Adrenal Health
Vitamin Retailer Magazine
For May Issue 2014
Dr Guy Devin PhD
CL Wellness
480-636-0815
drguydevin@mac.com
www.energeticinsights.com
Adrenal Fatigue also known as adrenal apathy
Is said to affect millions of people around the world, and yet surprisingly it is still considered a conventional medical illness. General practitioners cannot explain symptoms of adrenal fatigue, since there is no scientific evidence to supporting the concept.
According to people who say adrenal fatigue does exist, it can affect individuals of any age, culture, gender, or race, and even those amongst us who sleep well, with good eating habits and exist in a relative stress free environment.
What are the adrenal glands?
The adrenal glands sit atop the kidneys and are the size of large grape shaped like a triangle. They produce hormones the regulate blood pressure; how the body uses food, blood levels of minerals, such as potassium and sodium function involves stress reactions and heartbeat. They are the perfect example of how the flight or fright system can be affected by electrical and bio chemicals stimulated by stress throwing us out of balance.
Does adrenal fatigue really exist?
Well a significant number of alternative practitioners are sure that adrenal fatigue exists, while the majority of allopathic mainstream doctors believe it does not. The mainstream medical community does not recognize adrenal fatigue as a proper diagnosis. They do recognize that Addison’s disease or adrenal insufficiency is possible.
There is no scientific evidence backing the accuracy or relevance of adrenal fatigue. This according to the AMA yet alternative medical practice does use blood or saliva test, which they claim, can help diagnose adrenal fatigue. The definition of adrenal fatigue is said to occur when the adrenal glands become tired and do not function properly and inadequate quantities of hormones are produced. Many patients with some signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue may seem apparently healthy, and will cope with everyday activities in relative normality. However, they experience a general sense of exhaustion: a feeling of being worn out during the day.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue?
• Tiredness and a sense of sleepiness during the day.
• Salty and sweet cravings.
• Needing high doses of stimulants like caffeine in coffee or soda.
• General body aches.
• Abrupt weight loss.
• Loss of body hair.
• Low blood pressure.
• Having difficulties in recovering from illnesses.
• Difficulty getting out of bed for more than a few hours per day. Even after a good night sleep.
What are the causes of adrenal fatigue?
• Any recurring disease, infection or illness, usually related to a respiratory problem, such as influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia and some seasonal allergies.
• Exposure to Toxic chemicals and pollutants for a long period of time.
• Events placing enormous burdens on the body, such as major surgery, long-term malnutrition, or addictions to drugs and alcohol.
• Prolonged stressful physiological circumstance, financial burdens and challenges with meaningful relationships or what I call primary food.
How do we develop positive strategies for adrenal fatigue?
Upon further research into this issue I have come across Dr Daniel Kalish who has developed a very successful practice specializing in adrenal fatigue. He calls it the Kalish Method where he integrates the use of scientific testing using saliva test and blood testing. Then based on the specifics of that information develops specific protocols as a solution to adrenal stress thus restoring normal adrenal function. Dr Kalish system originated with Dr Timmins some 20 years ago and Dr Timmins has since passed away leaving this work in Dr Kalish capable hands.
Dr Kalish has published several books on the topic and you can find them online at various sources. Typically his clients see results in as little as 6-12 months. He can be found at www.kalishinstitute.com and he has trained over 500 practitioners world wide.
With out having the training there are several recommendations of products that we carry in our stores that can produce incredible results for your clients. Keep in mind that we are not treating. Curing or mitigating disease and anyone suspecting they have a serious health issue should consult their doctor. That disclaimer being said what are some supplements we can suggest that support your adrenals functioning in the normal range?
Life style changes and stress reduction is key to creating homeostasis in your body. Of all the indicators to adrenal fatigue Life style is the most important denominator in personal health and wellness. Are you eating organically when possible? Are you minimizing the consumption of sugar, alcohol, drugs and other bio-chemical compounds from your diet? Making sure you have the core nutrients covered. Which would be: Multivitamin, digestive enzymes with all meals, probiotics which assist in utilization of nutrition. Immune supportive supplements like medicinal mushrooms and last but not least an herbal adaptogenic formula, which works directly with the adrenals. The next critical category is the need for monatomic minerals from Harmonic Innerprizes as they are the only ones for the last 20 years to have human clinical trials showing the effectiveness of stress reduction, allergy support, heart support and brain integration and cognition.
The power of the Brain in adrenal support!
We have all heard of PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) we all have PTSD to some degree, which totally has shown scientifically to have an adverse affect on our bodies, mind and spirit. With tens of thousands of not only visual but also auditory negative impressions a day it’s a wonder any of us can still function and you don’t need to be in the military to have this experience. Bad relationships, financial issues, loss of a job or loss of a loved one or pet can have a direct affect on us. I want to focus specifically on minerals as a premium nutrient to minimize the above issues.
When we can move from a Beta brain wave to an alpha brain wave the monatomic minerals help us to do specifically this function. In an alpha state we can achieve a stress less state mentally which minimizes the fight or flight syndrome. The minerals restore the interrupted signal coursing through the nervous system stopping the fight or flight signal. This stops excessive hormones like cortisol and adrenaline from having a negative affect on our biology. Minerals and your metabolic enzymes run the electrical system in the body. Think of it like your cars battery. When the minerals and electrolytes are low the battery goes dead. There is no energy to run the car or in this case run your body. Have you ever been so exhausted you can’t even sleep? One reason for that is you have no energy to even tell the body to go to sleep. So monatomic minerals and trace
Minerals are critical to managing the adrenal axis.
These incredible minerals help on so many levels like supporting the body to manage metabolic inflammation, emotional stress and proper utilization of your food and supplements. Other solutions can and should be a practice of daily prayer and meditation, Yoga, exercising, healthy eating and perhaps even enlisting the support of a certified health coach or nutritional coach. Take back responsibility and your power to live an inspired life. Remember my quote:
“The nature of your well being is spiritually and vibrationally induced, chemically and electrically driven and biologically carried out.” Be Well
References:
“Myth vs. Fact: Adrenal Fatigue” (www.hormone.org/hormones-and-health) The Hormone Foundation. August 2010. Retrieved August 30th, 2011.
“Is there such a thing as adrenal-fatigue?” (www.mayoclinic.com) Retrieved March 19th 2014.
Adrenal Fatigue: Is it real? (www.webmd.com/a-to-zguides/features/adrenal-fatigue-is-it-real). WebMd. Eric Metcalf Retrieved 03-19-2014
Landa, Jennifer (10 September 2012). “How to combat Stress from adrenal fatigue” (www.foxnews.com/health/201209/07)
Head KA et al. Nutrients and botanicals for treatment of stress: Adrenal Fatigue, neurotransmitter imbalance, anxiety, and restless sleep. Alternative Medicine Review. 2009:14:114
Addison’s disease (primary or chronic adrenocortical insufficiency). The Merck manuals: The Merck Manual for healthcare Professionals.
www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec12/ch153/ch153b.html. Accessed Feb.25, 2011