help with adrenal exhaustion...

[miss-60]

I started seeing a nutritional therapist a while back who did a hair analysis test, the results came back as adrenal exhaustion. Unfortunately I wasn't able to continue seeing the therapist and so didn't carry on with the plan she gave me. I have, since then, tried the Atkins diet (which was very similar to what she gave me), I thought I may have a candida problem so I tried an anti-candida diet, but it was all so hard to do alone especially not knowing if it was a problem, so I finally decided to get myself to another nutritional therapist.She, however, can't see me until January. I am just wondering if there is anyone here who can just give me an idea of how I should be eating for the time being, I can't remember too much of what I was told. I think it's best I don't take any supplements, other than a vitamin/ mineral until I see the therapist and she is able to tailor it to suit me.
I thank you, once again, for any feedback.

[dionysius]

Not too sure about how you're "supposed" to be eating in the meantime, but maybe u should look at your sleep patterns.
The main recharge for adrenals is during certain sleep cycles, especially 10-2am and 6-9am. If u can stay in bed at one or both of those times, your adrenals will be better off for sure.

[Jems]

You can get a 'Spit' test to check your adrenal response. You spit into to tubes at set times throughout the day and then send them off to the lab for the results. Mine showed adrenal and cortisol are running on empty. I take supplements to help with this but it hasn't made my fibro any better.

My nutritionist keeps me on the candida diet.

[quietone]

and feel like "finally" I have an explanation for the craziness.

I have been looking and looking and looking and asking and asking and asking, trying to find out what could possibly be making me feel so bad in the mornings yet feel so great by the evenings; every day.

All the other symptoms could have been anything, but that one seemed to have no answer. Actually, it appeared to be insulin related but even after being mindful of that it didn't get fixed.

So here are some things I found out and am doing.

*No more coffee. Or anything that is a stimulant.
*I am going to a less restrictive low carb/whole food type way of eating.
*Taking glandular adrenals
*B vitamins along with my regulars and extra C
*Siberian ginseng (it has to be siberian, otherwise too wired)
*I already take calcium, mag, zinc and D and EFAs

No DHEA though for me. I already have tried that before for something else and know it has a definite, unpleasant estrogenic effect on me.

Also, no licorice for me.

That's about it. I am also supposed to do a relaxation technique...haven't decided what yet though.

[quietone]

well I started the adrenal supplements Friday. it is not supposed to happen this quick I don't think, but I can already see a difference. The main difference right now is that I don't wake up feeling like I never slept and I don't get the serious plunge in stamina around 8:30 am anymore. Sat and Sun were wonderful! I have always been a morning person, so when I became too tired to move in the a.m. it was a real obvious change. But Sat and Sun both I was up with the chickens and accomplished more by 10:00 than most people do all day! It was wonderful to feel that way again!

[jimsbride]

This is very interesting! I have been diagnosed w/FMS and CFS and that without seeing a specialist because there is none in this small town I live in. I do believe my adrenal glands are major culprits do to "other spells" I have. I wish I could find out more and learn for myself!

Good luck to yous for your accomplishments

Jimsbride

[18karat]

i am new here... where do i get adrenal supplements? my cortisol levels are really high and i feel burnt out...

[quietone]

I go to a health food store

[18karat]

thanks...will go look there...hope you feel better soon too

[csoar2004]

This is very interesting! I have been diagnosed w/FMS and CFS and that without seeing a specialist because there is none in this small town I live in. I do believe my adrenal glands are major culprits do to "other spells" I have. I wish I could find out more and learn for myself!

Low adrenal function can cause, among other symptoms:

* Fatigue

* Recurrent infections

* Recurrent sore throats and difficulty shaking off infections

* Poor response and "crashing" during stress

* Achiness

* Hypoglycemia

* Low blood pressure and dizziness upon first standing

* Mood swings

* Food cravings (salt or sweet)

* Insomnia

* Brain fog

* cold in the extremities (fingers and toes)

Excellent article on adrenal stress: http://www.king5.com/optimumwellness/features/stories/ow082504_adrenal.b145bfb8.html

Stress contributes significantly to poor adrenal function. So reducing stress is your first priority. (take a nice hot aromatherapy bath. Did you know that peppermint oil in your bath can help suppress appetite? :eek: :thup: Kill two birds with one be-kind-to-yourself activity. :D )

Laugh a lot, it releases endorphins AND burns calories. :lol: What's not to like?

[Lanny]

I believe a good diet for adrenals is Fat Flush...it sure helps your adrenal problems...

Hey Csoars...miss ya...how was that cruise with the big boy? hope you enjoyed yourself...

[Lanny]

Sheesh forgot to ask my question LOL....

what is the brand of the adrenal supplements that you guys take? I know Panax Ginseng is great for you but does it really works or does these supplements do what it supose too...ive been taking Bcomplex for years and i believe in it too...helped me alot for other things...ive been drinking green tea for a while like at least 5 cups a day and i dont really see anything different...i take my magneseum, potasum, calcium, C, E, Bcomplex, Primerose, flaxseed...im still tired...go figure that one out...anyhow, i guess time will tell...

[csoar2004]

I believe a good diet for adrenals is Fat Flush...it sure helps your adrenal problems...

Hey Csoars...miss ya...how was that cruise with the big boy? hope you enjoyed yourself...Hiya Lanny! :wave: The cruise is in about 4 weeks (got m'cruise wardrobe all ready. wahoooooooo!) :thup:

[Lanny]

LOL...i thought you have just come back...a month ahead of my time...sorry...so your already to go...wardrobe already too heh? oh boy i can see you loose on the ship with the big...i wish i was a fly for one day on that ship filming all this...heheheh now dont forget BE GOOD YOU! :lol: enjoy your trip and let us know how it went and try to see the big cheese (famous person) on board :wave:

[obsessing]

Firstly I am going to have to learn how to Post a Signature. I enjoy seeing who I am talking too. :-)

Secondly I know that it is all about nature. Dr Atkins researched and found that obesity and Health issues began their massive rise with the development of white flour, if my memory serves, and I saw a man not long ago on his Cave Man Diet, which was "If you can't grow it or kill it Don't eat it" LOL But what a truth. We need carbs and fat, but from a Healthy source. Nature! I live in the middle of corn and bean fields, and let me tell you if those chemicals reak as much havoc on the inside of our food as they do on the inside of my Lungs, God help us. When you get to where you need to be then just remember that, and not to say Follow it, but just be more aware. I have that little voice in the back of my head evertime I go to the store, and sometimes I will try to argue that I could Kill someone for a Hershey bar so I must be able to have it. LOL JUST KIDDING. Hope this helps...

[KajunDC]

Yes, do not take supplements until you get a tailored plan. Hair analysis results are only valid for 6 months. After that time period (and I re-test most of my patients after about four months) your nutritional requirements can and often do change.

The best help for your adrenals is to eat something (preferably a good protein source like nuts and seeds or a good non-sweetened protein powder shake supplement) every two to three hours you are awake.

Your adrenal glands are responsible (among many other functions) for maintaining your blood sugar balance in-between meals. To take this responsibility off of their shoulders you should eat the every two to three hours. This will give them a chance to rest and rebuild.

You should also supplement with a good WHOLE FOOD supplement form of Vitamin C. The reason for this is that the adrenals store most of the body's excess Vitamin C so when the adrenals are fatigued, you don't have the Vit. C you need in your body.

Use a whole food supplement as this is the form your body is used to getting vitamins from nature. Synthetic vitamins cause health problems. No one should ever take them. (These are the kinds of supplements places like Wal-mart sells.) They are made from chemicals instead of from nature.

Also I don't recommend crystalline vitamins. These are vitamin complexes that have been broken down and have had the co-enzymes and co-factors removed. The crystalline form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid. If the vitamin C is listed as being in this form only, then don;t buy it. Crystalline vitamins are stimulatory in nature but will not let you repair and rebuild.

But get a tailored plan as adrenal fatigue can set off a myriad of health problems in the body.

Good Luck.

KajunDC

[quietone]

Thanks for the input, KajunDC.

Have you treated many people with adrenal fatigue in your practice? As I am sure you are aware, getting regular GP's to treat it is almost an imposibility. I got to a gp who is also an osteopath and she seems to take it seriously enough.

It sounds like you are not recommending low carb for someone with adrenal fatigue because of the added stress. Am I reading this right? That has not been commented on before in my case, so I am wondering if that is an oversight or lack of knowledge on someone else's part.

Thanks.

[quietone]

Just wanted everyone to know how much better I am doing!

Originally, I wasn't supposed to use licorice, but the only bovine adrenal gland I could find here had the licorice already in it. So, I ended up getting it anyway.

I'm doing so well, I am wondering if I should even get more when this bottle is finished. Will decide that later.

More later.

[me-65]

. . .The best help for your adrenals is to eat something (preferably a good protein source like nuts and seeds or a good non-sweetened protein powder shake supplement) every two to three hours you are awake.

Your adrenal glands are responsible (among many other functions) for maintaining your blood sugar balance in-between meals. To take this responsibility off of their shoulders you should eat the every two to three hours. This will give them a chance to rest and rebuild. . . .

Thanks for the information. What is a "good non-sweetened protein powder shake supplement"? :q: I have some whey protein powder. Can I make a shake supplement with it? I have high cortisol and am trying to figure out how to deal with it. Have been seeing my ND and DC and waiting to see MD (endocrinologist). But, I want to be very informed and make my medical decisions. Also, any books are articles that you think could be educational? :q: