The Adrenal Fatigue Thread

I want to start this because a lot of people suffer from adrenal fatigue throughout this process and are unsure how to treat it.  I hope to give you guys some helpful information.  I suffered from very severe adrenal fatigue well before taking benzos and have seen every doctor there is, tried every protocol there is and researched everything out there.

 

 

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

 

First off, adrenal fatigue is real, very real.  There are still some main stream doctors who deny its existence, particularly endocrinologists, but soon enough it will be recognised.  It rubs me the wrong way how some people on this very forum deny that it exists simply because doctors have told them so, yet isn't that the same situation that most of us are in with benzo withdrawal?  People need to open their eyes and respond to the very real symptoms that people are having, not literature in a text book written by someone who has never experienced it.  So if you suspect you have adrenal fatigue and someone tells you it doesn't exist, simply nod your head and walk away- they are wrong.

 

This is not Addison's Disease.  Addisons is either an autoimmune reaction or an inability to respond to ACTH secreted by your pituitary.  Adrenal fatigue on the other hand, is simply the adrenal gland's weakened state after being exposed to chronic stress for a prolonged period of time.  Our bodies are equipped very well to handle quick "fight or flight" responses like running from a tiger in the paleolithic era, getting in a fight, or overcoming an injury.  But when we are put under high stress for long periods of time (benzo withdrawal) our hormonal reserves start to run out.  What we need to do is bring our stress levels down to the point where our body is rebuilding faster than it is burning our biochemical reserves.

 

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue overlap many of those in benzo w/d so if you have some of these nothing says you have adrenal fatigue for sure, but this is just a refrence:

 

Fatigue that isn't relieved by any amount of sleep

Lethargy

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Mental Fog

Fuzzy Thinking

Hypoglycemia

Salt Craving

Digestive Problems

Low Sex Drive

Low Blood Pressure

Adrenaline Surges in the middle of the night

Hair Loss

Sensitive to Cold

Depression

Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

Muscle and joint pains

Sleep Difficulties

A low in late afternoon and a second wind late at night

 

In about 80% of cases of prolonged AF your thyroid begins to underperform as well so some of these symptoms aren't necessarilly restricted to just adrenals.

 

 

How to Treat It

 

 

The good news is that yes, adrenal fatigue is fully reversable but it does take some time.  However, the general guidelines to treat it are very parallel to those of benzo w/d so you can merge everything into one protocol.  There are three major components to recovery:

          Reduce Stress as much as possibe

          Sleep as much as possible

          Rebuild your reserves through proper nutrition

 

Your body doesn't know the difference between physical, emotional, psychological or environmental stress, so it responds to all in the same way; by releasing higher amounts of cortisol and adrenaline.  Now, during benzo w/d our systems are under constant stress from an overactive nervous system but we can prevent ourselves from adding any excess stress.  Excessive anger, worry, fighting, overexercise, exposure to toxins, mold and chemicals are all stress responses.  Practice healthy stress responses and coping mechanisms such as yoga, taichi, meditation, therapy, deep breathing, acceptance, letting things go etc..  These things are great for quieting your mind and giving your adrenals a rest.

 

Sleep is a tough one because most of us have a hard time sleeping during w/d, I sure do.  However just get what you can- and listen to your body.  If your tired make sure you get to sleep, don't force yourself to stay up watching TV or surfing benzobuddies   If you feel tired during the day, give yourself the time to lay down and rest.  If you can even turn that into a nap that's great.

 

Nutrition is very important.  Your body has to have the necessary nutrients in order to rebuild its hormones (and to rebuild GABA recpetors).  Plus the added benefit of a balanced diet goes well beyond just healing from this.

Your first goal is to balance your blood sugar.  If your blood sugar drops too low your body releases cortisol or adrenaline to balance it out (hense late night adrenaline rushes).  Therefore, if you eat balanced meals every 2-3 hours it will take a lot of strain off of your adrenals.  Also, to avoid those middle of the night surges try eating some protien and fat right before bed.  Undereating is one of the worst things you can do.  But make sure you are eating quality food- heavy on the vegetables and good protiens and fats.  Carbohydrates are important as well but make sure they are only complex carb sources, not simple sugars.  Sugar spikes your blood sugar and puts extra strain on your adrenals. It may even be a good idea to avoid fruits for a while of you are extra sensitive.  Also avoid any stimulants like caffeine, it only pushes your already weakened system harder.  Its tempting to do so in order to get that little energy boost but you wil pay for it later.

 

Another good procatice is to add salt to your diet.  Good salt though, like Celtic Sea Salt or Himilayan Pink salt.  These are healthy (beieve it or not) and contain tons of great minerals.  Table salt is crap.  Aldesterone, another adrenal hormone, is responsible for electrolyte balance and taking in too much potassium without adequate sodium to balance it can be very stressful on your adrenals.  Sports drinks like Gatorade can cause crashes.  Salt your food liberally, and add 1/4 tsp of salt to your glass of water.  If you start to get excessive thirst or retain a lot of water pull the salt back slightly.

 

There are some supplements that help boost your adrenals but try not to overdo it as too much can be stimulating and cause crashes.  Also, we have the possible reactions with benzo w/d

 

The highest amount of vitamin C in your body is in your adrenal glands.  Supplememnting with 1,000-2,000 mg/day is usually sufficient.

 

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid (Pathenine) is also very important in the adrenal cascade.  It is a precurser to Coenzyme A.  Usualy 400-800 mg/day is sufficient.

 

B complex is frequently used as well but I don't take it because sometimes it can revv up my w/d symptoms

 

Vitamin D3 may also help if you have a deficiency.  2,000-5,000 IU's a day is good.

 

 

Also, A great book about AF diet is The Schwarzbein Principal

 

 

It's absolutely possible to heal fully from adrenal fatigue, even during benzo w/d.  You just have to stay consistent and, most of all, just chill.

 

Happy recovery-

 

Clark 

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

That is wonderful information, Clark, and just what I was looking for.  Thank you so much!  Betsy xxxx

This so so helpful Clark, thanks so much for taking the time to share it, much appreciated !

 

Debbie x

I think the reason that there's so much skepticism around this is that just like CFS and fibromyalgia, it's very difficult to diagnose with any degree of accuracy with current technology. Science thrives on repeatable metrics. Things are real whether or not they can be measured, but it's very difficult to study and treat something that can't be measured.

 

I think a big problem with things like thyroid and adrenal hormone tests is that you're taking a snapshot at one moment in time of a system that's constantly in motion. I'm an optimist, basically, and so I think that within my lifetime we're going to see much better diagnostic criteria for all kinds of things, using tiny implantable devices and nanotechnology of all kinds. Right now, it's very hard to get more than a blurry glimpse at all this stuff, especially when the symptom list is so long, diverse, and overlaps with things already understood as psychological problems (which makes it easy to dismiss people as 'anxious').

 

Perseverence has a great thread somewhere about the effect benzos have on the HP axis; my suspicion is that the reason there's so much overlap between benzo problems and adrenal issues is because benzos directly mess with the hormonal system and cause bizarre adrenal function. If that's someone's only problem, then it's possible that they can sit back, relax and just wait for things to improve, but it definitely doesn't hurt to attack this with solid diet, healthy salt intake, vit-C and regular exercise!

I think the reason that there's so much skepticism around this is that just like CFS and fibromyalgia, it's very difficult to diagnose with any degree of accuracy with current technology. Science thrives on repeatable metrics. Things are real whether or not they can be measured, but it's very difficult to study and treat something that can't be measured.

 

I think a big problem with things like thyroid and adrenal hormone tests is that you're taking a snapshot at one moment in time of a system that's constantly in motion. I'm an optimist, basically, and so I think that within my lifetime we're going to see much better diagnostic criteria for all kinds of things, using tiny implantable devices and nanotechnology of all kinds. Right now, it's very hard to get more than a blurry glimpse at all this stuff, especially when the symptom list is so long, diverse, and overlaps with things already understood as psychological problems (which makes it easy to dismiss people as 'anxious').

 

Perseverence has a great thread somewhere about the effect benzos have on the HP axis; my suspicion is that the reason there's so much overlap between benzo problems and adrenal issues is because benzos directly mess with the hormonal system and cause bizarre adrenal function. If that's someone's only problem, then it's possible that they can sit back, relax and just wait for things to improve, but it definitely doesn't hurt to attack this with solid diet, healthy salt intake, vit-C and regular exercise!

 

Maybe I was a little u clear on that last part. Just sitting back and doing nothing will not help AF. You absolutely need to be proactive about it. By chill I just meant you have to allow your system to relax and not overdo it, all the while giving your body the nutrients it needs to heal

Hi Clark,

 

My MD sent me to a pain specialist 4 years ago, he started giving me injections of Methylprednisolone (steroid) 80 mgs every 3 weeks and put me on Vicodin 7.5 mgs 4 times a day for 8 months...

    After a routine blood test by my MD I got a phone call from her nurse to stop all meds the pain specialist put me on...I didn't ask why...

    I suffered complete adrenal gland shut down..and as usual I had no clue what was wrong, it took me a month before I went back to my MD because I was bedridden (this is the time I also had my stroke) she gave me a 10 day packet of steroids that is suppose to be used for weaning off them and told me I didn't need to worry about getting rechecked...everything should be fine..I've never felt fine since...

    This was during the same time I was given Xanax every winter for seasonal depression and now looking back I'm sure all that body pain was from withdrawal that spring because the pain doc told me I had fibromyalgia.. .  Eventually this all led me to my Klonopin nightmare.

    I'm sure I have adrenal fatigue and thank you for the post on this subject...

It's been a lesson hard learned..

 

Molly

Clark, I hope to comment more later. For now I will just say that if it looks like a dog and barks like a dog and attacks like a dog, it is a dog. I don't need tests to tell me that I am having adrenaline spikes. I can feel it, and my BP and other things go up when I have them. They respond will to walking, which for me is a mild exercise but also of aerobic importance because of how long I walk and the time.

 

These adrenaline spikes are the hardest things for me. They are real.

Clark, I hope to comment more later. For now I will just say that if it looks like a dog and barks like a dog and attacks like a dog, it is a dog. I don't need tests to tell me that I am having adrenaline spikes. I can feel it, and my BP and other things go up when I have them. They respond will to walking, which for me is a mild exercise but also of aerobic importance because of how long I walk and the time.

 

These adrenaline spikes are the hardest things for me. They are real.

 

Gear-

 

I agree. They suck bad. The best way to keep them at bay though is to keep a constant blood sugar. Eat balanced meals every 2-3 hours and eat right before bed. If u wake up with an adrenaline rush eat then and it will help it settle.

 

It's very real regardless of literature in a book.

Gear-

 

I agree. They suck bad. The best way to keep them at bay though is to keep a constant blood sugar. Eat balanced meals every 2-3 hours and eat right before bed. If u wake up with an adrenaline rush eat then and it will help it settle.

That helps, but it doesn't stop them. I always eat often, and I always eat before going to sleep. This morning I slept from 7:30 to 8:45. I was NOT happy. It was the usual, suddenly wide awake thing, the usual adrenal surge. I am a realist. I expect this to go on for weeks or months, maybe well over a year.

 

If it doesn't, I will be surprised and of course I will be very lucky.

 

The thing that helps is to realize most everyone goes through this. At 8:45 I just told myself to breath deeply, relax even if I could not sleep more if I could. Then I adjusted my earphones to a story, listened to the story and gave myself permission NOT to sleep, that just relaxing was OK, and I did get a bit more sleep.

 

I have never read about benzos other than what is here.

 

Well, guess what? The people here are RIGHT. Ashton was RIGHT. And since I no longer take a benzo I can and will tell my doctor to kiss my butt if he even TRIES to do the typical doctor thing and says that what we all know to be true here is not so...

 

 

Hi Clark,

 

Did you have your cortisol tested?  I'm wondering how you were diagnosed.

 

Thanks!

Kris

Hi Clark,

 

Did you have your cortisol tested?  I'm wondering how you were diagnosed.

 

Thanks!

Kris

 

By a saliva test. I also did blood but the saliva was more telling. It was 4 points throughout the day

Adrenal Fatigue is very real. However, due to the fact there is no concrete testing procedures, AF like CFS is used to diagnose a whole range of symptoms, and unfortunately this does lead to hundreds of NDS and quacks making themselves rich out of sick people.

 

I suffered burnout about five years ago. At the time I didnt really know what it was, it was just sheer exhaustion. Over eighteen months I got better, the crashes and symptoms seemed to dissapear and I thought I was healed. I went back to full time work, ouldnt cope with the stress and within months went into exhaustion stage, where I had been ever since. Exhaustion stage is where your HPA axis becomes completely messed up, and I was wired during the day, exhausted at night, waking up at 3am every night, never getting back to sleep, hormone fluctuations..it was, is a nightmare. This ultimately led me to benzos because of the lack of sleep for three years. But I continued working, training, trying to hold on to some part of my old life.

 

A true chronic fatigue syndrome paitent, could be in the burnout stages of AF, or as they normally describe post viral exhaustion. There just isnt enough testing going on to actually find out the route cause.

 

I was tested by a 24 hour cortisol test, and this showed extremely low, but not quite addisons level of cortisol output. The theory is that the wake ups where caused by my adrenals not being able to produce enough glycogen in my liver to keep my blood sugar stable, and therefore spiking a load or coritsol to balance it out, therefore waking me up, and then having so much of the stuff floating around sleep is impossible. Overtime the theory is that the more the adrenals struggle to produce adequate levels of cortisol at the correct times, the more the HPA becomes juxtaposed, and sends out compensatory hormones like adrenaline, and this in turns out balances nuerotransmitters - depression, anxiety, etc.

 

The term Adrenal Fatigue may not be accurate in its own words for all paitents of this, but niether is CFS, yet we need something. I know the stress of trying to figure out what was wrong for many years made things a lot worse for me, as did megadosing vitamins with a specialist AF doctor, but I had to carry on working. I had bills to pay, and although over these years I lost most of my friends and life trying to cope with just work and no sleep, my life ultimately became nothing, and the search for sleep brought me to benzos.

 

I believe Clark was at the stage jsut before burnout, and this is the real vicious stage. All hormones where extremely low, but the body is still functioning at a level, which means anxiety, depression and insomnia s rife as the body tries to compensate in anyway it can. For three years I never once was able to just 'relax', my body was in a permanent stressed out zone. The NDS call it the stress resistance zone, which is before burnout and extremely vicious.

 

It is of course, just a theory, like medical understandings of depression, anxiety etc, but its a theory that has more weight than any other medical derived theory. But doctors want to give out benzos, and quite frankly I think vitamin C and B5 is a far better option than benzos....in hindsight!!!

 

Unfortunately AF is a disease where one needs to take charge of their life. Work needs to be stopped or reduced, lifestyles adjusted, and in the process it becomes an extremely confusing and lonely ride. Very much like benzo recovery. But for years one struggles trying to still achieve the things they did before they got sick...I spent two years still training in KArate, because I just couldnt give it up, it was everything to me, and in the process, made myself far far worse. Work, friends, everything has gone over the past three years, and even more so since benzos...and if you manage to convince someone who has jsut been diagnosed with AF that they really need to make massive adjustments like this, and to expect for years your not going to be the same person..well its almost impossible, the human mind just wont accept it.

 

One thing benzo recovery has brought me, is the understanding of paitence and slowing down. I havent quite learnt it yet, everyday is a frustrating and lonely ride, but what else can I do? but its all taught me that tackling AF is going to be a walk in the park compared to this...but now, I have nothing left in my life, and the thoughts of everything I have lost over the past 5 years of being sick is one of the most painful things I have ever experienced.

 

However being on this forum has really shown me that benzo WD is a form of AF, it isnt just about repairing the gaba receptors, the symptoms are way to assymtomatic to be all down the those..the whole endocrine system needs repairing. Stress causes AF, whether work stress, over training, not eating right etc....so no doubt the stress endured coming off benzos can also cause it!

 

Great info!  Thanks.  The Dr. said I had it and put me on a Beta blocker.  I think they interfere with the adrenalin hormone, After reading the post the logic does not make sense, or am I thinking with brain fog again??

Good advice Clark--I definitely have severe fatigue right now, along with muscle weakness/exhaustion.  I have heard of both Adrenal Fatigue and problems with the Mitochondria.  Both produce the same symptoms, so I am not sure which one I am suffering from (or maybe it's both).  Either way, the only way to treat both is through rest, mild to moderate exercise (even if it's just walking around the block at first), good nutrition and quality supplements.

 

Tina

 

I want to start this because a lot of people suffer from adrenal fatigue throughout this process and are unsure how to treat it.  I hope to give you guys some helpful information.  I suffered from very severe adrenal fatigue well before taking benzos and have seen every doctor there is, tried every protocol there is and researched everything out there.

 

 

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

 

First off, adrenal fatigue is real, very real.  There are still some main stream doctors who deny its existence, particularly endocrinologists, but soon enough it will be recognised.  It rubs me the wrong way how some people on this very forum deny that it exists simply because doctors have told them so, yet isn't that the same situation that most of us are in with benzo withdrawal?  People need to open their eyes and respond to the very real symptoms that people are having, not literature in a text book written by someone who has never experienced it.  So if you suspect you have adrenal fatigue and someone tells you it doesn't exist, simply nod your head and walk away- they are wrong.

 

This is not Addison's Disease.  Addisons is either an autoimmune reaction or an inability to respond to ACTH secreted by your pituitary.  Adrenal fatigue on the other hand, is simply the adrenal gland's weakened state after being exposed to chronic stress for a prolonged period of time.  Our bodies are equipped very well to handle quick "fight or flight" responses like running from a tiger in the paleolithic era, getting in a fight, or overcoming an injury.  But when we are put under high stress for long periods of time (benzo withdrawal) our hormonal reserves start to run out.  What we need to do is bring our stress levels down to the point where our body is rebuilding faster than it is burning our biochemical reserves.

 

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue overlap many of those in benzo w/d so if you have some of these nothing says you have adrenal fatigue for sure, but this is just a refrence:

 

Fatigue that isn't relieved by any amount of sleep

Lethargy

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Mental Fog

Fuzzy Thinking

Hypoglycemia

Salt Craving

Digestive Problems

Low Sex Drive

Low Blood Pressure

Adrenaline Surges in the middle of the night

Hair Loss

Sensitive to Cold

Depression

Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

Muscle and joint pains

Sleep Difficulties

A low in late afternoon and a second wind late at night

 

In about 80% of cases of prolonged AF your thyroid begins to underperform as well so some of these symptoms aren't necessarilly restricted to just adrenals.

 

 

How to Treat It

 

 

The good news is that yes, adrenal fatigue is fully reversable but it does take some time.  However, the general guidelines to treat it are very parallel to those of benzo w/d so you can merge everything into one protocol.  There are three major components to recovery:

          Reduce Stress as much as possibe

          Sleep as much as possible

          Rebuild your reserves through proper nutrition

 

Your body doesn't know the difference between physical, emotional, psychological or environmental stress, so it responds to all in the same way; by releasing higher amounts of cortisol and adrenaline.  Now, during benzo w/d our systems are under constant stress from an overactive nervous system but we can prevent ourselves from adding any excess stress.  Excessive anger, worry, fighting, overexercise, exposure to toxins, mold and chemicals are all stress responses.  Practice healthy stress responses and coping mechanisms such as yoga, taichi, meditation, therapy, deep breathing, acceptance, letting things go etc..  These things are great for quieting your mind and giving your adrenals a rest.

 

Sleep is a tough one because most of us have a hard time sleeping during w/d, I sure do.  However just get what you can- and listen to your body.  If your tired make sure you get to sleep, don't force yourself to stay up watching TV or surfing benzobuddies   If you feel tired during the day, give yourself the time to lay down and rest.  If you can even turn that into a nap that's great.

 

Nutrition is very important.  Your body has to have the necessary nutrients in order to rebuild its hormones (and to rebuild GABA recpetors).  Plus the added benefit of a balanced diet goes well beyond just healing from this.

Your first goal is to balance your blood sugar.  If your blood sugar drops too low your body releases cortisol or adrenaline to balance it out (hense late night adrenaline rushes).  Therefore, if you eat balanced meals every 2-3 hours it will take a lot of strain off of your adrenals.  Also, to avoid those middle of the night surges try eating some protien and fat right before bed.  Undereating is one of the worst things you can do.  But make sure you are eating quality food- heavy on the vegetables and good protiens and fats.  Carbohydrates are important as well but make sure they are only complex carb sources, not simple sugars.  Sugar spikes your blood sugar and puts extra strain on your adrenals. It may even be a good idea to avoid fruits for a while of you are extra sensitive.  Also avoid any stimulants like caffeine, it only pushes your already weakened system harder.  Its tempting to do so in order to get that little energy boost but you wil pay for it later.

 

Another good procatice is to add salt to your diet.  Good salt though, like Celtic Sea Salt or Himilayan Pink salt.  These are healthy (beieve it or not) and contain tons of great minerals.  Table salt is crap.  Aldesterone, another adrenal hormone, is responsible for electrolyte balance and taking in too much potassium without adequate sodium to balance it can be very stressful on your adrenals.  Sports drinks like Gatorade can cause crashes.  Salt your food liberally, and add 1/4 tsp of salt to your glass of water.  If you start to get excessive thirst or retain a lot of water pull the salt back slightly.

 

There are some supplements that help boost your adrenals but try not to overdo it as too much can be stimulating and cause crashes.  Also, we have the possible reactions with benzo w/d

 

The highest amount of vitamin C in your body is in your adrenal glands.  Supplememnting with 1,000-2,000 mg/day is usually sufficient.

 

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid (Pathenine) is also very important in the adrenal cascade.  It is a precurser to Coenzyme A.  Usualy 400-800 mg/day is sufficient.

 

B complex is frequently used as well but I don't take it because sometimes it can revv up my w/d symptoms

 

Vitamin D3 may also help if you have a deficiency.  2,000-5,000 IU's a day is good.

 

 

Also, A great book about AF diet is The Schwarzbein Principal

 

 

It's absolutely possible to heal fully from adrenal fatigue, even during benzo w/d.  You just have to stay consistent and, most of all, just chill.

 

Happy recovery-

 

Clark 

       

Adrenal Fatigue is very real. However, due to the fact there is no concrete testing procedures, AF like CFS is used to diagnose a whole range of symptoms, and unfortunately this does lead to hundreds of NDS and quacks making themselves rich out of sick people.

 

I suffered burnout about five years ago. At the time I didnt really know what it was, it was just sheer exhaustion. Over eighteen months I got better, the crashes and symptoms seemed to dissapear and I thought I was healed. I went back to full time work, ouldnt cope with the stress and within months went into exhaustion stage, where I had been ever since. Exhaustion stage is where your HPA axis becomes completely messed up, and I was wired during the day, exhausted at night, waking up at 3am every night, never getting back to sleep, hormone fluctuations..it was, is a nightmare. This ultimately led me to benzos because of the lack of sleep for three years. But I continued working, training, trying to hold on to some part of my old life.

 

A true chronic fatigue syndrome paitent, could be in the burnout stages of AF, or as they normally describe post viral exhaustion. There just isnt enough testing going on to actually find out the route cause.

 

I was tested by a 24 hour cortisol test, and this showed extremely low, but not quite addisons level of cortisol output. The theory is that the wake ups where caused by my adrenals not being able to produce enough glycogen in my liver to keep my blood sugar stable, and therefore spiking a load or coritsol to balance it out, therefore waking me up, and then having so much of the stuff floating around sleep is impossible. Overtime the theory is that the more the adrenals struggle to produce adequate levels of cortisol at the correct times, the more the HPA becomes juxtaposed, and sends out compensatory hormones like adrenaline, and this in turns out balances nuerotransmitters - depression, anxiety, etc.

 

The term Adrenal Fatigue may not be accurate in its own words for all paitents of this, but niether is CFS, yet we need something. I know the stress of trying to figure out what was wrong for many years made things a lot worse for me, as did megadosing vitamins with a specialist AF doctor, but I had to carry on working. I had bills to pay, and although over these years I lost most of my friends and life trying to cope with just work and no sleep, my life ultimately became nothing, and the search for sleep brought me to benzos.

 

I believe Clark was at the stage jsut before burnout, and this is the real vicious stage. All hormones where extremely low, but the body is still functioning at a level, which means anxiety, depression and insomnia s rife as the body tries to compensate in anyway it can. For three years I never once was able to just 'relax', my body was in a permanent stressed out zone. The NDS call it the stress resistance zone, which is before burnout and extremely vicious.

 

It is of course, just a theory, like medical understandings of depression, anxiety etc, but its a theory that has more weight than any other medical derived theory. But doctors want to give out benzos, and quite frankly I think vitamin C and B5 is a far better option than benzos....in hindsight!!!

 

Unfortunately AF is a disease where one needs to take charge of their life. Work needs to be stopped or reduced, lifestyles adjusted, and in the process it becomes an extremely confusing and lonely ride. Very much like benzo recovery. But for years one struggles trying to still achieve the things they did before they got sick...I spent two years still training in KArate, because I just couldnt give it up, it was everything to me, and in the process, made myself far far worse. Work, friends, everything has gone over the past three years, and even more so since benzos...and if you manage to convince someone who has jsut been diagnosed with AF that they really need to make massive adjustments like this, and to expect for years your not going to be the same person..well its almost impossible, the human mind just wont accept it.

 

One thing benzo recovery has brought me, is the understanding of paitence and slowing down. I havent quite learnt it yet, everyday is a frustrating and lonely ride, but what else can I do? but its all taught me that tackling AF is going to be a walk in the park compared to this...but now, I have nothing left in my life, and the thoughts of everything I have lost over the past 5 years of being sick is one of the most painful things I have ever experienced.

 

However being on this forum has really shown me that benzo WD is a form of AF, it isnt just about repairing the gaba receptors, the symptoms are way to assymtomatic to be all down the those..the whole endocrine system needs repairing. Stress causes AF, whether work stress, over training, not eating right etc....so no doubt the stress endured coming off benzos can also cause it!

 

 

I never new it could last 18 months.. .  Thank you for your story..

 

Molly

That was my first round of AF, this one has been three years but mainly because i was put on the meds made it worse after the first six months. Ive learned you cannot heal while on meds..some AF can take many more years to heal, but im a firm believer that learning about nutrition and vitamins, yoga and meditation, therefore creating a food, supplement and wxcercise programme are the way back. Not dropping a multi vitamin and going for a walk once a week, it takes commitment and strength as there will be set backs.

 

The key supplements (dosage and time of administration is soecific to individual, dont shot gun then!!)

 

Liposomal vitamin C

Liposomal Glutithione

Pantethine and small amounts of pantothemic acid

Magnesium

Chromium picolate

Zinc

 

That was my first round of AF, this one has been three years but mainly because i was put on the meds made it worse after the first six months. Ive learned you cannot heal while on meds..some AF can take many more years to heal, but im a firm believer that learning about nutrition and vitamins, yoga and meditation, therefore creating a food, supplement and wxcercise programme are the way back. Not dropping a multi vitamin and going for a walk once a week, it takes commitment and strength as there will be set backs.

 

The key supplements (dosage and time of administration is soecific to individual, dont shot gun then!!)

 

Liposomal vitamin C

Liposomal Glutithione

Pantethine and small amounts of pantothemic acid

Magnesium

Chromium picolate

Zinc

 

Thanks, this info is more than I ever got from my doc...

 

Molly

Hi Dubjam,

 

What is Liposomal Vitamin C and how is different than regular Vitamin C?  Is it sold OTC?

 

Thanks,

Tina

 

That was my first round of AF, this one has been three years but mainly because i was put on the meds made it worse after the first six months. Ive learned you cannot heal while on meds..some AF can take many more years to heal, but im a firm believer that learning about nutrition and vitamins, yoga and meditation, therefore creating a food, supplement and wxcercise programme are the way back. Not dropping a multi vitamin and going for a walk once a week, it takes commitment and strength as there will be set backs.

 

The key supplements (dosage and time of administration is soecific to individual, dont shot gun then!!)

 

Liposomal vitamin C

Liposomal Glutithione

Pantethine and small amounts of pantothemic acid

Magnesium

Chromium picolate

Zinc

Lipo Vitamin C is IV strength vitamin C that can be taken orally, it has the nutrient wrapped in tiny nanospheres which means it dosent get destroyed by the digestive tract.

 

I take around 5000mg a day...Some people can get up to 10,000

 

You can get it from supplement clinic, and i think Liv on do one now and Dr Macura.

 

It you are starting to dose it, go very low and slow...you need to increase tolerance, this is measured by when it gives you an upset stomach, at first i could only handle 1000mg now I can take any amount.

 

Vitamin C is the most important, and Panethine, Clark posted Dr Lams adrenal fatigue pages, its worth checking his stuff out. He is a scaremongerer and spin doctor, but his knowledge is excellent

 

Here is an article, not on his site, about vitamin C

 

Adrenal Fatigue and Vitamin C

By: Michael Lam, MD, MPH

 

 

Adrenal fatigue sufferers invariably have inadequate supply of many key nutrients, including vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and pantethine. Out of these, sub-clinical vitamin C deficiency is the most prevalent. While no outward symptom of scurvy is seen as in clinical vitamin C deficiency, the body's need and appetite for vitamin C go up tremendously when the adrenals are weak. The highest concentration of vitamin C in the body is in the adrenals, where it is needed the most. Vitamin C helps the body repair and maintains connective tissue. It is a key catalyst of adrenal hormone production, including cortisol. Its antioxidant effects are important in the presence of tissue-destroying oxidants in periodontal disease as well as infections from a variety of sources. Those suffering from adrenal fatigue invariably needs large amount of Vitamin C for optimal recovery. In additon to its critical adrenal support function, vitamin C is perhaps the best electron donor because of its water-soluble properties and thus readily bio-available to the cells. Toxins deplete electron stores at the cell. Having sufficient electrons inside the cell reverse potential cell death brought on by bacterial , environmental, and industrial toxins.

 

In addition to its adrenal support function, vitamin C helps in the formation of critical collagens responsible for keeping the vascular system and musculo-skeletal system pliable and healthy. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Most proteins such as enzymes and co-factors occur in a small amount but there are a few exceptions, notably hemoglobin (in red blood cells) and collagen that exist in abundance throughout the body. In the blood vessels, collagen, together with elastic fibers, from an integral part of the sub-endothelial connective tissue just below the endothelium (a single layer of very thin squamous epithelial cell that lines all blood vessels), as well as the external elastic lamina. Collagen also contributes to the supporting framework upon which skeletal muscle operates. Proper collagen synthesis is required for optimum health. Having adequate vitamin C stablizes blood pressure and reduces the catabolic state typically experienced by adrenal fatigue sufferers.

 

Collagen is a complex molecule, the production of which occurs in several stages. The amino acids glycine and proline are the two key components. When they are exposed to Vitamin C, they form a compound called pro-collagen. The exact mechanism is not known, but studies have shown that prolonged exposure of human connective tissue culture to Vitamin C results in an eight-fold increase in the synthesis of collagen and not other proteins. The pro-collagen, a precursor to collagen is then converted into collagen in a reaction that substitutes a hydroxyl group, OH, for a hydrogen atom, H, in the proline and lysine point of the polypeptide pro-collagen chain. When Vitamin C is added, this hydroxylation process is catalyzed by 2 different enzymes called prolyl-4-hydroxylase and lysyl-hydroxylase. As such, Vitamin C functions as a catalyst. Because the body does not make vitamin C, it has to be supplied externally.

 

Collagen is omnipresent in our body. It forms the foundational matrix of our skin, bones, teeth, blood vessels, eyes, heart, and essentially the whole body. Collagen is stronger than a steel wire of the same weight. When it is combined with elastin and macropolysaccharides, a connective tissue network forms. It is this network that holds our body together. Collagen is so important in our bodies that without it, our body will not function. Of all the non-mineral constituents of the mammalian body, collagen forms a large proportion next to water and fats. In adrenal fatigue, the body breaks down collagen and muscle for fuel. This catabolic state lead to weakening of the skeletal system, with symptoms such as fibromyalgia, chronic muscular pain of unknown origin, joint pain, loss of muscle tone, and reduced muscle strength. This collagen must be replaced for the body to heal. The main building blocks of collagen are glycine, proline, lysine and Vitamin C, out of which only proline can be manufactured by the body from glutamine. The importance of Vitamin C's role in supporting collagen synthesis cannot be over-emphasized.

 

In time of stress and adrenal fatigue, the body's requirement for vitamin C can easy go up 10 to 20 fold or more. Having a sufficient level of vitamin C in the body is therefore critical to help the adrenals make anti-inflammatory hormones including cortisol, prevent catabolic state from worsening, boost immune function to fight infection, prevent heart disease, overcome opportunistic infections, and neutralize systemic toxins from environmental and periodontal diseases. Proper vitamin C fortification should therefore be a cornerstone of any adrenal recovery program and any pre-surgery setting where immune optimization is desired. Because there is no blood thinning effect, prophylactic vitamin C can be used safely prior to surgery.

 

Vitamin C comes in many forms. Each form of vitamin C has its own properties and characteristics. Ascorbic acid tends to be more acidic and "spiky", while buffered vitamin C tends to be a bit more gentle. Some people do well with ascorbic acid; while others develop gastric irritation or find it make them anxious. Most people also develop a harmless diarrhea at high doses. Most vitamin C commercially available are derived from corn sources, while some are from food sources. Food source vitamin C may raise blood sugar level, while those who have corn allergy may find corn source vitamin C intolerable. Vitamin C itself has adaptogenic properties. Manifestation of these characteristics is highly dependent on the degree of adrenal fatigue and the body's constitutional make-up. Side effects are rare even at high doses. Annoyance can include constipation, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia which are normally, but not always, dose dependent.

 

Vitamin C is available in various oral delivery systems as well, from capsules, tablets, liquid, intravenous, powder, to effervescent forms. Absorption from the GI tract to the hepatic circulation varies from 5-18%. A bowl tolerance level is usually reached from 5,000- 10,000 mg, where harmless diarrhea occurs. The diarrhea usually goes away within 24 hours if the dosage is reduced.

 

Because over 80% of ordinary oral vitamin C passes through the gastrointestinal track unabsorbed, ultimate bio-availability to the cell is severely limited. This has been a great challenge. The electron donation and thus toxin-reversal and anti-bacterial effect of vitamin C can only be relied upon when administered in very high doses.

 

Up until recently, intravenous administration remains the best option to deliver high dose vitamin C to the cells in case of that suffering adrenal fatigue or those who needs it. Common dosage ranges from 30 to 50 grams IV vitamin C slow infusion. This is a time consuming process and is expansive.

 

In recent years, the advance of nanotechnology and liposomal encapsulation technology offers a significantly enhanced oral liquid delivery system with superior absorption from the small intestine rather than from the stomach. This cutting edge liposomal delivery system dramatically improves bio-availability and is by far the best oral form of vitamin C delivery system available. Liposomal delivery system is ideally suited for adrenal fatigue because high dose can be administered easily by mouth and is relatively inexpensive. Because absorption occurs at the small intestine and the stomach is bypassed, gastric irritation is minimal if any. Diarrhea is also significantly reduced because most is absorbed and does not remain in the GI tract where it triggers water retention at the large bowl and thus diarrhea..

 

While the bio-availability of vitamin C delivered by liposome is far superior to other forms of vitamin C, ascorbic acid in its various forms still has its place and should not be ignored. The absorption tends to be faster and results more immediate for these other forms. Because each body reacts differently to vitamin C, there is no "one size fit all" protocol. A thorough knowledge of these forms, including the pros and cons and the characteristics of mineral ascorbates and fat-soluable ascorbates, is important. Various forms of ascorbates, including regular and liposomal vitamin C should be use together in a nutritional blend or cocktail mix for maximum and sustained effect.

 

Dosage:

 

Commercially available oral liposomal vitamin C, such as LipoNanoTM C, is the preferred delivery system. The dosage varies greatly from person to person, but most do well with 3,000 to 6,000 mg a day for adrenal fatigue.

 

Mineral ascorbates (preferably magesium ascorbate) dosage range from 500 mg to 10,000 per day.

 

Fat-soluable vitamin dosage range from 100-2000 mg per day.

 

Effervescent and chewable forms shoiuld be avoided.

 

Because of the tremendous individual variation and different acceptance of the various forms of vitamin C by the body, those with moderate and severe adrenal fatigue should consult a health care professional prior to embarking on a self-navigation program. A qualitative testing challenge protocol should be considered. Self navigation should be considered only by those with very mild adrenal fatigue. Thie more advance the adrenal fatigue, the more critical that dosage must be properly adjusted to fit the body's decompensatory state to avoid woresening of the condition while benefiting from its properties.

 

Excellent info Dubjam.  Thank you

 

Lipo Vitamin C is IV strength vitamin C that can be taken orally, it has the nutrient wrapped in tiny nanospheres which means it dosent get destroyed by the digestive tract.

 

I take around 5000mg a day...Some people can get up to 10,000

 

You can get it from supplement clinic, and i think Liv on do one now and Dr Macura.

 

It you are starting to dose it, go very low and slow...you need to increase tolerance, this is measured by when it gives you an upset stomach, at first i could only handle 1000mg now I can take any amount.

 

Vitamin C is the most important, and Panethine, Clark posted Dr Lams adrenal fatigue pages, its worth checking his stuff out. He is a scaremongerer and spin doctor, but his knowledge is excellent

 

Here is an article, not on his site, about vitamin C

 

Adrenal Fatigue and Vitamin C

By: Michael Lam, MD, MPH

 

 

Adrenal fatigue sufferers invariably have inadequate supply of many key nutrients, including vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and pantethine. Out of these, sub-clinical vitamin C deficiency is the most prevalent. While no outward symptom of scurvy is seen as in clinical vitamin C deficiency, the body's need and appetite for vitamin C go up tremendously when the adrenals are weak. The highest concentration of vitamin C in the body is in the adrenals, where it is needed the most. Vitamin C helps the body repair and maintains connective tissue. It is a key catalyst of adrenal hormone production, including cortisol. Its antioxidant effects are important in the presence of tissue-destroying oxidants in periodontal disease as well as infections from a variety of sources. Those suffering from adrenal fatigue invariably needs large amount of Vitamin C for optimal recovery. In additon to its critical adrenal support function, vitamin C is perhaps the best electron donor because of its water-soluble properties and thus readily bio-available to the cells. Toxins deplete electron stores at the cell. Having sufficient electrons inside the cell reverse potential cell death brought on by bacterial , environmental, and industrial toxins.

 

In addition to its adrenal support function, vitamin C helps in the formation of critical collagens responsible for keeping the vascular system and musculo-skeletal system pliable and healthy. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. Most proteins such as enzymes and co-factors occur in a small amount but there are a few exceptions, notably hemoglobin (in red blood cells) and collagen that exist in abundance throughout the body. In the blood vessels, collagen, together with elastic fibers, from an integral part of the sub-endothelial connective tissue just below the endothelium (a single layer of very thin squamous epithelial cell that lines all blood vessels), as well as the external elastic lamina. Collagen also contributes to the supporting framework upon which skeletal muscle operates. Proper collagen synthesis is required for optimum health. Having adequate vitamin C stablizes blood pressure and reduces the catabolic state typically experienced by adrenal fatigue sufferers.

 

Collagen is a complex molecule, the production of which occurs in several stages. The amino acids glycine and proline are the two key components. When they are exposed to Vitamin C, they form a compound called pro-collagen. The exact mechanism is not known, but studies have shown that prolonged exposure of human connective tissue culture to Vitamin C results in an eight-fold increase in the synthesis of collagen and not other proteins. The pro-collagen, a precursor to collagen is then converted into collagen in a reaction that substitutes a hydroxyl group, OH, for a hydrogen atom, H, in the proline and lysine point of the polypeptide pro-collagen chain. When Vitamin C is added, this hydroxylation process is catalyzed by 2 different enzymes called prolyl-4-hydroxylase and lysyl-hydroxylase. As such, Vitamin C functions as a catalyst. Because the body does not make vitamin C, it has to be supplied externally.

 

Collagen is omnipresent in our body. It forms the foundational matrix of our skin, bones, teeth, blood vessels, eyes, heart, and essentially the whole body. Collagen is stronger than a steel wire of the same weight. When it is combined with elastin and macropolysaccharides, a connective tissue network forms. It is this network that holds our body together. Collagen is so important in our bodies that without it, our body will not function. Of all the non-mineral constituents of the mammalian body, collagen forms a large proportion next to water and fats. In adrenal fatigue, the body breaks down collagen and muscle for fuel. This catabolic state lead to weakening of the skeletal system, with symptoms such as fibromyalgia, chronic muscular pain of unknown origin, joint pain, loss of muscle tone, and reduced muscle strength. This collagen must be replaced for the body to heal. The main building blocks of collagen are glycine, proline, lysine and Vitamin C, out of which only proline can be manufactured by the body from glutamine. The importance of Vitamin C's role in supporting collagen synthesis cannot be over-emphasized.

 

In time of stress and adrenal fatigue, the body's requirement for vitamin C can easy go up 10 to 20 fold or more. Having a sufficient level of vitamin C in the body is therefore critical to help the adrenals make anti-inflammatory hormones including cortisol, prevent catabolic state from worsening, boost immune function to fight infection, prevent heart disease, overcome opportunistic infections, and neutralize systemic toxins from environmental and periodontal diseases. Proper vitamin C fortification should therefore be a cornerstone of any adrenal recovery program and any pre-surgery setting where immune optimization is desired. Because there is no blood thinning effect, prophylactic vitamin C can be used safely prior to surgery.

 

Vitamin C comes in many forms. Each form of vitamin C has its own properties and characteristics. Ascorbic acid tends to be more acidic and "spiky", while buffered vitamin C tends to be a bit more gentle. Some people do well with ascorbic acid; while others develop gastric irritation or find it make them anxious. Most people also develop a harmless diarrhea at high doses. Most vitamin C commercially available are derived from corn sources, while some are from food sources. Food source vitamin C may raise blood sugar level, while those who have corn allergy may find corn source vitamin C intolerable. Vitamin C itself has adaptogenic properties. Manifestation of these characteristics is highly dependent on the degree of adrenal fatigue and the body's constitutional make-up. Side effects are rare even at high doses. Annoyance can include constipation, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, and insomnia which are normally, but not always, dose dependent.

 

Vitamin C is available in various oral delivery systems as well, from capsules, tablets, liquid, intravenous, powder, to effervescent forms. Absorption from the GI tract to the hepatic circulation varies from 5-18%. A bowl tolerance level is usually reached from 5,000- 10,000 mg, where harmless diarrhea occurs. The diarrhea usually goes away within 24 hours if the dosage is reduced.

 

Because over 80% of ordinary oral vitamin C passes through the gastrointestinal track unabsorbed, ultimate bio-availability to the cell is severely limited. This has been a great challenge. The electron donation and thus toxin-reversal and anti-bacterial effect of vitamin C can only be relied upon when administered in very high doses.

 

Up until recently, intravenous administration remains the best option to deliver high dose vitamin C to the cells in case of that suffering adrenal fatigue or those who needs it. Common dosage ranges from 30 to 50 grams IV vitamin C slow infusion. This is a time consuming process and is expansive.

 

In recent years, the advance of nanotechnology and liposomal encapsulation technology offers a significantly enhanced oral liquid delivery system with superior absorption from the small intestine rather than from the stomach. This cutting edge liposomal delivery system dramatically improves bio-availability and is by far the best oral form of vitamin C delivery system available. Liposomal delivery system is ideally suited for adrenal fatigue because high dose can be administered easily by mouth and is relatively inexpensive. Because absorption occurs at the small intestine and the stomach is bypassed, gastric irritation is minimal if any. Diarrhea is also significantly reduced because most is absorbed and does not remain in the GI tract where it triggers water retention at the large bowl and thus diarrhea..

 

While the bio-availability of vitamin C delivered by liposome is far superior to other forms of vitamin C, ascorbic acid in its various forms still has its place and should not be ignored. The absorption tends to be faster and results more immediate for these other forms. Because each body reacts differently to vitamin C, there is no "one size fit all" protocol. A thorough knowledge of these forms, including the pros and cons and the characteristics of mineral ascorbates and fat-soluable ascorbates, is important. Various forms of ascorbates, including regular and liposomal vitamin C should be use together in a nutritional blend or cocktail mix for maximum and sustained effect.

 

Dosage:

 

Commercially available oral liposomal vitamin C, such as LipoNanoTM C, is the preferred delivery system. The dosage varies greatly from person to person, but most do well with 3,000 to 6,000 mg a day for adrenal fatigue.

 

Mineral ascorbates (preferably magesium ascorbate) dosage range from 500 mg to 10,000 per day.

 

Fat-soluable vitamin dosage range from 100-2000 mg per day.

 

Effervescent and chewable forms shoiuld be avoided.

 

Because of the tremendous individual variation and different acceptance of the various forms of vitamin C by the body, those with moderate and severe adrenal fatigue should consult a health care professional prior to embarking on a self-navigation program. A qualitative testing challenge protocol should be considered. Self navigation should be considered only by those with very mild adrenal fatigue. Thie more advance the adrenal fatigue, the more critical that dosage must be properly adjusted to fit the body's decompensatory state to avoid woresening of the condition while benefiting from its properties.

Dubjam-

 

Thanks for jumpin in. I was in complete but out when I finally had to quit my job and concentrate full one in healing. I couldn't look down without the floor falling out from under my feet. I was so bad my naturopath that I was seeing had me rushed into an endocrinologist same day because she was certain I had Addison's Disease. I've been in the hole. Like you, the anxiety and countless sleepless nights is a what brought me to Ativan. I sure would have preferred those sleepless nights over what I've had the past year.

 

But given as sensitive as I am to everything now since the w/d I keep my supplements basic and that's how it's going to stay. Vit c, panthenine, d, kelp and digestive enzymes. I'm still deep in burnout but rest, meditation, yoga and qi gong is what's going to get me out of this. I've been fucked in the ass too many times by western medicine at this point, it's time for a new paradigm.

Clark, I find it absolutely CHILLING that someone as young as you and as totally wired into fitness has fallen so far. I sincerely hope you get back to where you were before and become a model for the rest of us.

 

This whole thing about "adrenal fatigue" is clearly marked as "not scientifically supported". My own common sense tells me that this is going to be overturned. It was not long ago that people with a gluten intolerance were treated as hypochondriacs. But I know TWO people whose lives were ruined by gluten and who took back their lives by careful diets.

 

I have a sensitivity to caffeine that I only discovered this year, and that gave me headaches from the age of 10. I am 64. I am headache free now, almost five months.

 

Right now I am experimenting with an increase in vitamin C. I am taking about 3000 mg. per 24 hour period, always with 125 mg. of magnesia. I also have to walk at least three times a day. I found out that three times is necessary, at least. I don't know why yet. It has something to do with the time. 1/2 hour does nothing for me. There is a training effect in the second 1/2 hour. I need the time and distance to get that. And I need three times a day, spaced, to give my body a chance to bleed off excess energy.

 

It can only be coming from adrenals. I don't care if 95% of the medical profession tells me that this is in my head, it is NOT. And these bastards can all kiss my butt, because there STUPID thinking and ignnorance prevented me from getting better a long time ago. I have to stay angry, in a positive way, or I lose my edge, the edge to fight all this. That edge gives me the will to push the exercise, to stay strong and to get closer to winning.

I want to start this because a lot of people suffer from adrenal fatigue throughout this process and are unsure how to treat it.  I hope to give you guys some helpful information.  I suffered from very severe adrenal fatigue well before taking benzos and have seen every doctor there is, tried every protocol there is and researched everything out there.

 

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

 

First off, adrenal fatigue is real, very real.  There are still some main stream doctors who deny its existence, particularly endocrinologists, but soon enough it will be recognised.  It rubs me the wrong way how some people on this very forum deny that it exists simply because doctors have told them so, yet isn't that the same situation that most of us are in with benzo withdrawal?  People need to open their eyes and respond to the very real symptoms that people are having, not literature in a text book written by someone who has never experienced it.  So if you suspect you have adrenal fatigue and someone tells you it doesn't exist, simply nod your head and walk away- they are wrong.

 

This is not Addison's Disease.  Addisons is either an autoimmune reaction or an inability to respond to ACTH secreted by your pituitary.  Adrenal fatigue on the other hand, is simply the adrenal gland's weakened state after being exposed to chronic stress for a prolonged period of time.  Our bodies are equipped very well to handle quick "fight or flight" responses like running from a tiger in the paleolithic era, getting in a fight, or overcoming an injury.  But when we are put under high stress for long periods of time (benzo withdrawal) our hormonal reserves start to run out.  What we need to do is bring our stress levels down to the point where our body is rebuilding faster than it is burning our biochemical reserves.

 

The symptoms of adrenal fatigue overlap many of those in benzo w/d so if you have some of these nothing says you have adrenal fatigue for sure, but this is just a refrence:

 

Fatigue that isn't relieved by any amount of sleep

Lethargy

Dizziness

Lightheadedness

Mental Fog

Fuzzy Thinking

Hypoglycemia

Salt Craving

Digestive Problems

Low Sex Drive

Low Blood Pressure

Adrenaline Surges in the middle of the night

Hair Loss

Sensitive to Cold

Depression

Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

Muscle and joint pains

Sleep Difficulties

A low in late afternoon and a second wind late at night

 

In about 80% of cases of prolonged AF your thyroid begins to underperform as well so some of these symptoms aren't necessarilly restricted to just adrenals.

 

How to Treat It

 

The good news is that yes, adrenal fatigue is fully reversable but it does take some time.  However, the general guidelines to treat it are very parallel to those of benzo w/d so you can merge everything into one protocol.  There are three major components to recovery:

          Reduce Stress as much as possibe

          Sleep as much as possible

          Rebuild your reserves through proper nutrition

 

Your body doesn't know the difference between physical, emotional, psychological or environmental stress, so it responds to all in the same way; by releasing higher amounts of cortisol and adrenaline.  Now, during benzo w/d our systems are under constant stress from an overactive nervous system but we can prevent ourselves from adding any excess stress.  Excessive anger, worry, fighting, overexercise, exposure to toxins, mold and chemicals are all stress responses.  Practice healthy stress responses and coping mechanisms such as yoga, taichi, meditation, therapy, deep breathing, acceptance, letting things go etc..  These things are great for quieting your mind and giving your adrenals a rest.

 

Sleep is a tough one because most of us have a hard time sleeping during w/d, I sure do.  However just get what you can- and listen to your body.  If your tired make sure you get to sleep, don't force yourself to stay up watching TV or surfing benzobuddies   If you feel tired during the day, give yourself the time to lay down and rest.  If you can even turn that into a nap that's great.

 

Nutrition is very important.  Your body has to have the necessary nutrients in order to rebuild its hormones (and to rebuild GABA recpetors).  Plus the added benefit of a balanced diet goes well beyond just healing from this.

Your first goal is to balance your blood sugar.  If your blood sugar drops too low your body releases cortisol or adrenaline to balance it out (hense late night adrenaline rushes).  Therefore, if you eat balanced meals every 2-3 hours it will take a lot of strain off of your adrenals.  Also, to avoid those middle of the night surges try eating some protien and fat right before bed.  Undereating is one of the worst things you can do.  But make sure you are eating quality food- heavy on the vegetables and good protiens and fats.  Carbohydrates are important as well but make sure they are only complex carb sources, not simple sugars.  Sugar spikes your blood sugar and puts extra strain on your adrenals. It may even be a good idea to avoid fruits for a while of you are extra sensitive.  Also avoid any stimulants like caffeine, it only pushes your already weakened system harder.  Its tempting to do so in order to get that little energy boost but you wil pay for it later.

 

Another good procatice is to add salt to your diet.  Good salt though, like Celtic Sea Salt or Himilayan Pink salt.  These are healthy (beieve it or not) and contain tons of great minerals.  Table salt is crap.  Aldesterone, another adrenal hormone, is responsible for electrolyte balance and taking in too much potassium without adequate sodium to balance it can be very stressful on your adrenals.  Sports drinks like Gatorade can cause crashes.  Salt your food liberally, and add 1/4 tsp of salt to your glass of water.  If you start to get excessive thirst or retain a lot of water pull the salt back slightly.

 

There are some supplements that help boost your adrenals but try not to overdo it as too much can be stimulating and cause crashes.  Also, we have the possible reactions with benzo w/d

 

The highest amount of vitamin C in your body is in your adrenal glands.  Supplememnting with 1,000-2,000 mg/day is usually sufficient.

 

Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid (Pathenine) is also very important in the adrenal cascade.  It is a precurser to Coenzyme A.  Usualy 400-800 mg/day is sufficient.

 

B complex is frequently used as well but I don't take it because sometimes it can revv up my w/d symptoms

 

Vitamin D3 may also help if you have a deficiency.  2,000-5,000 IU's a day is good.

 

Also, A great book about AF diet is The Schwarzbein Principal

 

It's absolutely possible to heal fully from adrenal fatigue, even during benzo w/d.  You just have to stay consistent and, most of all, just chill.

 

Happy recovery-

 

Clark         

 

Not sure how I missed this post - very good information.  I'm 34 months off and believe that most of my issues today stem from adrenal fatigue and Hashimoto's disease.  I've researched this topic thoroughly for about a year, right after I was diagnosed via blood and 24 hour saliva testing (I'm also under the care of a good doc that is familiar with AF). 

 

Low cortisol can cause auto immune conditions (Hashimoto's), low testosterone, and many other health problems.  I too am of the opinion that many people going through BW may have some sort of adrenal fatigue due to long periods of stress and anxiety (due to down regulation of GABA).

Hi:

 

Thanks for the info. I didn't even know it existed. Betsy

 

Sounds exactly what I have been going through.....AF and all its associated symptoms after benzo WD

 

So the question is....how and when does this clear up...can the body adjust by itself and get back to homeostasis once again ??

 

My main problem is the continued cortisol/hypermetabolism day and night accompanied by wasting of muscle and fat....I can literally feel it burning away. 

 

ONE symptom that has abated was the night sweats have stopped lately....hopefully a good sign?

 

Please help....

 

 

 

Thanks!