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Thousands of people
suffer from constant fatigue, unrelieved by rest and sleep.
This is the main symptom of adrenal burnout syndrome. Other
symptoms may include a craving for sweets, low blood
pressure and blood sugar, irritability and depression. Low
energy impairs every system of the body. Secondary symptoms
range from impaired digestion to infections. Toxic emotions
accumulate with adrenal burnout. The world looks bad, people
are evil, and a hopeless attitude is not uncommon.
The condition is also called adrenal hypofunction, exhaustion or insufficiency. Unlike fatigue, oneís energy does not return after a good nightís rest. Burnout is a more serious derangement of the bodyís energy system. The adrenals are the major glands the body uses to respond to stress. Its hormones raise the blood sugar and blood pressure, and promote energy production. Adrenalin or epinephrine is used for emergencies. Longer-acting anti-stress adrenal hormones cortisone and cortisol. Aldosterone, another adrenal hormone, retains sodium and increases the blood pressure. Related closely to the sympathetic nervous system, the fight-or-flight response it is called. When the adrenals become depleted, the body is unable to handle stress. Most physicians do not diagnose adrenal burnout syndrome. Rarely, if enough tests are run, it may be called Addisonís disease. This doctors consider incurable. Recovery from adrenal burnout, however, is definitely possible. The condition affects both men and women, and even children as well. Some children are born this way and never experience plenty of energy. Burnout may develop slowly or be caused by a single trauma. John F. Kennedy experienced burnout during World War II. Late one night, his patrol boat was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, killing most of the crew. He never recovered from the shock. For the rest of his life, he needed replacement adrenal hormones. If he had found the right practitioner, perhaps they would not have been needed.
CAUSES OF ADRENAL BURNOUT
Excessive stress, an important cause
of burnout, can be from many sources. Chemical toxicity and
nutritional depletion are among the physical causes. Mental,
emotional or spiritual stress may be a major factor.
Financial, family or other stress may also contribute to
burnout.
Any excessive stress can deplete the adrenals, especially when weakened by poor nutrition. Working too much or emotional stress are two common causes. Excessive stimulation, especially for children, is another cause. Fast-paced, high-stress, fear-based lifestyles are a sure prescription for adrenal burnout. Other stressors in cities are noise and electromagnetic pollution. Cell phones, microwave towers and appliances like televisions, microwave ovens and computers give off strong electrical fields. Nutritional Deficiencies are a common cause. When under stress, the need for nutrients is much greater. Carbohydrates, when excessive in the diet, stress the adrenals. Diets low in protein may also create deficiencies. Inadequate or poor quality water affects oxygenation of the tissues. Most diets are low in nutrients required by the adrenals. These include B-complex vitamins, vitamins A, C and E, manganese, zinc, chromium, selenium and other and other trace elements. The reasons for this begin with how food is grown. Most food is grown on depleted soils. Processing and refining further deplete nutrients. Habits like eating in the car or while on the run further diminish the value derived from food. Also, allergic reactions to foods such as wheat and dairy products can damage the intestines and reduce the absorption of nutrients. Toxic metals and chemicals often play a large role in adrenal burnout. Everyone is exposed to thousands of chemicals in the air, the water and the food. Other sources are dental materials and skin contact with chemicals. Over-the-counter and prescribed medications add to the bodyís toxic load. Toxins may also be generated within the body due to impaired digestion. When food is not properly digested, it either ferments or rots in the intestines, producing many harmful substances that are absorbed into the body. Chronic infections, of dental and other origin, also contribute to the toxic load. In most people, the organs of elimination do not function at an optimal level. As a result, toxic substances slowly build up in the body, leading to adrenal burnout and many other health conditions. Stimulants damage the adrenal glands. They whip the adrenals. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol are among the most common stimulants. Less obvious stimulants include anger, rage, arguing, hatred, loud music, the news and movies full of suspense. Vigorous exercise, sexual preoccupations and other thrills may also act as stimulants. Stimulant use, however, can also be a result of adrenal burnout. Stimulants are attractive to one in burnout to provide temporary energy. This is an appeal of the drug culture, both legal and recreational. Unhealthy responses to stress are another cause of adrenal burnout. These include habits of worrying, or becoming angry or afraid. Donít worry, be happy is a great prescription for adrenal burnout. This applies particularly to high strung, nervous individuals and those with very active minds, as they are especially prone to adrenal burnout. Many children today are born with weak adrenals due to their parentsí nutritional deficiencies. By age three or four, these children are in burnout. They are often sick, depressed and have difficulty in school.
SYMPTOMS OF ADRENAL BURNOUT
Low blood sugar and
allergies result from low levels of cortisol. Joint and
muscle pain are other common symptoms. Multiple chemical
sensitivity is an extreme allergic condition associated with
adrenal burnout. Low blood pressure and low body temperature
may also result. Later blood pressure rises as toxic
substances build up in the arteries and kidneys.
Elevated copper and low zinc related to adrenal burnout impair the immune system. Chronic infections may develop. The stage is also set for the development of degenerative conditions. Cancer, heart disease, Parkinsonís and Alzheimerís diseases are end-stage results of toxic accumulation and energy depletion. Often secondary to adrenal exhaustion are glandular imbalances, hyperthyroidism and more often hypothyroidism. The adrenal glands produce estrogen and progesterone. They are the main source of these hormones after menopause. Premenstrual syndrome and hot flashes often have to do with weakened adrenal glands. Depression and apathy are common in adrenal burnout. One may lose interest in friends, family and work. Unsure if there is energy to get through the day, anxiety may occur. Irritability is common as one is less able to handle even minor stress. Unfortunately, many with adrenal burnout function on anger and resentment. These act as adrenal stimulants, providing a negative energy with which to function. Most of the world, in fact, functions on the negative energy of anger. Compulsiveness and OCD is associated with adrenal burnout. One may become addicted or very attracted to excessive exercise, sex, loud music or other forms of excitement. The unconscious goal is always the same, to stimulate the adrenals into activity. When the adrenals are weak, copper builds up in the body. Elevated copper enhances emotions. Panic attacks, bipolar disorder, mood swings and schizophrenia are related to copper imbalance. As oneís energy level declines, other toxic metals build up as well. Mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, beryllium and others contribute to hundreds of physical and emotional symptoms.
MYTHS ABOUT BURNOUT
Myth #1. Burnout is psychological.
Burnout is a breakdown of the energy system of the body.
Vital minerals are depleted or burned out and replaced by
toxic metals. Psychological stress may be a cause and
burnout can affect oneís emotions and behavior. However,
burnout itself is biochemical. Recovery may involve
improving emotions and dealing with psychological issues.
However, it also involves rebuilding body chemistry because
it is a physical condition as well.
Myth #2. People in burnout have no
energy and cannot work. Many in burnout hold full-time
jobs. They may appear in good health. However, they are
often tired or stressed. They may require stimulants in
order to keep going. Some bury themselves in their work to
forget how tired they feel.
Myth #3. Vigorous exercise is good for
burnout. Vigorous exercise can be attractive to those in
burnout. Exercise temporarily makes them feel better. While
it may provide a boost, in the long run vigorous exercise
further exhausts their bodies. People in burnout need to
reduce exercise, often to a minimum in order to conserve
their energy and allow their adrenals to rebuild. Exercise
requires energy and adrenal reserves that people in burnout
do not have.
Myth #4. A vacation, a diet, or a
nutritional supplement will cause recovery from burnout.
Most people never recover from burnout. Recovery requires a
strong commitment to healing. A number of natural therapies
are often required. Recovery takes at least several years.
If one recovers faster, one was not in adrenal burnout.
Myth #5. Burnout occurs mainly in men.
In fact, it is more common in women. This is due mainly to
lifestyle changes in women. Many women now work outside the
home, and raise the children as well. Many are in
single-parent homes or both parents work just to pay the
taxes. Women have more sluggish oxidation rates to begin
with, so burnout may be less apparent in women, but it is
just as common or more so than in men.
Myth #6. Burnout only occurs in those
in high-stress jobs. Burnout occurs in all groups,
regardless of occupation, income or educational level. In
fact, many homeless people are burned out. This helps
account for why they may give up hope or be incapable of
holding a job or supporting a home.
Myth #7. Burnout occurs only in
adults. In fact, it is common today in children and even
babies. Children are being nutritionally depleted and toxic
as a result of the ill health of the parents. This can be
measured with mineral analysis. Minimal brain dysfunction,
chronic ear or other infections, crib death, failure to
thrive, ADHD and anti-social behavior may all be symptoms of
burnout in children.
Myth #8. Burnout affects only physical
health. Burnout affects every area of life. Family and
work are often affected. Relationships often suffer. One
may lose interest in everyone and everything. There simply
is not enough energy available for others or for activities
beyond those required for survival. Friends, family and
employers are often unaware of what is occurring, which only
worsens the situation.
Myth #9. A hectic lifestyle causes
burnout. This may be one cause. However, a hectic lifestyle
can also be a result of burnout. Excessive activity,
overwork and a very busy life can be a way to stimulate one
into action, a compensation for feelings of exhaustion. When
such a person stops working and running around, they will
feel just how exhausted and perhaps depressed they really
are.
Myth #10. Overwork for years causes
burnout. This is possible. However, it can occur due to a
single shock or just a few traumas that occur together. It
may also not be related to any single trauma or activity.
Often a combination of factors causes burnout.
Whether one goes
into burnout from an illness, accident, divorce, overwork or
other stress depends very much on oneís ability to handle
stress, rather than the absolute amount of stress.
Myth #11. Burnout is an overused term
without a scientific basis. Just because burnout doesnít
show up on x-rays or standard blood tests does not mean it
is not real. Burnout can be measured and quantified using
tissue mineral testing. The term is not overused. In fact it
is greatly underused. A large percentage of the population
is in burnout and it would be helpful if physicians
understood it better, even if they have no cure.
Myth #12. Plenty of sleep will take
care of burnout. Unfortunately, this is not so. The body is
unable to regenerate its energy during sleep. Waking up
tired after 8-10 hours of sleep is a primary symptom of
burnout. Like a dead battery, the body does not recharge
itself during sleep. An interesting principle of health is
that one can only regenerate during sleep in proportion to
the energy one has. Those in burnout are ëovertiredí which
interferes with the restorative power of their sleep.
Myth #13. Cleaning out toxins will
take care of burnout. The accumulation of toxins that occurs
as the body can no longer remove them properly contributes
to burnout. Exposure to toxic metals or chemicals can be an
important factor in burnout. Eliminating them is helpful.
However, energy is required to release toxins. If the energy system is weak, just fasting or detoxifying will not be enough. One must rebuild the entire energy system by balancing body chemistry and providing nutrients as well. A one-month or even six-month ëcleanseí is nowhere near adequate. It can take a year just to replenish one mineral. For those in burnout, extreme detoxification programs such as fasting, raw foods or even chelating agents can be dangerous. This is because the body lacks the vitality to properly eliminate toxins, the eliminative organs are compromised and toxins may be redistributed in vital organs. A gentle, complete program of rebuilding and nourishing the body must accompany any efforts to eliminate toxins. In fact, as vitality improves, toxin elimination will proceed on its own.
Myth # 14. One will come out of
burnout when one changes whatever factor or behavior caused
the burnout. This is not how it works. As one goes into
burnout, vital minerals become depleted and toxic substances
replace them. They become part of the structure of enzymes
and body organs and glands. Although one changes oneís diet,
lifestyle, attitudes or behavior, the toxins remain.
Often, burnout does not even set in until several years after a trauma, illness or injury as depleted and damaged cells proliferate. Though many change their diets and get over their traumas, most people never recover from burnout, or make only a partial recovery.
Myth #15. To recover from burnout just
reestablish close communication with those who are close to
you. This is the prescription for burnout in one popular
book. However, this is not enough. Communication is also
difficult when one is in burnout. Burnout can greatly affect
oneís attitudes, outlook and perceptions, making real
communication very difficult. Low energy by itself can
impair communication. Lack of understanding of the problem
by partners, friends and others can also impair
communication.
Myth #16. To get out of burnout, one
needs to get back in touch with oneself. This is not enough
for recovery. Also, getting in touch is difficult due to
toxins in the brain. These produce odd feelings, low
self-esteem and negative attitudes that often accompany
burnout. Many people in burnout become overly introspective,
which can make them worse as they get in touch with all
their problems..
Myth # 17. One can recover from
burnout in matter of months. It takes at least two years and
often longer. Layers of adaptations and compensations must
be undone. Each adaptation uses up energy so that when one
begins correction, there is little energy to work with. This
slows progress and is one reason correction takes several
years.
Also, twenty or thirty minerals must often be replenished, a time-consuming process even assuming that one is ingesting all needed nutrients. Eliminating toxins that have become integral parts of the organs and glands also takes time, like rebuilding a house. If the process occurred too rapidly, one would become very ill. If one recovers in months, one was not in burnout. Often , a small recovery can feel like a cure when it is not. Those in burnout need an overhaul, not a tune up. One needs to commit to doing whatever it takes and devoting a few years to healing. This needs to become oneís primary occupation or job for a while, allowing all other interests and activities to become secondary to the commitment to healing.
Myth #18. Burnout is not an important
medical problem unless the stress of burnout causes high
blood pressure or another symptom. Burnout is degenerative
exhaustion. It sets the stage for all degenerative diseases,
because energy is a common denominator of health. All
illnesses start with fatigue. The body is like a newer car
with power steering, power brakes and power windows. When
the power goes down, the entire car stops working right.
Burnout is a serious medical problem, although symptoms may
be vague and unrelated to a specific disease.
Myth #19. Burnout is new phenomenon.
In fact, burnout is as old as humanity. It can even help
understand the rise and fall of civilizations. Nations often
change over time. Repressive traditions can in time lead
nations into burnout. Constant wars as occurred in Europe
can contribute to burnout. Toxic exposure like lead water
pipes can contribute to burnout. Vegetarian diets or
destructive religious ideas, as in countries like India, can
be a factor. Oppressive economic systems can contribute in
some nations.
The process can be cumulative because children born to burned out parents continue the pattern until the entire group goes into burnout. Melting pot nations like America have an advantage in this regard. New immigrants are often the more ambitious ones that are in better health and can help rejuvenate the population. Also, nations that emphasize freedom and individual rights allow people to devise better ways of coping and maintaining their health.
RECOVERY
Recovery from
burnout is certainly possible. It takes several years and
usually requires a change in diet, improving oneís
lifestyle, nutritional supplements, detoxification
procedures and attention to oneís emotional and spiritual
health. Addressing all these aspects is the way to assure
success.
Diet: Diet is an
important factor for everyone. Eat protein with every meal.
Eggs, natural meats and poultry are the best sources of
protein. Toasted almond butter, goat cheese and nuts are
other good sources. Avoid vegetarian diets. At lunch and
supper, have three cooked vegetables. Rotate your proteins
and your vegetables so you donít eat the same thing every
day.
You may have complex carbohydrates, but not wheat and spelt. Some people are also sensitive to gluten found in rye, barley and oats. Excellent starches are root vegetables (turnips, parsnips, rutabaga, carrots, onion and celery root), blue corn, brown rice, quinoa and others. Organic blue corn chips are fine. I recommend everyone avoid wheat, spelt, sugar and cowís milk dairy products except butter. If other food allergies are present, avoid these foods for a while. Avoid Isolated soy protein as it is of poor quality and contains many anti-nutrients. Reduce all sweets, eat very little fruit and avoid all junk food. Avoid all vegetable oils except for olive oil. Avoid all juices. They are too yin, most are too sugary and they can concentrate food toxins, upset blood sugar and weaken the adrenals. Use sea salt rather than table salt. Eat regular meals of excellent quality. Switch to organic food whenever possible. Excellent are green foods like kelp, barley grass powder and various colored vegetables. Cooking with coconut oil is excellent and helps as well with weight loss, candida albicans infection and energy.
Drink high quality
water, not from the tap. Distilled or spring waters are
best. So-called drinking water or reverse osmosis are often
not good as the filters used to make them may be dirty. Good
quality water is an excellent investment in yourself.
Avoid all extreme diets. Your body needs a variety of nutrients. Restriction is not a good idea. In my experience, strict vegetarians will never recover from burnout. Follow good eating habits with regular, sit-down, relaxed meals.
NUTRIENTS AND LIFESTYLE FOR
RECOVERY
Food supplements are necessary. Kelp
granules and nutritional yeast are excellent supplements for
most people. They are rich sources of nutrients and kelp
assists detoxification. Other nutrients that are very
important for adrenal activity are vitamins A, B, C, E,
pantothenic acid (B5) and adrenal glandular substance.
Calcium and magnesium are often needed. A digestive aid is
always needed. I prefer pancreatin and ox bile. Zinc is
frequently needed. Other nutrients may be needed depending
on oneís level of toxic metals and other symptoms or
deficiencies. I use hair mineral testing along with symptoms
to assess these needs.
Rest and sleep are extremely important. Plan on nine hours of sleep for at least a few years. At times, more may be needed. Sleep is not a waste of time. There is no substitute for adequate rest. Also rest after meals, at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Gentle walking is beneficial. Vigorous exertion depletes the adrenals. Deep breathing and stretching, yoga or tai chi do not deplete the body. Exercise to relax rather than to build muscles. Cleaning up your environment assists health recovery. Replace toxic chemical products used around the house. Non-toxic alternatives are available for cleaning and as solvents. Pesticides and herbicides are often extremely toxic. Chemical hair dyes, shampoos and toxic skin care products need to be replaced. Ventilate your house and purify the air if needed. Often very toxic is new construction. At work and at home avoid toxic exposure. Turn off televisions and computers when they are not in use. Sleep away from these appliances. Use cell phones only when absolutely needed. Spend some time in the sun each day. Contrary to some propaganda, half an hour of sunshine daily will not hurt you. It is a nutrient and assists health in many ways. Sit in front of a window if it is too cold to go outside.
DETOXIFICATION
Sauna therapy in
particular will greatly enhance and speed up recovery. The
best type is an infrared electric light sauna. One can put
together a light sauna for under $300.00. Click to read
about these and how to build or purchase a kit. If you are
in adrenal burnout, use the sauna daily for no more than 30
minutes. Once or twice a week is excellent for prevention.
Other detoxification procedures are also very good. Coffee enemas are excellent to assist detoxification through the liver. Brush your skin whenever you bathe with a skin brush or loofa. Colonic irrigation and herbs for the liver and kidneys can help improve elimination. Chiropractic, massage and reflexology can help reduce stress. Many natural therapies help realign and rebalance the body. Making these part of your lifestyle will enhance recovery.
MENTAL, EMOTIONAL AND
SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Often it is
necessary to grow out of burnout. A key to recovery from
burnout is improving values and attitudes. They play an
important part in every single case. Negative thinking is a
bad habit that eventually tears down the body. Worry, fear
and anger place added stress on the glands. Many techniques
there are to help shift oneís thinking. Inspirational books
and tapes, seminars and therapies there are many. There is
no single answer right for everyone.
Searching for love outside of yourself depletes the bodyís energy. Find the love inside yourself first, and you will find the right activities and companions. Burnout may result if you are awakening spiritually. Your present work and lifestyle may simply be inappropriate. Consider different employment or work arrangements if you suspect your stress comes from your work. Relationships can cause a lot of stress. When one partner goes into burnout, the other often does not understand. Many couples become energetically incompatible. This has nothing to do with love or caring. It is important to listen to the wisdom of the body, and not be blinded by fixed ideas. Many methods can help one relax and tune in to the wisdom of the self. In addition to traditional therapy, meditation and visualization exercises may be most helpful. Slowing down is often necessary if you live a busy life. It can take great courage to realize that by doing less you can accomplish more. By staying home more, you can relate better with others. By resting more, you can be more creative and productive. Change often requires overcoming guilt, shame and feelings of laziness. For spiritual orientation, I highly recommend A Course in Mastery, A course in Miracles, Love Without End by Glenda Green, Journey Beyond Words and The Other Voice by Brent Haskell and The Real Self by this author. These and other books and tapes can help one rethink who am I, what is life about and why am I here.
THE BLESSING OF BURNOUT
Adrenal burnout is
always a wake up call. Some area of life is out of
alignment. For a deeper exploration of self, it is often the
starting point. Rather than just existing as a programmed
zombie, adrenal burnout may be the beginning of real living.
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