Thousands
of people suffer from constant fatigue that is not relieved by rest and sleep.
This is the main symptom of adrenal burnout syndrome. This article examines this extremely common syndrome – its
causes, symptoms and the process of recovery of vibrant health by natural
methods.
WHAT ARE THE
ADRENAL GLANDS?
The
adrenal glands are rounded, disc-shaped glands about 3-4 inches across. One sits atop each kidney, located on
either side of your lower back, just above where the ribs end. You may at times feel a sensation of
pressure in this area when under stress, although muscular tension and other
factors also commonly cause pain or a sensation of pressure in this area.
The
adrenal glands are essential for life.
They secrete a number of hormones that prepare our bodies to respond to
stress. These include adrenalin, also called epinephrine,
noradrenalin, also
called norepinephrine, cortisol
and cortisone. The adrenal glands also produce aldosterone,
estrogens, testosterone, progesterone, pregnenelone and DHEA.
These
hormones regulate many body activities.
Of greatest importance for this article is that the adrenal hormones,
particularly adrenalin and cortisol, activate the body’s fight-or-flight
response. This consists of
increasing the amount of glucose or sugar in the blood, raising blood pressure,
and promoting increased energy production. There are many other effects of the adrenal hormones, but we
will focus on these effects for now.
Of great importance to our discussion is
that the adrenal glands are innervated and stimulated by activity of the
sympathetic branch of the autonomic or automatic nervous system of the body. This is the part of our nervous system
that activates when we must respond to threats to our life.
A DEFINITION
OF ADRENAL BURNOUT
The
adrenal glands may undergo various difficulties. Severe overactivity or hyperfunction of the glands is called
Cushing’s Syndrome. It is characterized
by a ‘moon face’, obesity in the trunk, muscle weakness, poor wound healing,
kidney stones and often psychological symptoms.
Low
adrenal activity can cause a condition called Addison’s disease. It is characterized by weakness,
fatigue, low blood pressure, changes in skin color, dehydration, anorexia,
nausea, decreased cold tolerance and dizziness.
Addison’s
disease and adrenal burnout may develop slowly or be caused by a single
trauma. President John F. Kennedy
developed Addison’s disease 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.
Adrenal
burnout syndrome, also called adrenal insufficiency or adrenal exhaustion, is basically a mild form of
Addison’s disease. In many
instances, a diagnosis of mild Addison’s disease should be termed adrenal
exhaustion, adrenal insufficiency or adrenal burnout syndrome. Few physicians, however, diagnose this
condition. There are no definitive
tests for adrenal exhaustion, although one can easily assess low blood
pressure, low blood sugar and other signs associated with adrenal burnout.
Adrenal
burnout syndrome differs from simple fatigue in that burnout is not relieved by
getting a few good night’s of sleep, as is the case with fatigue. This is the case because adrenal
exhaustion is not just a sleep deficit, although that may be an aspect of the
syndrome. Burnout is a deeper
derangement of the body’s energy-producing system, of which fatigue is one symptom.
Unfortunately,
when a patient complains of fatigue, depression or other symptoms that may be
related to the adrenal glands, most of the time doctors do not even run the
tests necessary to diagnose Addison’s disease. Instead, patients are told to take a vacation, or given an
anti-depressant or told it is “in their head”.
In
one way, it is better that Addison’s disease is not diagnosed more often
because the treatment is to give adrenal hormones for the rest of one’s
life. These include cortisol, a
powerful substance that can have nasty side effects. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for adrenal
insufficiency is a little better, but still does not address the cause in most
cases.
We
find that even bio-identical hormone therapy may easily causes complications
that are difficult to remedy because the body’s hormonal regulatory and
feedback system is very complex.
Also, hormone therapy is rarely needed if one is willing to follow a
program including a diet, plenty of rest, nutritional supplements, lifestyle
modifications and use other natural therapies when applicable. Recovery is definitely a possibility
for most people, if one is willing to make the effort and lifestyle changes
required to rest the adrenals and enhance their activity.
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
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 body’s 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. Don’t 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 parents’ 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
In
addition to fatigue, weakness and often depression, symptoms often include a craving
for sweets, low blood pressure and low blood sugar. Low energy impairs every system of the body. Thus, secondary symptoms can range from
impaired digestion, aches and pains to chronic or recurring infections.
Often,
emotional and psychological symptoms are present or even predominant. Depression is very common. Apathy, despair and even suicidal
tendencies are also quite common.
Emotional instability, mood swings, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and
irritability are also common symptoms associated with adrenal burnout
syndrome. The world can look evil,
one loses faith in people, and a hopeless attitude is not uncommon.
Compulsiveness
and obsessive-compulsive tendencies may be 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.
Adrenal
burnout affects every area of life.
One may lose interest in friends, family and work. Relationships often suffer when one
person in the relationship goes into adrenal exhaustion.
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.
While
it is beyond the scope of this article, entire nations can go into adrenal
exhaustion as a result of wars, famines and other catastrophes. When this occurs, the attitudes of the
people change, and with it the leaders they elect. This has happened many times in history, and is a factor in
our politics of today in America.
One example is that a population in burnout does not feel capable of
taking care of themselves. They
will vote for more and more government welfare programs, often bankrupting the
nation, without understanding the consequences of their votes.
THE
PHYSIOLOGY OF ADRENAL BURNOUT
Low
blood sugar, low blood pressure, low temperature, depression, joint pain and
allergies may result from low levels of cortisol. Multiple chemical sensitivity
is an extreme allergic condition associated with adrenal burnout. Later, blood pressure may rise 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, Parkinson’s and
Alzheimer’s diseases may be end-stage results of toxic accumulation and energy
depletion.
Often
secondary to adrenal exhaustion are other glandular imbalances such as
hypothyroidism. Less common is the
development of a secondary hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the
thyroid. This may be a
compensation for low adrenals, as the condition will disappear as the adrenals
are allowed to rest and rebuild.
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 often the result of low energy production in the cells. Also, cortisol provides a natural
‘high’. Thus, low cortisol can
contribute to feelings of depression and even despair. 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.
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 one’s 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 one’s 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 one’s 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 doesn’t 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 ‘overtired’ 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 ‘cleanse’ 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 one’s 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 one’s 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 one’s 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 one’s lifestyle, nutritional supplements,
detoxification procedures and attention to one’s emotional and spiritual
health. Addressing all these aspects is the way to assure success.
Diet: Diet is an important factor for everyone. Eat protein at
least twice daily. Eggs,
naturally-grown meats and poultry are the best sources of protein. Toasted
almond butter, organic milk products or goat products and nuts are other good
sources. Avoid strict vegetarian
diets, which will make things worse although they may feel good at first.
At
lunch and supper, have cooked vegetables.
Rotate your proteins and your vegetables so you don’t 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 non-organic cow’s 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. The less soy
in your diet the better, as a general rule.
Reduce
all sweets. Even fresh fruit is
not helpful in the least, so eat less fruit. Also avoid most fruit juices. They are too yin in Chinese medical
terms. This means they are cold
and expanded. This is a very
important concept discussed in another article titled Yin And Yang Healing. Most are also very sugary. This can upset blood sugar and cause
more stress for the adrenal glands. A small glass of carrot or fresh green juice is excellent
every day.
Avoid
most processed food. Also avoid
most refined vegetable oils. You
may have organic blue corn chips and a few yellow corn chips as a snack. However, for cooking, the best oils
include coconut, palm, olive and some seed oils.
Use
sea salt rather than table salt. Eat regular meals of excellent quality. Switch
to organic food whenever possible.
Green
superfoods with dried kelp, barley grass powder and various colored vegetables
are okay, although fresh tends to be best. Cooking with coconut oil is excellent and helps as well with
weight loss, candida albicans infection and energy.
Drink
high quality water, not tap water. 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 a common supplement that is
frequently needed. Other nutrients
may be needed depending on one’s 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 a near infrared electric light sauna.
We can help you purchase one or build one very inexpensively. This is one of the best investments you
will make to get well and protect your family against all types of infections
and other illnesses. 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 20 minutes at first. Later, as you acclimate to sweating,
you may increase the time up to about 45 or even 50 minutes per session. After recovery, one or two saunas a
week are 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 one’s 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 body’s 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 the article on this website about
meditation. Click here to read this
article. These and others that
are similar can help one rethink who am I, what is life about and why am I
here.
THE BLESSING
OF BURNOUT
Adrenal
burnout can be the best thing that happens to a person. It is 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.
This
was the case for me, and for many patients I have worked with. I suffered from adrenal exhaustion for
a number of years. As I began to
understand the condition better, I made many changes, both in my diet and
lifestyle. I forced myself to do
coffee enemas, to walk every day and to meditate daily, even though I did not
like doing these things at first.
I
let go of family ties and other relationships that were in fact toxic and
harmful for me. I moved out of the
polluted city, although the process was terrifying because I had very little
energy or money to accomplish the moves.
Perhaps
most important was the need for more subtle changes of attitudes and mental
tendencies. I realized how
important it is to give up all victim thinking and to avoid thinking of others
as victims either. I developed the
spiritual or real part of myself and separated from the superficial life that I
and most people live most of their lives.
These shifts have served me extremely well, as they have done so also
for many, many others.
Thus
it is wrong to think that adrenal burnout, or any serious condition, for that
matter, is just a curse to be “handled” as quickly and cheaply as
possible. If you act this way, you
may miss the greatest blessing of your life.
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