Of course, my medical brain wanted the easy answer… throw a drug at it, make it go away quickly, FIX IT! But then my rational brain took over and reminded me that you have to treat the core of what is happening in order to fix it for good!  And thankfully, my endocrinologist agreed.  The treatment for Adrenal Fatigue must focus on supporting your body to normalize your hormones and decreasing the, “fight or flight” response by increasing your norepinephrine, serotonin, etc.  So a natural approach is the best!

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor recommended I increase my Juice Plus to a triple dose, 3-4 times a day, and add Dr. Wilson’s Adrenal Fatigue Quartet and slowly increase to the “severe” dosages.  I also made some dietary changes and ate a paleo diet- LOTS of protein, especially in the morning, and a ton of fruits and veggies.  Of course, at this stage in the game, cooking was hard!  I couldn’t put 2 thoughts together to even decide what to take out of the fridge to eat, let alone cook.  I started to use my slow cooker a ton and ate a lot of raw fruits and veggies.

I stuck with this treatment for about 2 months and began to look for a more natural approach with more herbs and less synthetic vitamins and happened to see that a respected natural doctor in the Nashville area had developed his own adrenal formula using all plants and herbs.  And so I slowly weaned off the Dr. Wilson’s formula and stuck with my Juice Plus regiment, and added 1000 mg of Vitamin C (Garden of Life raw Vitamin C) 3 times a day and added the Dr. Axe Vitamin B Adrenal Complex as prescribed on the packaging.  And boy, what a difference that made. I started to have some really good days and have a mostly clear mind, and started to get through my work days a lot easier. I have been on this for the last 2 months and am now 4 1/2 months into my recovery and have had a LOT of good days!!!  I’ve had some not so good days but I stick with this regiment and eventually I get back to the good.

This month (month 4) has been one of the most frustrating.  I had been feeling really good and was back to running and playing tennis and feeling GREAT!  Beginning of this month, I couldn’t do any of that and was napping and not sleeping well.  The time changes didn’t help either!!! I HATE SPRING FORWARD!!!!!  But, again, Dr. Axe to the rescue!!!  He posted a you tube message about healing adrenal fatigue (see it).  He mentions the need for omegas, etc.  I already do use coconut milk but he mentioned doing 1 TBSP of flax seed, chia seeds, and hemp seeds every day and 1/2 an avocado. I had been eating the avos so added the seeds to my smoothie every morning using my Complete protein powder, kale, and frozen berries!  How amazing is it to add something that is a plant and get an AWESOME result!  I have felt so mentally clear since adding these in and have had a string of GREAT days!!! Even feeling close to 100%!

There is also a self care element to healing Adrenal Fatigue!  You HAVE to take care of you!!!  I get a massage every week and a half.  I get a facial monthly.  I connect with friends, even if it’s just over text.  I do hot yoga.  I sit outside in the sun!  I say NO!!!  And #1, I LEAVE WORK when it’s time to leave, and I LEAVE IT THERE!!!! No working at home!!

This has been my journey and the things that have worked for me.  I by no means am prescribing or telling you what to do. I am not a doctor… I am a nurse but I am just sharing what really works for me in this blog.  If you have questions, ask your doctor!!! Or, do your own research and decides what works for you!  Either way, I encourage you to take control of your own health and wellness!  The other word of advice I have is, listen to your own body.  If you feel well, go out! If you need rest, rest!!!  Take care of UUUUUU!!!!