Kelly the Kitchen Kop, one of my favorite bloggers, is running a new Real Food for Rookies ecourse! Registration is now through Sept. 5, so go and sign up today!
Image Credit
**This post has been entered in Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist and Real Food Wednesdays at Kelly the Kitchen Kop!**
I’m writing this post because this issue has been in my head for awhile. I truly believe that God puts things in front of us that we need to focus on, and this has been put in front of me many times. I’ve read articles on adrenal fatigue and how to help it, how having children too close together can cause it (and how you should space your children AT LEAST three years apart; given our plans that was a big OUCH!), and also various signs and symptoms in myself. I’ve thought for quite awhile that in another life I would have been an endocrinologist (it really fascinates me!) and this definitely falls in that category!
So, anyway. Adrenal fatigue. It is my belief that it actually affects everyone in this country, to varying degrees. It is commonly caused by excessive stress, poor diet, pregnancies close together, and really any other behavior that creates or causes stress or inflammation. So, everyone has at least one of those factors in their lives at one time or another. Adrenal glands also require a large amount of B vitamins as well as vitamin C and D, and of course most of the country is deficient, usually severely, in two of the three. It leaves us with a pretty big problem.
Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include (emphasis mine):
1. Excessive fatigue and exhaustion, chronic fatigue
2. Non-refreshing sleep
3. Sleep disturbance, insomnia
4. Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
5. Craving salty and/or sweet foods
6. Sensitivity to light
7. Low stamina and slow to recover from exercise
8. Slow to recover from injury or illness
9. Difficulty concentrating, brain fog
10. Poor digestion
11. Irritable bowel syndrome, IBS
12. Low immune function
13. Premenstrual syndrome
14. Menopause symptoms
15. Low blood pressure
16. Sensitivity to cold
17. Fearfulness
18. Allergies
19. Frequent influenza
20. Arthritis
21. Anxiety
22. Irritability
23. Depression
24. Reduced memory
25. Low libido, sexual drive or interest
26. Lack of lust for life and/or food
27. Excess hunger
28. Low appetite
29. Panic/anxiety attacks
30. Irritability, impatience, quick to anger.
If quick to anger, the person will often tend to back down quickly if confronted.
I also believe that, related to the items on this list, that other “female” conditions, like PCOS, infertility, endometriosis, etc. are caused by adrenal fatigue.
Hmm, sound familiar?
The problem is that the adrenal glands help control the cortisol and other hormones in our body. If we are constantly put under stress by our food choices, worrying, or other nutritional issues (like the close pregnancies), we can find our adrenals getting fatigued. It may be minor (as in my case — I have only a few symptoms on that list), or it may be severe (chronic fatigue syndrome or even Cushing’s disease, where the adrenals barely work at all). Doctors don’t recognize that this is even an issue until it gets to the point of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Cushing’s disease. Prior to that most tests would show up as normal.
However, there are many things you can do at home to help, if you suspect that you may have this problem. None of them will harm you if it turns out this is not your problem and may help regardless! It’s worth a shot. 
*Consume an excellent diet.
This means, if you suspect illness, no cheating! No white flour, no white sugar, no vegetable oils, no factory-farmed meats, no MSG or other food additives. No junk food at all. Any time you cheat, you’re putting new stress on your adrenals and you are not allowing them to heal. Once you are feeling better, things will be different again, but for now — no cheating!
*Consume plenty of fat.
You need the fat in order to regenerate your body overall. The fat will also help to regenerate your adrenals. Good quality saturated fats are called for, such as butter from pastured cows, lard from pastured pigs, extra virgin coconut and olive oils, beef tallow from pastured cows, etc. Foods containing fat, such as egg yolks and raw, whole milk are also good.
*Consume as much natural sea salt as you want.
Your desire for salt naturally increases when you have adrenal fatigue, and this is a good thing. Your body needs both the sodium and the trace minerals in the salt. However, don’t consume refined table salt, because this will actually put more stress on your adrenal glands. Good quality sea salt should be eaten, and as much as you feel. You can make a “sports drink” at home (exact recipe to come next week) with juice, sea salt, and water. You can add a pinch to plain water or to smoothies. Add to your food to taste as well.
*Consume as many B- vitamin foods as possible.
Sprouted grains and grass-fed meats top this list, not necessarily in that order. Brewer’s yeast is also high in B vitamins. So are leafy greens, nuts, grass-fed dairy, and shellfish. Kombucha happens to be a great source as well, which I will address in my next point. Some sources say spirulina may help as well. Strive to include several of these options in your diet daily. I truly believe that B vitamins are the next ” vitamin D” (where suddenly everyone realizes that the whole country is seriously deficient and this is causing many health issues).
*Drink kombucha.
Not only does it contain B vitamins; it also contains vitamin C, several acids that help our health (most notably, oxalic acid), immune-boosting elements, and liver-detoxing elements. For some it can also replace pop, which in itself can tax the adrenals. If you are not used to it, go slowly, because it can cause serious detox.
*Epsom salt baths.
Epsom salts are a great magnesium supplement if taken during bathing (i.e. put it in the bathwater, don’t drink it). They also help to detox your body. Pouring 1 – 2 cups in a warm bath, dissolving, and soaking for 20 – 30 min. every couple of days may help.
*Get extra rest.
You NEED sleep, especially since people with adrenal fatigue tend to suffer from insomnia or non-restful sleep. Try to rest your mind and do things that encourage sleep — drinking warm milk or chamomile tea. Resort to taking Valerian root if you need to (consult a doctor if you are having trouble sleeping for specific recommendations).
*Don’t try to conceive until you’ve fixed your deficiency.
This is a HARD one for me, so believe me, I know! (We had hoped for pregnancy nearly 6 months ago.) But I’ve seen many women who are suffering from PCOS, chronic fatigue, etc. saying they are trying and struggling (and they wonder why!). They are simply put women on Clomid, tell them they’re just stressed, and don’t even address the underlying deficiency. In my opinion, this is practically criminal. Pregnancy will heavily tax the adrenals and leave you even more deficient in general, and your baby will be shortchanged too if you go into the pregnancy deficient. That leaves your baby at higher risk for problems, like spina bifida, learning disabilities, and more.
*Don’t rely on stimulants to cover your deficiency.
Although you will likely crave caffeine and sugar, don’t consume them! Especially in large quantities. These will appear to “help” temporarily, but they actually also tax your adrenals and will seriously exacerbate the problem in the long run. Avoid foods which contain these (and limit natural sugars) and work to overcome your “need” for these with a truly healthy diet.
*Seek advice from a qualified health professional.
I would personally recommend seeking a chiropractor, accupuncturist, or other alternative practitioner, because I think they would be more helpful than a traditional doctor, but that’s up to you. These practitioners may be able to help in a variety of ways (accupuncture can work on pressure points that can alleviate some stress on the adrenals and aid healing, for example).
Over time, if you follow these principles, you will begin to heal and your health and vitality will be restored. You will feel better able to coop with ordinary stresses, your menstrual cycle will regulate, your sleep habits will regulate, digestive disturbances will disappear, and you will overall feel more balanced and in tune. This is a wonderful way to feel!
My personal experience has been that first, I noticed that I was heavily craving salt and fat. I wanted to simply eat butter. My husband noted that much of the food I cooked was saltier than it had been previously, too much so for his taste. I had trouble falling asleep at night (would lie in bed over an hour, thinking about all the things I needed to do the next day) and always felt tired in the morning. I found myself with little energy during the day (although that’s also related to the heat) and easily impatient and irritable with my children. I also often felt that drinking filtered water only made me thirstier! When I discovered these were signs of mild adrenal fatigue, I began to consciously eat as much butter as possible (some days up to a whole stick by myself), more raw milk, more meat and cheese, and to make my homemade “sports drink,” which helped me actually feel hydrated. I consciously tried to rest more and sleep more. My chiropractor recommended I take vitamins B, C and D in addition to what I was doing. It will take a few weeks, I believe, if not a bit longer, but since my fatigue is only mild I’m hoping I will be truly better soon!
Do you suspect you have adrenal fatigue? What steps will you take to recover?
Like what you've read? Subscribe so you never miss a post! You can also follow us on Facebook or Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
TESTING!
I recently subscribed to your blog after reading your guest post on Kelly the Kitchen Kop's blog. I was excited to find someone else in central Ohio, especially as I'm just starting to explore the idea of whole foods. Unfortunately, I'm sorry to say, I will be unsubscribing due to this post. It just seemed full of large leaps of logic and pure conjecture, which don't lend themselves well to medical advice, in my opinion. I don't mean to be rude, but it's just not my cup of tea, sorry.
I have adrenal fatigue, discovered it last fall. I had just come off of about 10 + years of lots of intense stress and some trauma, having 4 kids, one miscarriage, moving 4 times (twice while being pregnant) and going through a divorce. All that to say, I don't know how extreme my adrenal fatigue was as I didn't have it tested, but at one point it was severe. Since all of this I am now more stable, still have a lot of stress in my life but not the kind of stress that is unbearable, but have shifted completely to a real food diet, gluten/grain free and reasonably low carb. Eating lots of fats was the initial help for me and then drinking kombucha daily was hugely helpful. In fact this past month I have barely had any kombucha at all and I ended up getting bronchitis – ugh.
I am realizing I have to really work hard to focus on my health or else I can easily crash. I just ordered FCLO and am hoping that really helps too. I am TRYING to eat as much liver as possible, but that's hard since I don't even really like it. Epsom salts baths are great when I remember to take them
I have noticed too that I like food saltier than most people – I salt EVERYTHING!!
Anyway, this is a great post – I may link to it in the future as I am planning to discuss this very topic on my site also!!!
Thank you for the links and the post. I have slowly been researching this subject because I suspect it may be why I feel the way I feel right now. I had my oldest when I was 28, and then when I was about 35, four in a row with an average spacing of 18 months between them. I also had two miscarriages. After each of my last two children, I had a mild episode of post-partum depression.
At this point, my diet and exercise habits appear to have kept my adrenal fatigue in the moderate to minor range, but I don't enjoy living like this. The worst part is the irritability and feeling overwhelmed.
I'm looking forward to reading more posts on your blog about the topic!
Stacy,
I'm very sorry to hear that. I hope you will do more research into natural health and healing and realize how true this really is. I know it is overwhelming since you are new to real food, but all of this is related and it needs to be discussed.
Lydia,
Thanks! This is a HUGE issue and I'm glad you and others are discussing it!
A few months ago, I saw a naturopath because I suspected adrenal fatigue. I had the testing done. Turns out my adrenals were pretty darn good (to paraphrase the ND). I did test severely gluten-intolerant as well as deficient in B-vitamins and magnesium. The testing was really worthwhile. I never would have suspected gluten was the cause of my brain fog, ADD, and IBS. Gluten intolerance symptoms closely parallel the list of symptoms for adrenal fatigue. I was a serious sourdough baker two months ago, but after feeling amazingly better since going GF, I don't really miss it.
huh. so i just stumbled across your blog as i was researching others like my own…
seeing this post i wonder.
i seriously feel like i am allergic to sugar lately. and yet i crave it. it makes me shaky, makes my heart pound, and my mood swings a few hours later are terrible. that sounds like this…i have thought i was crazy for thinking so. its like my body just cant handle it. i really have been feeling the need to cut all sugar out. even for my morning coffee…even my morning coffee for that matter and switch to tea.
i also have thyroid issues that developed after my last pregnancy. do you know if the two are related?
i need to up my kombucha intake too. i brew it but dont drink it enough. my elixir of choice is fresh lemon juice, kombucha, hot water and a touch of honey. need to do that more.
anyway, thanks for the post. nice to find you!
This is my personal experience related to this post & I'll be frank, what you've written scares the beegeebers out of me.
I was having many of the symptoms you list. I've always been very aware when something is wrong with my body. I went to my gynecologist mostly due to the "female" related symptoms, knowing I was in need of a check-up & wondering if I had fibroids. He sent me for an ultrasound and initially, they thought I had a tumor on my left kidney. After a scan, it was pinpointed that I had a tumor on my left adrenal gland. For those who don't know this, you have two adrenal glands that sit on top of your kidneys. Like kidneys, you only need healthy one to function without any sort of meds.
The type of doctor to treat adrenal glands is not an endocrinologist, it is a urologist (I thought the same as you). They removed the tumor & it was benign. They determined it developed on its own, not related to any other health issues, cancer, or anything else. This is not common, but it happens. Who knows how long I had it ~ but it was about the size of a quarter when it was removed. I am living a perfectly happy/healthy life with my one lil' adrenal gland & am on no meds.
Although I prescribe to going the "natural" route whenever possible, if someone is feeling symptoms to the extreme you have listed, it wouldn't be smart to try to self-diagnose or self-treat. Additionally, in regard to your comment on the safety of what you suggest, "None of them will harm you if it turns out this is not your problem and may help regardless! It's worth a shot.
" and then suggesting people eat plenty of fat & salt (in whatever form) made me about all off my chair because in writing this blog, you take on the image of being extremely well-versed in what you are writing about – this amount of fat can put an extreme load on the kidneys, not to mention a slew of other problems (from what I understand). I'd encourage people to use their computer & research the consequences of excessive fat (of any kind) & protein intake.
I also suggest that you check out the following web site from a medical doctor that is in total support of using nutrition to alleviate and/or reduce/eliminate many medical concerns. He is not a supporter of the traditional doctors that readily prescribe meds for every person walking through the door. The web site is: http://www.drmcdougall.com You can also find Dr. John McDougall on Facebook. In my very sincerest opinion, if one would only consider following the advice of this doctor, you will feel the best you ever have – I didn't realize how bad I felt until I started following this doctor's nutritional advice. There are video-taped testimonials you can watch, as well. Another resource to check out is http://www.jeffnovick.com Jeff Novick is also on Facebook. He is a nutritionalist.
I appreciate being able to voice this opinion. I've enjoyed your blog but really felt I had to write this because there could be a huge number of people that are influenced by your opinion – I don't begrudge opinions but folks should get all the info. they can before moving forward.
Maggie,
I have written several posts on consuming fat, which you (and others) can read. Although there is research out there that suggests consuming a large amount of fat is bad, it isn't done particularly well. Eating "certain" fats is bad — trans fats, primarily. But eating healthy, real fats from good sources (grass-fed beef tallow, pastured lard, butter from grass-fed cows, etc.) are healthy for you, and in large amounts. Have you heard of the GAPS diet? It is written by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride and focuses heavily on fat intake in order to heal gut issues. Fats in general are nourishing, healing foods. Every person's body requires a different amount and fats should ALWAYS be high quality, but a diet high in good fats will not cause harm. Nor will a diet high in unrefined sea salt. I would NEVER suggest a person consume any type of refined salt! There is a big difference. I hope that clears things up.
I also encourage people to do their own research, and to seek the advice of a trusted medical professional if they are having health issues.
Maggie,
I followed his rec’d diet for a few years. I felt great for maybe 2, and then ignored how crappy I started feeling, especially through my 2nd pg. I was so convinced that it was the best way to eat. As soon as I started eating more animal fat and protein I perked up. Check out the Weston Price website. Read something by Mary Enig.
Interesting post! I just found out a couple of months ago that I have pretty severe adrenal fatigue. In April I started getting really nauseated all the time, had no energy to even walk my dog, was missing lots of work, could barely function… So I finally went to a naturopath and she told me it was adrenal fatigue (later confirmed by tests), and she put me on an adrenal support supplement and a cortisol manager. Almost immediately the nausea faded, but I'm still dealing with lots of fatigue, sleep issues (which I've had all my life) and some brain fog and various other things…other tests she ran revealed I have exteremely low vit D levels, an ABSURD number of severe food sensitivities (including all gluten, dairy and yeast), and low estrogen. So I'm on a large dose of vit D, am taking a B complex vitamin, a supplement to help my estrogen levels, and she suggested taking vit C with each meal. So it was interesting to read that those three vitamins are needed for adrenal support! I started the GAPS diet, but was having too severe die-off reactions so I'm backing off (out of the one week I did the intro diet, I was bedridden for 3 days, which I can't afford, and it was causing lots of stress because of how labor intensive the diet it, which I figured wasn't good even if it is a great diet to follow). Anyway, so I'm just going to be gluten-free, be as grain free as possible, consume lots of probiotic foods and lots of fermented foods, and try to consume as much good fats as possible (but I need to go slow with that, as that is one of the things that was causing so much nausea on the GAPS diet – too much fat too fast I think). Anyway, thanks for the article! Hope it encourages other people to seek help for the symptoms.
Excellent article. I shared it on my facebook, I hope you don's mind. I have a question though regarding kombucha. I researched a couple of sources and they say to avoid it during pregnancy and lactation. I am breastfeeding my 1.9 year old and drinking home brewed ginger beer since I love ginger. I wonder if this is true about kombucha and if ginger beer is more or less adequate substitute.
Thanks!
Anna D
PS: by the way after reading your post about unschooling bought a book by John Holt and decided to go down that route as well. Thank you for your fantastic blog!!!
Anna,
Thanks for your encouraging comments! I'm glad that my blog has helped you.
With kombucha, if you are breastfeeding an older child, it's fine to start it — slowly. I was breastfeeding both my children when I started drinking it. I think my youngest was then maybe 8 or 9 months old. They handled it fine. I wouldn't start it during pregnancy or EXCLUSIVE breastfeeding, but once your child is on solids I wouldn't worry about it. Just go slow (a couple ounces a day) and see. If you're already consuming a lot of probiotics and similar fermented beverages, though, you should be fine.
I'm curious how you make ginger beer — we like ginger ale but haven't tried making ginger kombucha yet, and would love to know how to make some type of carbonated ginger beverage! Would you tell us how?
Kate,
I would be honored to do that. I just started a new batch so there will also be some pics.
Hi Kate, thanks for sharing this important info at Monday Mania. I think adrenal fatigue is pretty much epidemic in our culture which is why there is a Starbucks practically on every corner!
Great post! Keep posting similar topics, and continue to post recipes with lots of natural fats and pastured meats.
I too have adrenal fatigue and have been working to heal myself.
Do get lots of rest. One of the things that causes adrenal fatigue syndrome is working too hard, and keeping very late hours. These things have put stress on your body, and it's time to reverse that.
interesting post Kate, i do hope you are feeling better and i thought you may be interested in something i just came across while rereading one of my favorite herb books….according to Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal she highly recommends licorice as an excellent herb for adrenal exhaustion. i immediately thought of you and this post i had read here recently so i thought i would pass it on….you could research it more yourself or in her book. (btw i do believe she is one of the main herbalists Jill studied with…and one of my very favorite herbalists in general…can you have a favorite herbalist??:)
This is the best comprehensive post on the subject that I have yet found (and I've done a lot of internet research on this!) Thank you – I hope that many people find your site and get the help they need!
I've been following this kind of diet for a bit over two months now. It can be hard, but the results are spectacular. Two months ago I could barely drag myself through the day. Now I'm feeling almost normal! Getting up in the morning is still hard, but once up I'm fine until bedtime. My periods, which used to require lots of expensive painkillers ($12 per pill!) to control, are still uncomfortable, but I'm only taking 2-3 pills instead of 8-10. I have more energy for exercise (and thus am enjoying it more) and I'm less irritable with my kids.
It is hard to believe the massive changes that came about in only 8 weeks, just by cutting white flour, white sugar, and caffeine out of my diet. I'd encourage anyone who is feeling this kind of general malaise to try it. It can't hurt, and it might make all the difference. It sure does for me.
Thank you again for such an informative post. It is great to see all this information in ONE place!
Great post and yes for all those sceptics out there…:) you are absolutely right! There is a great book on the topic called Adrenal Fatigue: 21st Century Stress Syndrome by Dr. James Wilson – a naturopath. I found out during my 3rd pregnancy that the reason I had been feeling so poorly for years was due to my adrenal fatigue. (Great time to find out…) Through careful diet change, great supplements, glandulars and as much rest as a mother of three can get I can happily say I'm feeling better all the time and hope to completely restore my adrenals naturally. Keep up the great posts!
Karla
Wow! Thank you so much for this post! I am struggling with Adrenal Fatigue (though very thankful to have a holistic doctor who knew what it was!), and need every little bit of advice I can get!
Enjoyed your blog very much, and I am in agreement with much. I suffered from adrenal fatigue syndrome for over four years before finally being diagnosed. I certainly saw plenty of doctors and many said or inferred that my problem may be all in my mind. I recently released a best selling book, "All In My Mind: Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia". You can read more at http://www.jenbusch.com/readMore.htm. Perhaps, you noticed that the topic of adrenal fatigue recently made it to the Dr. Oz show – which says much about public awareness. Maybe, just maybe, traditional medicine will soon become interested. Keep sharing your information!
I think I've had some level of adrenal fatigue all of my adult life. Once I learned of it and starting reading about all the problems it can cause, it reminded me of little issues that have plagued me for as long as I can remember. I believe a healthy, real food, whole food diet will help, but I didn't care for the author's perspective on the site that the list of symptoms came from. Once I read that evolution caused such and such, I tend to tune out the rest and not give as much credibility to the author. I think as long as we eat foods in the form which God made them-or as close as possible, we will attain health. In this culture though, that is very hard to do!
Great post! I work with women on increasing fertility, and you are absolutely right, the symptoms of adrenal fatigue and PCOS/Endometriosis are very similar, and often go together. The therapies that help both are similar too. I've had a lot of success with adding good fats to their diets and removal of gluten. In my opinion, many women with fertility struggles and adrenal fatigue have an underlying gluten sensitivity, and the removal of grains often goes a long way for fixing both. Grains also deplete the vitamins you mentioned, so the deficiency makes sense. Great post! How is your own recovery going?
Katie,
Much better, thanks.
Lots of rest, probiotics, and now no grains has and helped. Making time to relax changing my bedtime routine helped me to sleep too.
There's a new book that I am excited about coming out next month… http://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Tired-Wired-Overcoming/dp/1401928196 Your Proven 30-Day Program for Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue and Feeling Fantastic Again. If anyone has read it already, would love a review!
Kate
Can you explain the differences in action on the adrenal between table salt and sea salt. I understood that it was the sodium level that the adrenal responded to – both sea salt and table salt are essentially NaCl. What is your understanding of this?
Hi there,
Have bookmarked your page for further reading. I will highly recommend a book called Tired of Being Tired by Dr Jesse Hanley. One of the best books I've read on the matter with some awesome, very practical advice.
Bianca, is this the book? http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Tired-of-Being-Tired/Jesse-L-Hanley/e/9780399147494
Hi Kelly,
That's the book. I found it really useful. She breaks the recovery process into 10 steps and includes recipes, further resources and what to do according to which stage of adrenal fatigue you're at. I borrowed my copy from the library, but would seriously consider adding this permanently to my collection!
Thanks Bianca, I will see if my library has it.
Dr. Northrup talks about how this is SO important. I am a HUGE believe that sooo many women are suffering from adrenal fatigue.
Thank you! I have been suspecting adrenal fatigue for a couple weeks now and have been reading up on it. I have been dealing with something for several years now. So many of the symptoms listed above are exactly what I have been feeling, a scary number actually. I had 5 babies and 1 miscarriage within 9 years, several moves and major life changes along the way. I homeschool my kids and live on a farm and I'm SO tired all the time, brain fogged, irritable, impatient – not who I want to be. I went to my Dr. a couple years ago and she prescribed me mood drugs and amphetamines. Not the answers I was looking for and I never took them. We are now in touch with a Naturopath and I hope to be seeing her soon to see what she says. Regardless I'm taking charge and doing what I can to find a solution.
I have been suffering from adrenal fatique for many years. I completed regular blood test and saliva test that proved that I have an adrenal problem. I have many of the symptoms listed. I tried many products from adrenal rebuilders, vitamins, eating no sugar, eating consistently throughout the day, resting, moderate exercise, visiting many many doctors, MRI's, cortisol golden test you name it.
Over a period of time i decided to log all my activities including the feeling, the place I felt badly, what was happening emotionally, what I ate over a 24 hour period etc. I finally concluded, like most of you, that food and stress were my major problems.
Now I try to rest as much as I can. The supplements I take regularly are GABATROL http://www.gabatrol.com to quite my brain as needed and I use a superfood called Natraburst superfood http://www.livebettertoday.124online.com
which includes all your daily requirements of fruits and vegetables and protein (brown rice) in a powder form taken once per day. I am feeling much better and I am able to cope. I have more energy and I am much calmer. I am hoping that I will be able to feel 100% every day. These two products have helped me tremendously. Good luck. Don't give up and try to understand your body. You are not crazy.
The newly-discovered adrenal ouabain has helped me and my friend who have adrenal fatigue. We take it in the form of Strophactiv, in homeopathic concentrations. You need only a drop or two daily usually, and can stop taking it when you get well. What a difference it has made, and I am recovering from heavy metal poisoning, and my friend from 20 years of a vegan diet. Dr. Thomas Cowan writes about it in his article on cancer and civilization on the Weston A. Price Foundation website. Fantastic.
Maria – Where do you purchase the Strophactiv in the US? Please advise. Thanks!
I meant to say “adrenal hormone.”
I found that before I new that I had adrenal fatigue if I took ionic Magnesium dissolved in water greatly helped my ability to cope, decreased my irritably and overall improved my mood. I then found out about the adrenal fatigue and after taking a Chinese Herbal Medicine Nervous System supplement found out I had a significant magnesium deficiency. You need a straight magnesium supplement, it competes for absorption with calcium and others. I take nearly daily or as often as I start feeling grouchy Natural Calm Vitality Magnesium Supplement. I buy it at Vita Cost for the best price I’ve found around $24 dollars and it last a while, months. And I checked out Dr. McDougall’s site someone provided the link above for and he may know his stuff but it seemed you had to buy it all. Check out http://www.mercola.com for an all Natural approach to medicine without the price tag.
I think that is one of the such a lot vital information for me. And i am satisfied reading your article. But want to remark on some basic issues, The website style is perfect, the articles is really great : D. Good activity, cheers
Kate this is great advice, but I just want to caution you that epsom salts can cause bladder infections in women. It is ok to take an epsom salt foot bath.
I have never heard that before…do you have any sources?
What an eye-opener! I just happened upon this post and I’m shocked to find alot of the list describes me
I’m wondering: when you say eliminate white flour & sugar, does that include wheat and Organic Evap Cane Sugar as well? I’m just trying to see how extreme I need to change my diet? I did GAPS this summer & felt great with it but found it difficult to keep up with. Thank you 
Well, whole grain wheat is okay. Organic evaporated cane sugar should be limited, and honey and maple syrup are better choices in most cases. Sugar in general is more for pleasure than anything, we don’t actually derive any serious nutrition from it, so choose the best forms and limit them.