UNDERSTANDING

ADRENAL STRESS
 
Don’t let stress eat up your life…Here are the tools
for getting off the hamster wheel of perpetual
exhaustion.  Contrary to popular belief you can live a
busy life and still have high energy!
 
Why Do Our Adrenal Glands Need Healing?
In this day and age most of us are dealing with high stress
lifestyles.  Everything is getting faster, the demands are getting
higher and each year we are overloaded with more “things” to
use and be responsible for.  Our bodies have to deal with more
sensory overload than we have ever experienced before in
history, just the noise pollution alone is overwhelming.  Have
you ever tried to discern all the different sounds in a shopping
centre?  It’s exhausting just being in a busy place.

If we understand the basic functions of our bodies and have the

simple tools to create a physical balance, the mental stress can
be cut in half, as the physical body is in charge of balancing the
brains hormones and neurotransmitters that enable us to
handle stress.  It doesn’t matter whether mental stress or
physical stress comes first, like the chicken or the egg story, the
fact is both need to be alleviated.
Unfortunately most of us did not get off to a great start in life,
when it comes to physical resources.  From conception we were
bombarded with pesticides and other chemicals, which mixed in
with the minute cells that made up our bodies.  Therefore our
endocrine and nervous system’s have been compromised from
day dot. On top of that, most of us experienced the procedure
of vaccinations and being fed cows milk, both of which have a
strongly compromising effect on our endocrine and immune
systems.  Then we have the fantastic experience of being fed
trans fats, sucrose, bread, animal fats, colorants, additives and a
whole host of other toxic foods from a very early age.

The reality is that before we were even given the chance to

make our own decisions, our adrenals were already under strain
from toxic chemicals and blood sugar instability.

In all honesty we have stepped foot onto this earth in a time

when humans have become so far removed from their innate
state that it is going to take a bit of work to heal our bodies and
the body of the earth.

Adrenal fatigue was first documented as a clinical condition, in

the medical texts in the 1800’s.  As conventional medicine
cannot do anything to treat adrenal fatigue, it has nicely been
brushed under the carpet.  Laboratory tests were unable to
detect any abnormality, until recently.  Today, adrenal fatigue
could be accurately diagnosed, overcome and treated properly
if the attending Doctor chooses to test for it and has the correct
knowledge of the nutrition, etc needed for the healing process.

 
Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue
Some key signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue include
 craving of stimulants including caffeine, sugar, wheat and
cigarettes.  When our vital energy levels are low and we not
getting enough resources into our bodies, the adrenals go into
a panic state and we crave the quickest energy fix that we can
find. This is a quick way of burning our adrenal glands up like a
cinder. 

The main signs and symptoms include:

Tendency to gain weight and unable to loose it, especially

around the waist.

High frequency of getting the flu and other respiratory

diseases and these symptoms  tend to last longer than
usual.

Tendency to tremble when under pressure.

Reduced sex drive.

Light-headed when rising from a laying down position.

Unable to remember things.

Lack of energy in the mornings and also in the afternoon

between 3 to 5 pm.

Feel  better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.

Often feel tired  between 9 - 10 pm, but resist going to bed.

Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning.

Crave for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as  meat and
cheese.

Increase symptoms of PMS for women; period are heavy and

 then stop, or almost stopped on the 4th day, only to start
flow again on the 5th or 6th day.

Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reasons.

Feels better when stress is relieved, such as on a vacation.

Difficulties  in getting up in the morning.

Mild depression.

Anxiety.

Decreased ability to handle stress.

Hypoglycaemia.

Light-headed.

Digestive disorders.

Other signs and symptoms include:

Food and or inhalant allergies

Lethargy and lack of energy

Increased effort to perform daily  tasks

Dry and thin skin

Low Body Temperature

Nervousness

Palpitation

Unexplained hair loss

 Alternating constipation and diarrhoea

Dyspepsia

 
Emotional and mental symptoms.  Often, emotional and
psychological symptoms are present or even predominant. 
Depression is very common.  Apathy, despair and even suicidal
tendencies are also quite common.  Emotional instability, mood
swings, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and irritability are also
common symptoms associated with adrenal burnout syndrome.
Compulsiveness and obsessive-compulsive tendencies
may be 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.
 
Many areas of life affected.  Adrenal burnout affects every area
of life.  One may lose interest in friends, family and work. 
Relationships often suffer when one person in the relationship
goes into adrenal exhaustion.
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. 
One literally falls into a primal state of existence.
 
Bigger implications.  Entire nations can go into adrenal
exhaustion as a result of wars, famines and other catastrophes. 
This has happened many times in history, and is an important
hidden factor in our politics of today.  For example, a
population in burnout does not feel capable of taking care of
themselves.  When this occurs, the attitudes of the people
change, and with it the leaders they elect.        

What are the Main Culprits in Adrenal Stress?

 
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 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 such as 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 body’s toxic load.  Most
people do not realise that antibiotics and many other drugs
accumulate to some extent in the liver and other organs.
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.
A healthy body has the ability to eliminate many toxins
on a daily basis.  However, as adrenal weakness develops, the
body’s ability to eliminate all toxins decreases.  This produces a
vicious cycle in which weaker adrenals impairs the elimination
of all poisons, which then further weakens the adrenals.
 
Chronic infections play a critical role in some cases of adrenal
exhaustion.   Chronic infections may originate in infected teeth
or gums, though they can be located anywhere in the body. 
They contribute greatly to the toxic load of the body.  Infections
also cause inflammation and stress that must be countered
using the adrenal hormones such as cortisol and cortisone.
 
Stimulants damage the adrenal glands.  They whip the
adrenals.  Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most
common stimulants.
Less obvious but no less important stimulants may
include anger, rage, arguing, hatred, loud music, fearful news
and even movies full of suspense or violence.
Other activities that may act as stimulants and must not
be overlooked include vigourous exercise, sexual
preoccupation's, recreational drug use or other thrills.  These
often provide a temporary “high”, which is caused in part by
the secretion of high amounts of adrenal hormones.  However,
over time, this weakens the adrenals and can eventually lead to
adrenal depletion and insufficiency.
 
Stimulant use, however, can also be a result of adrenal
burnout.  While stimulants can cause or contribute to adrenal
weakness, some who use stimulants do so because they are in
adrenal burnout already.
Stimulants are attractive to one in burnout to provide
temporary energy. This is an important appeal of the drug
culture, both legal and recreational.  It is also the appeal of loud
music, sexual addiction, and even anger.
These activities or attitudes can provide enough
adrenal stimulation to allow a person to feel better
temporarily.  This is an important reason why giving up one’s
addictions can be difficult.  When one gives them up, one must
face the fact that one is exhausted, depressed and often just
feels awful due to adrenal burnout.  It is safe to say that most
people addicted to stimulants or other drugs including
cigarettes, cocaine, marijuana, and others has some degree of
adrenal insufficiency.
 

Unhealthy responses to stress are another cause of adrenal

burnout.  These include habits of worrying, or becoming angry
or afraid.  Don’t 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.

Common Causes Of Adrenal

Stress

 Anger
 Chronic fatigue
 Chronic illness
 Chronic infection
 Chronic inflammation
 Chronic pain
 Chronic-severe allergies
 Depression
 Excessive exercise
 Excessive sugar in diet
 Excessive caffeine intake
 Fear and guilt
 Gluten intolerance
 Light-cycle disruption  (Going to
sleep late)
 Low blood sugar
 Ma-absorption
 Ma-digestion
 Nutritional deficiencies
 Overwork/ physical or mental strain
 Temperature extremes
 Toxic exposure
 Trauma/ injury
 Severe or chronic stress
 Surgery
  Sleep deprivation
 Worry/anxiety

 
 
Stages of Adrenal Stress
 
Diseases progresses through stages normally as the body de-
compensates. Let us take a closer look:Stage 1: Alarm Reaction
(Flight or Fight response)In this stage, the body is alarmed by
the stressors and  mounts an aggressive anti-stress response to
reduce stress levels. Some doctors called this the Early Fatigue
stage.                                                                                                           
Typically, there is an increased ACTH from the pituitary gland
that stimulates the adrenal glands into full gear to mount an
retaliation response. The adrenal medulla is stimulated to
secrete more epinephrine, and the total cortisol output from
the adrenal cortex  is increased from the excitatory stimulus.
There is a corresponding reduction in DHEA production. During
this period, the  body needs cortisol to overcome stress, and
production of cortisol is therefore  increased. After some time,
the adrenals will experience difficulties in meeting the body's
ever increasing demand for cortisol. Stage 2: Resistance
ResponseWith chronic or severe stress, the adrenals eventually
are unable to keep up with the body's demand for cortisol.  As
such , the  cortisol output  will start to decline from a high back
to a normal level,  while the ACTH remains  high. With
protracted ACTH and adrenal fatigue, less cortisol is produced
due to the adrenal becoming exhausted. While the morning,
noon, or afternoon cortisol levels are often low, the night-time
cortisol level is usually normal.                                                           
A phenomenon  called pregnenolone steal (also called cortisol
shunt) sets in. Cortisol production becomes the predominant
pathway of hormone production as the body favours the
production of this hormone. Other hormones such as
pregnenolone, DHEA, testosterone and oestrogen are less
favoured and their production will decline. As a result, total
pregnenolone output is reduced but total cortisol output
continues to be maintained at a normal level. Careful analysis of
the daily diurnal cycle of cortisol shows a dysfunctional pattern
of abnormally low cortisol in the morning. This is  a time when
cortisol is needed the most. Night-time cortisol is usually still
normal. Stage 3: ExhaustionDespite rising ACTH, the adrenals
are no longer able to keep up the increased demand for cortisol
production. This may happen over a few  years. Total cortisol
output is therefore reduced, and DHEA falls far below average.
The night-time cortisol level is usually reduced as the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis "crash" and the body is
unable to maintain homeostasis. Severe sex hormonal
imbalances (oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens) are
common and a precursor to adrenal failure.Stage 4: Failure
Eventually, the adrenals are totally exhausted. Patients at this
stage have a high chance of cardiovascular collapse and death.

Copper toxicity and burnout.  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, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases may be end-stage
results of toxic accumulation and energy depletion.

Thyroid imbalances and burnout.  Often secondary to adrenal

exhaustion are other glandular imbalances such as
hypothyroidism.  The thyroid gland and the adrenals have a very
close relationship and stress on one always affects the other.
Much less common is the development of a secondary
hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid.  This may be a
compensation for low adrenals, as the condition will disappear
as the adrenals are allowed to rest and rebuild.The adrenal
glands produce oestrogen and progesterone.  They are the
main source of these hormones after menopause.  Pre-
menstrual syndrome and hot flashes often have to do with
weakened adrenal glands.

Reduced cellular energy production.  Depression and apathy

are often the result of low energy production in the cells.  Also,
cortisol provides a natural ‘high’.Thus, low cortisol can
contribute to feelings of depression and even despair.  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.

Burnout and metal toxicity.  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 one’s 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.

Congenital Weak adrenals.  Many children today are born with

weak adrenals due to their parents’ nutritional deficiencies. 
This is not a genetic problem.  Instead, it is due to the
nutritional  imbalances of the mother, in particular.  These are
passed through the placenta to the unborn child.  For example,
if the mother is zinc-deficient, as most are, the baby is born low
in zinc and often high in copper, cadmium or other minerals
that substitute for zinc to a degree.  Fortunately, this means the
problem can be corrected, though it is better to prevent it, of
course.  By age three or four, these children are in burnout.
They are often sick, depressed and have difficulty in school. 
Some of these children react to the situation by becoming
hyperactive,  compulsive, obsessive or by developing various
other behaviour problems.  On their hair mineral analyses, these
children are often in a state of burnout at this early age, a
relatively new phenomenon, in my experience.  By gently
rebuilding their body chemistry, however, their behavioural and
other disorders generally vanish in a few months to a few years.

Minimal brain dysfunction, chronic ear or other infections, crib

death, delayed development, learning disorders, failure to
thrive, ADHD, autism and anti-social behaviour may all be
symptoms related to adrenal dysfunction in our
children.  Vaccination, wholesale drugging of the children and
other abominations led by our public health authorities and the
medical profession are only making the problems worse in the
long term.  Children usually respond very rapidly to nutritional
balancing program.  This is not at all the same as throwing a lot
of good food and vitamins at a child.  It must be targeted, based
on a properly performed and correctly interpreted hair mineral
analysis.  I teach this science to anyone who will listen.

 
Fatigue versus adrenal burnout.  Adrenal burnout syndrome
differs from simple fatigue in that burnout  is not relieved by
getting a few good nights sleep, as is the case with fatigue.
This is the case because adrenal exhaustion is not just
a sleep deficit, although that may be an aspect of the
syndrome.  Burnout is a deeper derangement of the body’s
energy-producing system, of which fatigue is one symptom.
  
As the syndrome of adrenal fatigue is not that common
knowledge amongst physicians, it often goes misdiagnosed or
untreated.

The First Steps in Correcting Adrenal Fatigue

are:
 

-       Completely stop all stimulants

-       Eat high nutrient foods
-       One can often be lacking sodium in adrenal overload, so
do not cut it out of your diet
-       Eat before 10am to set the blood sugar stability for the
day and replenish waning glycogen levels
-       Eat something between 11am and 11.30am
-       Eat a decent meal between 2pm and 3pm before the
daily cortisol dip which is 3-4pm
-       Eat supper between 5pm and 6pm as it is hard to break
down and digest food eaten later in the evening.
-       If you desperately need food later, have a power
smoothie or green juice before 7.30pm
-       Take a one minute break every 30 mins to have a couple
of long deep breaths
-       Delegate time each week to do something relaxing that
you love!!!
-       Go for at least two walks a week in nature.
 
 
 
TO HEAL YOUR ADRENALS WITH EASE AND PROMOTE A
LIFETIME OF HIGH ENERGY AND TRUE HEALTH REFER TO THE
ADRENAL REGENERATION EBOOK.