MaryK

I decided to start a new thread, so as not to hijack the other adrenal fatigue thread. I think maybe Dr. Lam's program may be right for some people and maybe Dr. Wilson's program is right for others, so I'll concentrate on Dr. Wilson's program in this thread. As I mentioned in the other thread, I am VERY impressed with the information in his book, and how thorough he is in explaining everything.

I just found out about adrenal fatigue a couple of months ago. I can't remember where I heard the term "adrenal fatigue", but I hadn't heard it before.... so I knew I needed to look into this since my chiropractor had found that my dizziness was tied to my adrenals and had me on some adrenal supplements (which were helping a little, but not enough).

I will post highlights in my own words, so I'm not copying it directly from the book.

Highlights of what adrenal fatigue is:
Can include (but doesn't have to include everything): chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, serious food and/or inhalant allergies, low blood pressure (such as being dizzy when standing), and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), .... arthritic pain, decreased immune response, increased fears, anxiety and depression, intervals of confusion, ...respiratory infections, asthma, frequent colds, adult onset diabetes, auto-immune disorders, alcoholism.

The job of the adrenal glands is to help your body cope with stress. Look up "fight or flight". The adrenals affect the functioning of every tissue, organ, and gland in your body, along with what you think and feel. Hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands.

Hypoglycemia
Adrenal fatigue often = erratic or abnormal blood sugar levels.
When the adrenals are fatigued, cortisol levels drop lower than normal. This makes it harder for your body to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Going long periods without eating lowers the blood sugar and further stresses the adrenals. Choosing foods that provide energy such as caffeine, sugary foods, high fat foods will temporarily drive the adrenal glands, but further depletes adrenal reserves. So, years of kicking the adrenals with these types of foods actually makes the adrenals more and more fatigued and more difficult to stimulate.

When to eat
Important to eat before 10am
Eat an early lunch 11:00-11:30
Nutritious snack between 2:00 and 3:00
Evening meal between 5:00 and 6:00
Before bed - a couple bites of high quality snack
(This schedule is based on when your body will need energy to get you through the common crash periods throughout the day).

I'll post next about WHAT to eat and drink...