312 Adrenal Fatigue Healing Steps [30 March 2015]

Last week we looked at the three stages of adrenal fatigue (AF) as described by Dr. Robin Berzin in an article published on MindBodyGreen.com. This week we’ll look at the 9 step protocol Berzin uses to help her patients overcome adrenal fatigue.

1. Eat plenty of colored vegetables, sufficient lean protein, and gluten free whole grains; avoid foods that cause inflammation and those you are sensitive to.
2. Go to bed before 11 pm to avoid a late night cortisol surge.
3. B vitamins, especially B5, B6 and B12 are essential for energy production.
4. Cool inflammation with vitamin C, curcumin and omega-3 supplements.
5. Other important nutrients for the adrenals include vitamin D, selenium, magnesium & zinc.
6. Drink plenty of pure water, adding trace minerals, lemon juice or sea salt to rehydrate your cells.
7. Use adaptogenic herbs to support the adrenals like licorice root, ashwagandha, and rhodiola.
8. Include relaxation times (not naps) in your day and avoid high intensity workouts [Wilson (see below) encourages “enjoyable” exercise].
9. Reassess your definition of success to reduce stress levels in your life.

Following these 9 steps, Dr Berzin finds that most people with adrenal fatigue can recover without the need for hormone therapy.

Dr. James L. Wilson provides more suggestions in his book “Adrenal Fatigue”. He explains that salt cravings (common with AF) reflect a nutritional need and unless you have high blood pressure (rare with AF) you should salt to taste. Chocolate cravings is another matter – it may indicate a magnesium deficiency but its high caffeine and theobromine content overstimulate the adrenals so is not a good magnesium source. For the same reasons avoid coffee, black tea and soda pop; green tea and most herbal teas are fine. Alcohol also aggravates adrenal fatigue and should be avoided. Wilson’s book is available from my loaning library.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.