THE Adrenal Fatigue Thread

[Metasequoia]

Our old thread was well over 2,000 posts!

Old thread full of good info.

Welcome fellow adrenal-healing old-timers & newbies as well!

[FrannieP]

Subbing - thanks for strating the New Thread

[linguistmama]

Subbing!

[LBMarie9]

still working through the other one---subbing here as well.thxs

[lisasaurus]

Hi everyone!

I asked this question on another thread, but no one answered. I am currently taking zoloft for anxiety and depression. I had made a really good recovery, but everytime I try to go off the meds, my symptoms come back.

recently my naturopath discovered my cholesterol is really really low, so he suspects my adrenals are completely exhausted as well. I anticipate a lot more testing in the near future to see whats what.

for now i'm going back up on zoloft so i can function and take care of myself and my family.

I am just looking for some support to hear that I am not the only one who is using these medications. I feel very alone, and tend to beat myself up for it. I know it is a long process to heal the imbalances, so i'm trying to be gentle with myself. some comradery (sp?) would be nice though.

anyone out there like me?

[hippiemom]

My BF takes antianxiety med too.. helps some with his insomnia that is part of his adrenal fatigue (he uses melatonin too). There is no one path, we are all individuals. Take it one day at a time honey, nurture, nourish, and be gentle with yourself.

[annettemarie]

I'm subbing. I'm pretty sure I have this, and was just googling for diet/supplement/life change recommendations.

[hippiemom]

advice for those supporting loved ones with AF

My dear BF has been dealing with adrenal fatigue woes for about 3 years now (though he has had it for much longer), in conjunction with hypothyroid. He is taking a good wholistic approach, but it has been trial and error, success and setbacks, and all daunting, scary, exhausting. A year ago he made a bold move to let himself remain laid off so he could focus completely on his health. (He had a lot of money saved up). Today he is still searching.

For me as his support person, I try to keep the faith that he will get better. He has recently, with my help, cleaned up his diet Awesome b/c I think some of his bad eating habits were stressing his system further.
I am an herbalist, but he takes many things already, both meds and supplements... it is a lot. I have had my share of health issues as well and been successful treating them with natural ways and optimal nourishment, and happiness, so I do carry that optimism. I am trying to help him see that he must replace the stress he removed with inspiration, some joy, some light... it is not enough to take stress out, that space must be filled with something that nourishes.. yes?

For those of you dealing, what is the best thing your support people who love you can do?

[nichole]

Originally Posted by lisasaurus

for now i'm going back up on zoloft so i can function and take care of myself and my family.

Zoloft is really not that bad, especially if it is helping you. I think finding out that your cholesterol is low is a good sign. You could start adding coconut oil to your food.

I was hear a year or two ago feeling so awful! I'm doing a lot better now thanks to the advice on this forum. You guys are wonderful.

[tanyalynn]

Originally Posted by lisasaurus

Hi everyone!

I asked this question on another thread, but no one answered. I am currently taking zoloft for anxiety and depression. I had made a really good recovery, but everytime I try to go off the meds, my symptoms come back.

recently my naturopath discovered my cholesterol is really really low, so he suspects my adrenals are completely exhausted as well. I anticipate a lot more testing in the near future to see whats what.

for now i'm going back up on zoloft so i can function and take care of myself and my family.

I am just looking for some support to hear that I am not the only one who is using these medications. I feel very alone, and tend to beat myself up for it. I know it is a long process to heal the imbalances, so i'm trying to be gentle with myself. some comradery (sp?) would be nice though.

anyone out there like me?

I was on antidepressants a few years ago (ETA: plus a couple times previously, years ago), if it's making you functional, stick with it. There's no reason to beat yourself up about it, seriously. This whole thing, being sick and trying to figure out why _you_ are sick, vs anyone else here, is a lot of work, and the more other responsibilities you've got, the harder it is.

FWIW, for me, in retrospect, I can see that a lot of nutritional deficiencies were also involved in my depression. Not that I had any clue that I was depressed for any other reason than "it runs in my family," but it was later that things fit together. Have you done some/a lot/no nutritional supplementation? Things like zinc and mag, B vits of various sorts, some folks need omega-3s. I have no idea on dosages (though there's a thread in Postpartum that discusses this), I just stuck with meds. To fix my issues, I've been supplementing a lot of vits/mins at fairly high doses--I'm all for good food, and cutting out problematic foods (for me gluten and dairy) but pills helped me too.

You're fighting the good fight, just keep plugging away.

[Metasequoia]

Originally Posted by hippiemom

I am an herbalist

Oh good! Do you know if it's okay for a nursing mama to take saw palmetto? Ds is 3.5 yrs old. I have very high androstenedione & saw palmetto is the only natural treatment I've been able to find.

Thanks Mama!

[Metasequoia]

Originally Posted by lisasaurus

Hi everyone!

I asked this question on another thread, but no one answered. I am currently taking zoloft for anxiety and depression. I had made a really good recovery, but everytime I try to go off the meds, my symptoms come back.

recently my naturopath discovered my cholesterol is really really low, so he suspects my adrenals are completely exhausted as well. I anticipate a lot more testing in the near future to see whats what.

for now i'm going back up on zoloft so i can function and take care of myself and my family.

I am just looking for some support to hear that I am not the only one who is using these medications. I feel very alone, and tend to beat myself up for it. I know it is a long process to heal the imbalances, so i'm trying to be gentle with myself. some comradery (sp?) would be nice though.

anyone out there like me?

I've never taken ssris or anxiety drugs (well, I did try one for 5 days for anxiety but found out I was pregnant with Dd2 & stopped.) I have also taken Xanax a handful of times before I started healing my adrenals to help with some really stressful & anxiety-causing moments. But I haven't taken it for a loooong time now.

BUT, there was a long period of time where I considered taking something for anxiety. I really suffered through some horrible, crippling anxiety for a very long time - since I was about 12 yrs old until a couple of years ago after I began treating my adrenals. I actually feel really bad sometimes about how I suffered, especially as a child - no child should cry themselves to sleep because of anxiety. And trying to raise babies while being anxious & depressed is just...ugh.
My ND really wanted to try to get to the root of it (adrenal insufficiency), so I didn't start the meds. I asked him about it a couple of times & we worked through it using supplements. He agreed that in some situations, they're very useful & he's not against using them.

I'm with Tanya, if it makes you functional, I think it's a good thing. Simultaneously working on healing your adrenals will help you fix the root of the anxiety/depression.

I also agree that nutritional deficiencies & allergies can also cause anxiety & depression - as well as TONS of other problems. I've come a long way just by tweaking my diet. Eliminating gluten was a big help in my healing. I still have a long way to go though.

Don't beat yourself up about it mama. If your adrenals aren't functioning well, you literally CANNOT handle stress & end up with anxiety. When I realized this, I felt like giving myself a big bear hug & saying "it's not your fault!" So cut yourself a break & know that your body needs your help. Recognize that you need to avoid stressful situations - it's okay to not go to things that will cause you stress or anxiety. It's okay to let go of relationships that cause stress/negativity/anxiety. And it's okay to let the house go, skip some cleaning, etc.
You really need to nurture yourself & focus on healing.

[lisasaurus]

Thanks ladies for all your supportive responses. It really means a lot to me.

I did an elimination diet last spring, and the only food sensitivity I could discern was Soy. So i've cut that out completely. Lately since my anxiety and insomnia have returned with such a vengence, I have been eating really well. All whole, fresh foods, as much healthy fat as I can, nuts, tons of protein. I am going to see a nutritionist at my naturopaths office for some good advice in that arena.

quick question: what are some ways to incorporate coconut oil into my diet? I snack on rice toast with coconut butter at least once a day, but thats obviously not enough.

As for supplements, I take a super powered multivitamin, iron, vit D, 5-htp at night, and just started DHEA. I'm hoping we do a saliva test soon so i can figure out specifically what needs attention first.

in the meantime, just trying to stay hopeful that I won't need antidepressants and sleep medication forever. I really want to help my body to heal.

<3

[SandyMom]

quick question: what are some ways to incorporate coconut oil into my diet? I snack on rice toast with coconut butter at least once a day, but thats obviously not enough.

Good ideas here:

Coconut Oil Thread

[nichole]

Originally Posted by lisasaurus

As for supplements, I take a super powered multivitamin, iron, vit D, 5-htp at night, and just started DHEA. I'm hoping we do a saliva test soon so i can figure out specifically what needs attention first.

in the meantime, just trying to stay hopeful that I won't need antidepressants and sleep medication forever. I really want to help my body to heal.

<3

If you feel up to adding something else, b complex would be helpful I think.

[subtlycrunchy]

Glad to see the new thread. The other one was intimidatingly long, but SUCH a good resource. I wonder if it could be kept as a sticky? Or maybe combed through for posts with links and that could be stickied? Metasequoia -- D'oh!!! Just saw that you linked to the old thread in the first post.

Anyway, the health newsletter I subscribe to from Women to Women this past week sent me a REALLY awesome article about AF -- Adrenal extremes — could you be on your way to Cushing’s or Addison’s disease? -- If you scroll down about half way, there's a good chart stacking up symptoms of AF with Cushing's and Addisons.

[annettemarie]

I really need some guidance on what to eat. I'm just not very good at this nutrition thing. I cut out the Turkey Hill Iced Tea cold turkey, and I'm feeling tired and unenergetic. Today I ate an egg and piece of toast for breakfast, and I had some tortilla chips and salsa/sour cream for lunch. To drink, I've just had about half a glass of water. I really hate water. I love tea. That's why I drink so much of it.

I know I sound whiny. I think it's because I'm hungry and thirsty, LOL!

[Metasequoia]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

I really need some guidance on what to eat. I'm just not very good at this nutrition thing. I cut out the Turkey Hill Iced Tea cold turkey, and I'm feeling tired and unenergetic. Today I ate an egg and piece of toast for breakfast, and I had some tortilla chips and salsa/sour cream for lunch. To drink, I've just had about half a glass of water. I really hate water. I love tea. That's why I drink so much of it.

I know I sound whiny. I think it's because I'm hungry and thirsty, LOL!

A nutrient dense, low carb diet is really supportive of the adrenals. People with adrenal insufficiency tend to have blood sugar problems that carbs/sugar further exacerbate. Try focusing on foods that are super nutrient dense, everything should count. The TF forum has a lot of ideas & there are some low-carb, grain-free & Paleo threads floating around - all of which would be helpful.

That's good that you kicked the iced tea habit, I'm sure that was draining your adrenals.

We also tend to need a lot of salt - good salt like Celtic salt (the best) or Real Salt.

Try to focus on pastured meats & veggies as your basis of meals. Fermented veggies will help too. Adrenal insufficiency can also result in a lot of food allergies, so pay attention to how foods make you feel. I had to cut out gluten & my cycles finally normalized & I haven't had PMS since. Grains in general tend to bother me.

Things to avoid are: sugar (of any kind), caffeine, chocolate if it stimulates you, foods lacking nutritional value (IE chips!)

Maybe you could replace the Turkey Hill iced tea with iced herbal teas sweetened with a dab of raw honey? We like mint iced tea a lot.

I consider cod liver oil a food. The only one that doesn't have synthetic vitamins anymore or Blue Ice *fermented* cod liver oil. It really helps with mood too.

You'll feel better once you've been off the caffeine for a week.

[tanyalynn]

Originally Posted by annettemarie

I really need some guidance on what to eat. I'm just not very good at this nutrition thing. I cut out the Turkey Hill Iced Tea cold turkey, and I'm feeling tired and unenergetic. Today I ate an egg and piece of toast for breakfast, and I had some tortilla chips and salsa/sour cream for lunch. To drink, I've just had about half a glass of water. I really hate water. I love tea. That's why I drink so much of it.

I know I sound whiny. I think it's because I'm hungry and thirsty, LOL!

Having snacks always available was a biggie for me early on. And I know it was part of my overall health, but a really high fat diet worked well for me. For snacks, having nuts around (in my purse, for exampl, so I wouldn't sink into a puddle at the park) was essential, and filling stuff like meatballs helped--enough to be substantial when I needed food and didn't feel good or creative or motivated.

I had some food sensitivities, cutting out gluten and dairy really helped. And having a good amount of protein and fat with each meal/snack helped me as well. I've eaten more meat in the past two years than the previous five, and I've always been omni.

You may want more water if you up your salt intake. Depending on where you are in the adrenal fatigue process, your ability to hold onto sodium may be weak (there's an earlier stage when people do better on more potassium and less sodium). You can either actively salt to taste, or mix some sea salt into a little water and drink it like a shot. But within a day or two of doing that, I usually feel a bit more energetic and I notice myself drinking more water.

Giving up caffeine has been very, very difficult. I keep backsliding, but I _still_ feel the effort is worth it.

[Kino]

How many milligrams of adrenal supplements are you guys on? I found out this week my dosage is probably way too low for my level of AF...