Adrenal Burnout
Symptoms of Adrenal Burnout
Fatigue, bone/muscle loss and/or pain, aching joints, decreased sex drive, depression, sleep disturbances, apathy, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, low hormone levels (including DHEA), hot flashes, PMS, elevated copper levels (which can cause mood-swings, panic attacks, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia), low levels of zinc, autoimmune disorders, allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), low blood Pressure and/or low body temperature, Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sensitivity to noise, and pH imbalance. In extreme cases, Adrenal Burnout can lead to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Heart Disease and Cancer. Cushing's and Addison's Disease are caused by adrenal burnout. If you catch Adrenal Burnout in time, it can be reversed.
Possible Causes of Adrenal Burnout
Your lifestyle plays a huge role here, as well as your diet. Too little sleep, pressures on the job, feeling a lack of purpose in life or a disconnection to a higher power all effect hormone levels in a negative manner, which increase body acidity. Poor relationships and no real support network can wreak havoc on the adrenals, which help to regulate hormones.
Even if your relationships are wonderful, if you continue to eat a diet too high in processed foods and refined sugars or partake of too many stimulants, such as much caffeine or nicotine, or refuse to slow down and relax, you will eventually overtax your adrenalin glands. This results in the rise of acids (toxins) in your blood, which creates dis-ease.
Technology has affected our diets and lifestyles to the point where our bodies are continually affronted by toxic chemicals, preservatives, pollution, EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) etc. Stress response is intended to keep us from being eaten by lions or chased by a bear. Stressors keep our bodies in constant fight or flight mode, whether or not there is an emotional cause. These are stressors that cause continuous overload and bad stress response in the body.
Spiritual/Psychological causes of Adrenal Burnout: Self defeating or crushing messages (thought imbalance) that you believe, feeling overpowered and not loving yourself enough.
Associated Chakra(s): 5th Chakra
Associated Energy Meridian(s): Triple Heater Meridian (thyroid and adrenals)
Adrenal Function 101
Both adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and are about the size of a walnut. These two glands are the control centers for many different hormones. Adrenalin is pumped out every time we feel 'threatened', whether emotionally or physically, conciously or subconciously. This threat may or may not actually exist. For example, you may be being chased by a vicious dog, in which case the threat is real. Or, you may be standing in line at the supermarket feeling fine when, for no good reason you can think of, you have a panic attack. In this instance, the threat is perceived on a subconscious level. Either way, adrenalin is being pumped into your system to enable your body to take flight or fight.
The adrenals are not designed for persistent, episodic or chronic physical or emotional stress, which is basically the state most of us live these days. When adrenals are taxed, they eventually stop producing certain levels of necessary hormones, such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). We have to have healthy levels of DHEA. As the level of DHEA drops, so do estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. We begin to have symptoms of menopause (andropause for men) and we age faster. One of the first signs of low DHEA is insomnia, which is due to elevated cortisol levels. Other signs are hypoglycemia (dizziness, confusion, memory problems, palpitations, headaches), inflammation, muscle and joint pain, which can lead to depression.
Our Ancient Brain & Adrenal Burnout
The amygdala is the ancient part of the brain that is in tune with what is going on with us consciously, as well as subconsciously, around the clock. It is considered the prehistoric, amphibian part of the brain. It is the part of the brain The Captains Lady refers to as our fish. It stores every memory of every fear we have ever had, are having now, and ever will have. It picks up on thoughts, feelings and fears we may not even be aware of. When we feel threatened, it is the amygdala that knows and responds by sending messages to the sympathetic nervous system to release hormones like adrenalin and cortisol so we can fight or fly in a hurry.
These chemicals make our heart rate increase, which prepares our bodies for defense. We may sweat and breathe harder. Our energy builds. The thing is, if you used this energy to fight or run, these feelings would dissipate in a hurry. But when hormones are pumped out, continuously, throughout the day it causes overload and burnout.
About Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone and its purpose is to offset the effects of mental and physical stress. It also turns carbohydrates (sugars) and fats into energy and aids in reducing inflammation in the body. It is produced by the adrenals in a healthy manner until long-term stress or trauma causes cortisol levels to remain elevated. This causes the body to weaken in various ways. Healthy muscle and bone are destroyed causing fibromyalgia and arthritis. Cell regeneration slows causing memory and immune problems. Digestion and metabolism are impaired causing acidity, toxicity and weight gain. Eventually, cortisol levels will decrease from prolonged stimulation, to a level that is way too low. This is burnout.
What Can One Do?
If you are suffering from Adrenal Burnout, you can reverse it and get back to living a normal and energetic life. How long that will take depends on the severity of your condition and your willingness to make the necessary lifestyle changes. In other words, you must make a commitment to love and care for yourself.
Personally & Spiritually
Take a personal, physical, and environmental inventory.
One of the number one reasons for adrenal burnout is stress from unresolved emotional issues that create feelings of rage, anger, bitterness, resentment, hatred or fear. Dealing with emotional baggage is a must in order to get beyond adrenal dysfunction. Negative emotions can leave us irritable and feeling as though we barely have enough energy to get through the day. In fact, when you are in adrenal burnout, you can't get through the day normally. It is physically impossible. It is extremely important to, at least, acknowledge your emotions and put names to them. Write, journal, communicate, see a counselor or a priest. Do what you must. Burnout is serious. It is a major breakdown of the energy system of the body. If you do nothing else, t
As sad as it is to say, even children can suffer from Adrenal Burnout. Children easily deal with emotion through drawing, coloring and painting. If you are artistic at all, you might consider a journal of drawings rather than writing. Letting your inner child express her/his feelings in this way may be easier than finding words.
Physically & Environmentally
Is there anything toxic in your home such as mold, new furniture made from pressed wood or plastics? What about the cleaning or hygiene products you use? Are they safe? If you haven’t already, read the TCL e-book, Energy Wellness Recipes. It is filled with all-natural recipes for beauty, cosmetics, hygiene, house cleaning products, pet care and medicinals.
Do you move your body by engaging activities to use up nervous energy?
Are you getting enough affection? It is important that we get our hugs in!
Are you getting enough quality sleep? Poor sleep is a number one cause of Adrenal Burn Out.
All-Natural Therapies for Adrenal Burnout
Eliminate EMFs
Are you receiving too high a level of EMFs from microwaves, cell phones, computers, or electrical outlets in your home? Are there many overhead wires, cell phone towers, transformers, or other high voltage areas in your neighborhood?
The human body has its own electromagnetic energy field. This field, the aura, is greatly affected by EMFs. Our bodies transmit about 3 volts of electricity. This is about half the energy of a night light. Cell phones and electrical appliances interfere with our own electrical system. In fact, high levels of electromagnetic frequencies cause the adrenal glands to release cortisone and adrenaline, leading to adrenal burnout.
Turn off, and unplug appliances when not in use. Remove or even eliminate small electrical devices from your home or office. If you live in a high voltage area, consider moving, seriously, especially if you only rent your dwelling. The TCL e-book, Healthy Spaces, offers valuable tips on how to greatly reduce your exposure to EMFs in your home.
Improve Your Sleep
If getting a good night of sleep can make you feel somewhat refreshed and give you back your perspective, then it is doubtful you have Adrenal Burnout. The body repairs itself at night during deep sleep. This doesn't happen regularly enough for the person suffering from a sleep disorder. Some sleep disorders cause oxygen deprivation, which may, in turn lead to Adrenal Burnout. If you wake up with a little or no energy after a full 8-9 hours of sleep and within an hour or two feel the way you did before you ever went to bed, speak with your care provider and have your oxygen levels checked by having a device that resembles a clothes pin placed on your finger. It only takes a second and doesn't hurt at all. Those with Fibromyalgia and TMS/MPS may also have issues pertaining to oxygen deprivation.
Are you keeping late hours? Highly Sensitive People tend to be night owls, even when having day jobs! At night one can relax without the stress that daytime brings. No bright lights, no kids interrupting, no noisy traffic, no TVs, radios, or phones ringing. No distraction. Night can be heaven to the HSP who is over-stimulated and over-aroused during the day. It may be the only time the HSP feels normal. But, beware. Adrenals are taxed by keeping late hours. Hormones are being balanced and the body is rebuilding at night. Key words here are "at night". Meaning, in the dark, in the quiet, as we sleep restfully. Our systems are designed to flow with Mother-Nature’s cycles. That means when it is dark, sleep. When it is light, wake up and hunt for food. Mess with these cycles and you'll mess up your body. You will never repair. You will never feel rested. So, sleep like a caveperson! Even if you work nights, arrange your bedroom to be dark in the daytime.
Exercise to Relax!
If you can walk, do so. It does not have to be for exercise. Just taking a stroll can help to relax you and this is the purpose. If you are agoraphobic, walk around the inside of your home from room to room. If you are physically challenged, visit the TCL Exercise for HSPs web page.
Breathe Deeply
Breathe slowly to the count of 2. (Inhale 2 counts. Exhale 2 counts.) Feel your stomach push in and out. If your chest is going up and down vertically, you are doing it wrong! Your stomach should be moving in and out horizontally. Place your hand lightly on your stomach. Try again. Do this as often as you think of it. Work up to counting to 4, instead of 2, with each inhale and exhale. It is easy to breathe shallowly when we are tense. Tense sore muscles, especially upper back, shoulders and neck, are signs you are holding your breath more than breathing.
Be Around People Who Make You Feel Good About You
Make a decision that you deserve to be in a good relationship with yourself and others. If you have no positive people in your life at present, make it a point to join a group or class, volunteer where you can be appreciated, or visit places that people are usually feeling positive and friendly, and just walk among them (the mall, library, park, etc.). Develop your own positive support network, even if at first you are not directly involved one on one with others. View the TCL Dealing With Negativity web page if you are in a tough relationship or are suffering from low self-esteem. Nothing is worse for the draining of your energy than negative relationships and poor self-image. They usually go hand in hand, buddies 'til the end!
Supplements for Adrenal Burnout Syndrome
Adrenal Burnout especially depletes Vitamin E, C, B, A, Manganese and Zinc. Eat foods that are high in these vitamins. Make a point to get rid of or slow way down on sugar, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Eat more veggies, less white foods, and drink more pure water. Follow the nutritional suggestions regarding pH balance.
Echinacea (both, capsule and tea forms) help to boost the immune system. Echinacea should be used as directed on the product label. What they don't tell you is that it should only be used for 2 weeks at a time, with 2 weeks break in between use.
Green Tea (capsule and tea forms) boost the production of immune fighting cells. Or, drink green decaf tea.
Ashwagandha (herb capsules) stimulates the immune system. This is an amazing herb, but it may effect some medications and there can be side effects for sensitive people. Definitely check with your doctor before using.
Astragalus Root (herb) assists in ridding the body of viral infections. It is also good to use in combination with L-Lysine (amino acid) to heal cold sores and herpes.
Important Considerations Regarding Recovery
Abuse, in all of its forms, contributes to Adrenal Burnout. Adrenal Burnout is a serious condition and potentially dangerous. It is important that you work on lifestyle changes involving behaviors, thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. This includes eliminating addictions. Whatever you are addicted to, whether it be alcohol, narcotics, nicotine, caffeine, gambling, shopping, pornography, being on the computer all day and night, sex, or whatever else gets your adrenalin glands pumping, it needs to be dealt with.
Self-esteem takes a dive when we don’t feel well about ourselves. The TCL e-book, The Building Self-Esteem Daily Energy Wellness Guide will help you to improve your self-esteem in as little as two weeks!
What To Expect Down the Road
When trying to reverse Adrenal Burnout, it may take as little as four months and as much as two years (in extreme cases) before you see results from using the suggestions provided by The Captain Lady, but don't ever give up. That will be nothing compared to the many healthy years you will have for the rest of your life!
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
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www.thecaptainslady.com
