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HORMONES -
ADRENAL PROTOCOLS

Cause of Adrenal Fatigue    Signs and Symptoms   Tips
Adrenal Protocols

The following information is provided by Dr. Jay Mead at ZRT Laboratory in Beaverton, Oregon.  I received the information from Chana Scott, R.N. by FAX on July 08, 2003.

This program will allow the adrenal glands to repair and will take several months of judicious application on your part.  Full adrenal gland recovery is the rule; although, long standing STRESS may cause irreversible scarring and the need for lifetime support.  Once repaired, it is essential for you to modify your lifestyle to reduce stress.  If stress is not reduced, you will, within a few months, experience the same symptoms.
 

For ADRENAL FATIGUE

  
Licorice Solid Extract 1/2 teaspoonful at 8AM and 1/4 teaspoonful at noon

or Cortef® - Rx;

For example: 5mg to 10mg upon awakening in morning, then 5mg to 10mg at noon
  {some doctors prescribe compounded hydrocortisone in a slow release formula}
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) 500mg three times daily
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 50mg twice a day
Vitamin C 3000mg three times a day
Vitamin E 800 I.U. per day
       Cayenne Capsules (OPTIONAL) 1 capsule three times a day
       Ginseng (OPTIONAL) 1 capsule one to three times a day
Exercise 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. 
CAUTION:  Do NOT be competitive in your exercise program

We stock a supplement by RxVitamins that is similar to this protocol.

The Supplement is ADR-7.  Read More

For ELEVATED CORTISOL LEVELS

  
Phosphorylated Serine (Seriphos®) 500mg to 1000mg daily
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) 500mg three times daily
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 50mg twice a day
Vitamin C 3000mg three times a day
Vitamin E 800 I.U. per day
Cayenne Capsules (OPTIONAL) 1 capsule three times a day
Ginseng (OPTIONAL) 1 capsule one to three times a day
Exercise 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week.  CAUTION:  Do NOT be competitive in your exercise program

Our adrenals are important.  And, they can be harmed if we aren’t careful. Our job here is to offer help in dealing with adrenal problems. One great resource we call upon often is a book by James L. Wilson titled, "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st-Century Stress Syndrome.” The book is clear and easy to read.  It is full of great suggestions for maintaining our adrenal health. We think that everyone ought to read this book and do what it suggests. A healthy adrenal system makes life more enjoyable.  Another helpful book is Safe Uses of Cortisol by William McK Jefferies, MD.

COMMON CAUSES OF ADRENAL FATIGUE

Chronic stress is very common in the western society. The most common causes of stress are work pressure, death of a love one, moving house, changing jobs, illness and marital disruptions. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the amount of stress overextends the capacity of the body to compensate and recover from stress.

Stressors that can lead to adrenal fatigue include:

Anger
Chronic fatigue
Chronic illness
Chronic infection
Chronic pain
Depression
Excessive exercise
Fear and guilt
Gluten intolerance
Low blood sugar 		Mal-absorption
Mal-digestion
Toxic exposure
Severe or chronic stress
Surgery
Late hours
Sleep deprivation
Excessive Exercise
Excessive sugar in diet
Excessive caffeine intake from coffee and tea

One of the most commonly overlooked causes of adrenal fatigue is chronic or severe infection that gives rise to an inflammatory response. Such infection can occur sub-clinically with no obvious signs at all. Parasitic and bacterial infections including Giardia and H. pylori are often the main culprits.

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

  • Tendency to gain weight and unable to loose it, especially around the waist.

  • Getting the flu and other respiratory diseases often.

  • Trebling when under pressure.

  • Lowered libido (sex drive).

  • Feeling "lightheaded" 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 .

  • Feel better when on a vacation.

  • Difficulties in getting up in the morning

  • Lightheaded


Other signs and symptoms include

  • Mild depression

  • Food and or inhalant allergies

  • Lethargy and lack of energy

  • Increased effort to perform daily tasks

  • Decreased ability to handle stress

  • Dry and thin skin

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Low Body Temperature

  • Nervousness

  • Palpitation

  • Unexplained hair loss

  • Alternating constipation and diarrhea

  • Dyspepsia (digestion problems)

If you have many of these signs and symptoms, it is time you consider adrenal fatigue as a possible cause once you have ruled out other problems.

The ability to handle stress, physical or emotional, is critical to human survival. Our body has a complete set of stress modulation system in place, and the control center is the adrenal glands. When this gland becomes dysfunctional, our body's ability to handle stress reduces, and symptoms will arise

TIPS FOR HEALTHY ADRENAL GLANDS

  • Sleep by 10 p.m.
  • Sleep in until 9:00 a.m., when possible
  • Do the things that you like
  • Avoid coffee or other caffeine containing beverages
  • Eat early
  • Have a glass of water in the morning with ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt
  • Avoid grains and bread
  • Avoid starchy foods such as potato
  • Avoid trans-fat such as French fries (its in a LOT of food)
  • Laugh several times a day
  • Take vitamin C, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and vitamin E
  • Take pregnenolone and DHEA as needed
  • Avoid getting over-tired
  • Avoid sugary fruits such as melons
  • Never skip breakfast - or any meal for that matter