Adrenal Burnout
Symptoms of Adrenal Burnout
Fatigue, Bone/Muscle Loss, Aching Joints, Decreased Libido (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 and Schizophrenia), Low Zinc Level, Autoimmune Disorders, Allergies, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Low Blood Pressure, Low Body Temperature. It is possible it contributes toward worsening the symptoms of Tinnitus. In fact, those with Adrenal Burnout are very sensitive to noise. In extreme cases, Adrenal Burnout can lead to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Heart Disease, Cancer and pH Imbalance.
Possible Causes of Adrenal Burnout
Your lifestyle plays a huge role here, as well as your diet. Poor relationships and no real support network can wreak havoc on the adrenals. Even if your relationships are wonderful, if you continue to eat a diet too high in processed foods and refined sugars or to partake of too much caffeine or nicotine, you will eventually overtax your adrenalin glands. Why? becausee these things raise the acidity of your blood, which causes dis-ease. Add to this, too little sleep, pressures on the job, feeling a lack of purpose in life or a disconnection to a higher power and you will elevate your cortisol (more acid) levels for sure.
Spiritual/Psychological causes: Self defeating or crushing messages (thought imbalance) that you believe, feeling overpowered and not loving yourself enough.
Basic Endocrine Function 101
The endocrine system works with your nervous system. Within this system are the adrenal glands, which respond to stress. The adrenal glands sit atop each kidney and produce adrenalin and epinephrine (among other hormones), raise blood pressure and sugar, and provide an energy kick in emergencies.
Each gland is about the size of a walnut and are the control centers for many hormones in the body. The outer layer, the adrenal cortex, produces DHEA, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and other hormones that regulate the body. The inner layer of each gland produces adrenalin, which is pumped out every time we feel 'threatened'. Adrenalin is designed for healthy stress response, such as when someone is following you and you need to 'flight or fight'. The adrenals are not designed for persistent, episodic or chronic physical or emotional stress.
When adrenals are taxed, they stop producing certain levels of necessary hormones, such as DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Inability to produce DHEA means the inability to produce the sex hormones. We have to have our DHEA. As the level of DHEA drops, so do estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. We begin to have symptoms, menopause and andropause and we age faster.
Constant worries, poor diet, lack of sleep, job stress, relationship difficulties, environmental toxins all affect and tax our adrenals. Our bodies have not caught up with the times. We still have the same genes (and the same need for rest and calm) that we had 50,000 years ago.
When damage to the adrenals has already occurred, Cushing's and Addison's Disease set in. I have read that these cannot be reversed, but if you catch Adrenal Burnout in time, it may be reversed.
Where Cortisol Comes In
I used to hear alot about Cortisol without ever understanding what it really was. I knew it was something I did not want a whole lot of. Now I know why. Cortisol is a hormone and its purpose is to negate the effects of mental and physical stress. It also turn proteins, carbohydrates and fats into energy (glycogen). It helps to metabolize sugar and aids in reducing inflammation in the body. It is produced by the adrenals in a healthy manner until trauma or long-term stress cause levels to remain elevated for too long and adrenal dysfunction sets in. When cortisol levels are imbalanced, the body is weakened in various ways. Healthy muscle and bone (causing fibromyalgia and arthritis) are destroyed, cell regeneration slows (causing memory and immune problems) and digestion and metabolism are impaired (causing acidity, toxicity and weight gain). Eventually, cortisol levels decrease from proloned stimulation and this is what is termed "burnout". You can lower elevated levels of cortisol through exercise, stress-reduction exercises, sound nutrition, water and supplements.
What Else Can One Do?
First, take a personal, physical and environmental inventory.
Personal/Spiritual - 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. These feelings 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 burn out, you can't get through the day normally. It is physically impossible. Your energy stores are depleted, your vibration is low and there is the added distress of others not understanding you at all. Dealing with your 'emotional baggage' is a must in order to get beyond adrenal dysfunction. Write, journal, communicate, see a counselor or a priest. Do what you have to. Burn out is not psychological! It is a breakdown of the energy system of the body.
Note: Even children can suffer from Adrenal Burn Out!
Physical & Environmental - Are you placing toxins in your body through poor food and beverage choices? Is there anything toxic in your home such as mold, new furniture made from pressed wood or plastics. What about the cleaning products you use? What about at your job? Are there over-the-counter medicines you could switch over to more natural remedies? Are you taking time out to relax, meditate, pray, do nothing but sit? Are you getting enough sleep? Are you getting enough affection? Do you have a high level of EMFs (from microwaves, cell phones, cell phone towers, computers, electrical outlets in use, etc.) in your home or your neighborhood? High levels of electromagnetic freqencies cause the adrenals to release cortisone and adrenaline, leading to adrenal burnout. See Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (scroll down).
Treatment for Adrenal Burnout
If getting a good nights sleep can make you feel somewhat refreshed and give you back your perspective, then I doubt you have Adrenal Burnout. You may indeed have Sleep Apnea, or some other syndrome, but not necessarily Adrenal Burnout. Those with Adrenal Burnout cannot get the rest they need no matter how much they sleep they get. The body repairs itself at night. This doesn't happen for the person suffering from burnout. This is serious. If you wake up with a little energy, or no energy, and within an hour or two feel the way you did before you ever went to bed, I advise seeing your care provider. In the meantime, Here are some other things you can do safely at home or at work.
Take Vitamins! Adrenal Burnout especially depletes Vitamin E, C, B, A, Manganese and Zinc. Go to 'Is It Hot In Here!?' and see the daily vitamin recommendations for everyone. 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. See 'Eating, Naturally!'
Eliminate EMFs! In 'Aura Energy Balancing' and 'Claiming Radiance!' I discuss electromagnetic energy fields. We have our own, our aura, and then there are others, such as cell phones, TVs, microwaves, electric alarm clocks, cell phone towers, computers, etc. Try to turn off, unplug (when not in use), remove (from areas) or even eliminate some of these from your home and office.
Walk! 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. I know some of you have agoraphobia. Walk around the inside of your home. When my mother had cancer, she used to walk around her home from room to room. I realize some of you are physically disabled. Please, find something you can do to physically relax. Try muscle tensing and relaxing exercises. Get a massage or take a warm (not hot) bath. Try some of the 'Exercises for HSPs'.
Deep breathe! We can all do that. Breathe slowly to the count of 4. (In 4 counts. Out 4 counts.) Feel your stomach push in and out. If your chest is going up and down, you are doing it wrong! Your stomach should be moving in and out. Do this ten times twice per day or more when you are upset. Don't burnout. Breathe out!
Be Around People Who Make You Feel Good About You! It is very stressful to know you need love and can't seem to find it. In fact, if you are searching for it outside yourself you will probably never find it because your brain (your thoughts) will keep getting the message that you don't have it and will keep looking and keeping you in a state of not having. Instead, be around those you know are good for you. This is hard to do when you don't feel good about yourself, but it is exactly what you need. By being around positive people, you will begin to see yourself as a positive person and your vibration will increase to the point that love will be attracted to you! Make a decision that you deserve to be in a good relationship with yourself and others. Visit 'Dealing With Negativity' if you are in a tough relationship. Nothing is worse for the adrenal recovery, or more of a cause, than allowing yourself negative relationships.
Sleep More Regularly! In my experience, I find that Highly Sensitive People tend to be night owls. It is their time of 'day' when they can relax without the stress that daytime brings. No bright lights, no kids interrupting, no noisy traffic, no TVs, radios or phones ringing. There's no one else around to distract. They have either gone or are in bed sleeping. It is heaven to the person who is over stimulated during the day. HSPs beware! You are taxing your adrenals by keeping late hours. How? Hormones get replaced and the body rebuilds at night. Key words here..."at night". Our systems are designed to flow with natures cycles. That means when it is dark, sleep. When it is light, wake up and hunt for food. Mess up these cycles and you'll mess up your body. You will never repair. You will never feel rested. Find other means of unwinding. I give you many examples on how to do that on my website! For those of you who are not HSPs, it is still important for you to follow nature's cycles as well. Sleep like a caveman!
What To Expect
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 above, and throughout this website, 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!
Note: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are closely related and often overlap. Please read the information provided on both syndromes. The information may prove useful toward understanding the development of your symptoms.
Please review 'The Importance of pH Balance!'.
May Love & Energy Be Yours!
