic substances build up in the arteries and

kidneys.

Elevated copper and low zinc related to adrenal burnout impair the immune

system. Chronic infections may develop. The stage is also set for the

development of degenerative conditions. Cancer, heart disease, Parkinsonís and

Alzheimerís diseases are end-stage results of toxic accumulation and energy

depletion.

Often secondary to adrenal exhaustion are glandular imbalances,

hyperthyroidism and more often hypothyroidism. The adrenal glands produce

estrogen and

progesterone. They are the main source of these hormones after menopause.

Premenstrual syndrome and hot flashes often have to do with weakened adrenal

glands.

Depression and apathy are common in adrenal burnout. One may lose interest

in friends, family and work. Unsure if there is energy to get through the day,

anxiety may occur. Irritability is common as one is less able to handle even

minor stress. Unfortunately, many with adrenal burnout function on anger and

resentment. These act as adrenal stimulants, providing a negative energy

with which to function. Most of the world, in fact, functions on the negative

energy of anger.

Compulsiveness and OCD is associated with adrenal burnout. One may become

addicted or very attracted to excessive exercise, sex, loud music or other forms

of excitement. The unconscious goal is always the same, to stimulate the

adrenals into activity.

When the adrenals are weak, copper builds up in the body. Elevated copper

enhances emotions. Panic attacks, bipolar disorder, mood swings and

schizophrenia are related to copper imbalance. As oneís energy level declines,

other

toxic metals build up as well. Mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, beryllium and

others contribute to hundreds of physical and emotional symptoms.

MYTHS ABOUT BURNOUT

Myth #1. Burnout is psychological. Burnout is a breakdown of the energy

system of the body. Vital minerals are depleted or burned out and replaced by

toxic metals. Psychological stress may be a cause and burnout can affect oneís

emotions and behavior. However, burnout itself is biochemical. Recovery may

involve improving emotions and dealing with psychological issues. However, it

also involves rebuilding body chemistry because it is a physical condition as

well.

Myth #2. People in burnout have no energy and cannot work. Many in burnout

hold full-time jobs. They may appear in good health.

However, they are often tired or stressed. They may require stimulants in

order to keep going. Some bury themselves in their work to forget how tired

they feel.

Myth #3. Vigorous exercise is good for burnout. Vigorous exercise can be

attractive to those in burnout. Exercise temporarily makes them feel better.

While it may provide a boost, in the long run vigorous exercise further

exhausts their bodies. People in burnout need to reduce exercise, often to a

minimum

in order to conserve their energy and allow their adrenals to rebuild.

Exercise requires energy and adrenal reserves that people in burnout do not

have.

Myth #4. A vacation, a diet, or a nutritional supplement will cause recovery

from burnout. Most people never recover from burnout.

Recovery requires a strong commitment to healing. A number of natural

therapies are often required. Recovery takes at least several years.

If one recovers faster, one was not in adrenal burnout.

Myth #5. Burnout occurs mainly in men. In fact, it is more common in women.

This is due mainly to lifestyle changes in women. Many women now work

outside the home, and raise the children as well. Many are in single-parent

homes

or both parents work just to pay the taxes.

Women have more sluggish oxidation rates to begin with, so burnout may be

less apparent in women, but it is just as common or more so than in men.

Myth #6. Burnout only occurs in those in high-stress jobs. Burnout occurs

in all groups, regardless of occupation, income or educational level. In fact,

many homeless people are burned out. This helps account for why they may

give up hope or be incapable of holding a job or supporting a home.

Myth #7. Burnout occurs only in adults. In fact, it is common today in

children and even babies. Children are being nutritionally depleted and toxic

as

a result of the ill health of the parents. This can be measured with mineral

analysis. Minimal brain dysfunction, chronic ear or other infections, crib

death, failure to thrive, ADHD and anti-social behavior may all be symptoms of

burnout in children.

Myth #8. Burnout affects only physical health. Burnout affects every area

of life. Family and work are often affected. Relationships often suffer. One

may lose interest in everyone and everything. There simply is not enough

energy available for others or for activities beyond those required for

survival.

Friends, family and employers are often unaware of what is occurring, which

only worsens the situation.

Myth #9. A hectic lifestyle causes burnout. This may be one cause.

However, a hectic lifestyle can also be a result of burnout.

Excessive activity, overwork and a very busy life can be a way to stimulate

one into action, a compensation for feelings of exhaustion.

When such a person stops working and running around, they will feel just how

exhausted and perhaps depressed they really are.