This self help book was written in 2001 by Dr. James Wilson. By many who have suffered from adrenal fatigue, it is often referred to as "The Bible" on the topic. Dr. Wilson wrote this book after witnessing for 24 years in his own practice the prevalence and lack of proper diagnosis from traditional medicine. Dr. Wilson has an impressive background holding 3 doctorate degrees (Human Nutrition, Chiropractic, Naturopathic) and 2 master's degrees (bio/nutrition and psychology). He definitely qualifies as an expert on the topic.
Back Cover: Tired for no reason? Have trouble getting up in the morning? Need coffee or colas to keep you going? Feeling run down and stressed? Crave salty or sweet snacks? Struggling to keep up? Can't bounce back from daily stress or illness? Not having fun anymore? Decreased sex drive?
The book is laid out in 3 sections:
Understanding what Adrenal Fatigue Is:
"Tired, worn-out, just cant regain your strength no matter what you do or how many doctors you visit?" Have you made the rounds only to be told, "all of your tests are normal", "there is nothing wrong with you", "you should see a psychiatrist for anti-depressants or anti-neurotic medication?" The medical explanation: you must be a hypochondriac. Maybe, out of desperation, you have even tried some of these medications, only to feel worse?
You are not alone! Adrenal fatigue is one of the most commonly overlooked conditions as it is largely unrecognized by conventional medicine. In fact, millions of people are affected by it and that number continues to grow. Adrenal fatigue is a spectrum syndrome. That means the symptoms can vary in severity and that multiple body systems can be affected. No two patients with Adrenal fatigue present identically. The diagnosis is usually missed because of co-existing diagnoses of chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, food and chemical allergies, low blood pressure and hypoglycemia.
The adrenal glands are 2 pyramid shapes glands, no bigger than a walnut, that sit on top of your kidneys. They secrete powerful hormones that influence every tissue, organ and gland in the body. The role of the adrenal glands is to help the body cope with stresses and survive. These hormones respond to every change in your internal and external environment. Anything from physical stress, emotional stress, environmental stress, infection or any combination can lead to fatigue of adrenal gland function. The effects of such stresses is cumulative over a lifetime and can be triggered when the adrenals are not afforded the proper rest or recovery in between events. The adrenal glands can even influence the way you think and feel as well as your body shape!
How to Identify if you have Adrenal Fatigue:
An extensive questionnaire is included to determine a. if you have adrenal fatigue and b. what the severity is. The chief symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue include but are not limited to fatigue, it takes a few hours to really "wake up," an afternoon slump around 3 pm, irritability, you feel better after meals or snacks, you rely on caffeine to get through the day, brain fog, craving salty or sweet foods, less enjoyment in normal interests, light headed when standing up, low libido, longer recovery time from stress or illness, hypoglycemia, PMS, allergies, arthritic pain, difficult menopause, fears, anxiety, depression, confusion, poor concentration or memory, insomnia, frustration, adult onset diabetes, autoimmune disease, running on empty, happiness seems out of reach. The nature of a syndrome with varying symptoms and unanswered questions oftentimes leads to loss of work, poor decision making, alcoholism, drug abuse, burnout, relationship conflict and nervous breakdowns. Many patients have given up on ever feeling healthy or normal again and have learned ways to cope with the interfering symptoms of fatigue and brain fog.
It is thought that Adrenal Fatigue will affect up to 80% of the adult population at some point in thier lives. Anyone can experience Adrenal Fatigue but the following are at a higher risk: Type A personality, major illness or trauma in past medical history, years of bodily neglect, excessive workouts without recovery, abusive relationships, doctors, police men and women, middle executives, secretaries and teachers, anyone who alternates shifts with less than 3 weeks in between.
**Adrenal fatigue is considered a syndrome therefore one of the above symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have Adrenal Fatigue. It does however mean that the proper diagnosis and treatment can help the body heal from all of the above.**
Guidelines to Recover from Adrenal Fatigue Naturally:
"Recovery starts with making the correct diagnosis and uncovering as many factors that caused it as possible." -Dr. Wilson
This is a condition that didn't appear overnight. Treatment can take time with a large part of the responsibility put on the patient to make the right lifestyle and dietary changes and adhere to a schedule of nutritional supplementation and testing. "How you spend your energy, conserve your energy and how you create your energy are all extremely important. Your recovery is also contingent on what you eat and drink, as well as on the thoughts you feed your mind and the beliefs you base your life on."
DO THESE THINGS:
- go to bed by 10pm
- sleep in until 9 am whenever possible
- look for things to make you laugh
- eliminate things that drain your energy
- do something pleasurable each day
- be grateful for something each day
- take your recommended supplements daily
- move your body and breathe deeply
- believe in your ability to recover
- learn which foods make your feel bad
- drink water first thing in the a.m. with 1/2 tsp sea salt stirred in
- combine carbohydrate, proteins and healthy fats at every meal
- eat whole foods
- chew your food well
- eat lots of colored vegetables
- laugh several times a day
- take the power and responsibility for your recovery into your own hands
AVOID THESE THINGS:
- getting overtired
- caffeine
- white flour
- sugar
- alcohol
- staying up past 11 pm
- pushing yourself
- energy suckers
- being harsh or negative on yourself
- feeling sorry for yourself
- foods you are addicted to or crave
- foods you suspect an allergy or sensitivity to
- never skip breakfast
- avoid fruit in the morning
- never eat carbs without a protein and healthy fat
SELF TEST:
1. Iris Contraction Test: sit in a dark room in front of a mirror. Shine a flashlight across one eye (not directly into it) from the side. Watch with the other eye. You should see the pupil contract (get smaller) right away. The pupil should remain contracted. If adrenal fatigue is present, the pupil will dilate (get larger) within 2 minutes. You might also notice that the pupil contracts and dilates, or appears to flutter in a struggle to maintain the contraction.
2. Postural Hypotension: lie down quietly for 10 minutes then take your blood pressure still lying down. Stand up and measure your blood pressure again right after you stand. If blood pressure drops by 10 mm of mercury or more when standing, you likely have some form of adrenal fatigue or you are dehydrated.
If you suspect that you are suffering from Adrenal Fatigue, One Life Chiropractic offers many solutions. Mention this newsletter and take advantage of 50% off your initial consultation. There are many causes of Adrenal Fatigue so the plan that works best for you will be customized based on a through history and exam findings.
Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kristy Allen Harvell
585-385-5870
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