Adrenal fatigue: Restoring the rhythms of health and vitality

by Barb Jarmoska

No bigger than a walnut and weighing less than a grape, your two adrenal glands each sit atop a kidney from where these glands command powerful hormones that help you cope with stress and affect the function of every cell in your body.

The production and regulation of adrenal hormones (cortisol, DHEA, aldosterone, epinephrine, norepinephrine, testosterone, androstenedione and estrogen) has the power to drastically alter the ability of your cells to digest food, stabilize blood sugar, heal wounds, strengthen bones, fight infection, attain deep sleep, regenerate skin and of course, produce energy.

When poor diet and/or excess stress exceeds what your mind and body can handle, there is not a single aspect of your life and health that remains unaffected. The first thing you will notice when your adrenal glands begin to crash is fatigue. This is often followed by digestive problems, insomnia, inflammation, pain, skin disorders and chronic infections.

Restoration of the adrenal glands can only occur when your lifestyle and diet provide adequate rest and an abundance of nutrients.

Although dietary supplements can NEVER replace or substitute for a wholesome eating plan and stress-reduction techniques, nutritional supplements can play a significant role in restoring adrenal health.

Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum is a board certified internist and the Medical Director of Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers Inc., providing 14 clinics for chronic fatigue throughout North America. Author of the book “From Fatigued to Fantastic,” Dr. Teitelbaum has developed a three-part nutritional support program that provides the key nutrients most often lacking in those who suffer from consistently low energy. The Teitelbaum regimen has proven to be the most beneficial program Freshlife offers. Daily Energy Infusion is a multi vitamin/mineral powder. Simply add water and drink first thing in the morning. In addition to the vitamins and minerals normally found in a daily multiple, nutrients in the orange or berry-flavored beverage are geared specifically to therapeutic restoration of energy. Adrenal Stress End offers additional support for stress and burned-out adrenal glands. When chronic fatigue is present, the adrenals are always a part of the equation. By nourishing these crucial hormone-regulating glands, the body’s natural rhythms can be restored. Adrenal Stress End is also very helpful for menopausal women who experience night sweats, as nocturnal hot flashes are often directly linked to low adrenal function. Restorative Sleep Formula completes the Teitelbaum program of energy restoration. This bedtime blend needs no explanation, as the product’s name is indicative of its role in health improvement. Without recharging your human “batteries” with deep, restful sleep, it is impossible to experience ample, sustained energy during the day.

In addition to Dr. Teitelbaum’s three-part program, we have found the work of other nutritional research scientists also has a contribution to make. Peak Energy is a unique sublingual lozenge providing the currency of human energy – ATP itself. Although ATP is not available to your cells if swallowed – dissolving a lozenge under the tongue allows these extra molecules of human energy to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The results are particularly dramatic for seniors and those whose ability to restore ATP is impaired. Enhance! remains a favorite among Freshlife staff. This liquid extract contains a blend of restorative herbs targeted both to the adrenals as well as the brain chemicals required for recuperation and stress recovery. For more details on Enhance!, see "Enhancing vitality".

An estimated 15 million Americans suffer from fatigue-related issues and the numbers are rapidly growing. Chronic low energy creates a constellation of symptoms that can ultimately destroy healthy and active lifestyles, end rewarding careers and devastate families. Don’t wait until serious consequences arise. Begin today to recover and rebuild your energy through wise diet and lifestyle choices, stress reduction techniques and the use of natural medicines that balance and restore. The Freshlife Wellness Services team is available to help you experience vitality and embrace your best health.