Adrenal fatigue results when your adrenal glands cannot adequately meet the demands of long-term stress or trauma (physical, emotional or psychological.) This results in unbalanced hormone levels that regulate energy production and storage, immune function, heart rate, fluids, blood pressure, and other processes. Hormone levels (cortisol, DHEA, etc.) can be determined through saliva tests if needed. You can go from mild to extreme (adrenal exhaustion) if the stress in your life does not resolve and you do not address your health.


Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue:

• Difficulty sleeping - You wake up frequently during the night with difficulty going back to sleep.
• Morning fatigue - You don't really "wake up" until 10 am. even if you got up at 7 am
• Afternoon "low" (feelings of sleepiness or clouded thinking) from 2 to 4 p.m.
• Burst of energy around 6 p.m.
• Sleepiness from 9 to 10 p.m.
• "Second wind" from 11 p.m. to around 1 a.m., Deep sleep from 7 to 9 am
• Cravings for foods high in salt, fat and sugar
• Increased PMS or menopausal symptoms
• Mild depression
• Lack of energy
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Muscular weakness
• Increased allergies
• Weak digestion/bloating
• Lightheadedness when getting up from a sitting or laying down position
• Decreased sex drive
• Thyroid problems,,, inability to lose weight
• Thirst and frequent urination/Acidic urine pH
• High or low blood pressure

What to do:

• Sleep 9 to 10 hours a day.
• Eat a clean diet of unprocessed foods and avoid caffeine and other stimulants.
• Work to eliminate excess stressors from your life and possibly seek counseling to deal with un- healed issues from your past.
• Work with a natural health professional to assist you through your healing process which can take 6 months to several years.

Suggested Supplements:

• Phosphatidylserine (PS 100 - Non-GMO) Taken before bed to reduce cortisol, the hormone produced from stress. Cortisol suppresses im- mune function, increases insulin levels (can cause weight gain), interferes with deep sleep and has many other negative affects. PS helps memory, brain functioning and helps encourage REM (deep, dream stage) sleep.


• 5-HTP - The natural way to boost serotonin levels so you can sleep/relax. Helps reduce cravings for sugar and carbohydrates. Helps reduce anxiety and tension. Promotes DEEP sleep. No negative side effects like pharmaceutical SSRIs have.


• Maca Supports the body and adrenal glands and hormonal systems by reducing the negative effects of stress. Great for people who feel ‘RUN DOWN’ by stress, Natural hormone balancer.


• Pregnenolone - Hormone balancer that may be needed in advanced cases of AF.


• Licorice Supports functioning of the adrenal glands (the stress glands) also supports natural gastric juices to reduce acid reflux, bloating and irritable bowel


• Adrenal Optimizer - Licorice, Ashwaganda, Rhodolia, B Vitamins and Vitamin C to support the adrenal glands and aid adrenal fatigue.


• Adreset - Cordyceps, Asian Ginseng and Rhodiola Extracts - adaptogens traditionally used to provide overall stress protection, increased energy, and enhanced mental clarity.


• GABA (Gamma Amino Benzoic Acid) Helpful for anxiety and nervousness and sleep, Calms overactive nuerotransmitter activity.


• Vitamin C, B Vitamins & Magnesium All rapidly deleted with stress.


• Stress & Sleep


• Essential Oils: Lavender, Stress Away, Cedarwood (for sleep), Rosemary, Valor, Peace and Calming

Suggested Books:

• Stress Epidemic Adrenal Fatigue/Burnout

Nutrition counseling is available with Dr. Beth to help you choose which of these supplements is best for your circumstances.