Table of Contents
| QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
| ADRENAL CORTEX, LICORICE ROOT |
| ADRENAL FATIGUE REMEDIES |
| BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS |
| COCONUT OIL |
| JUNE'S REMEDIES |
| LEMON, GINSENG |
| MULTIPLE SUPPLEMENTS |
| OIL PULLING |
| SUPPLEMENTS |
Severe Adrenal Fatigue Remedies
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"Adrenal fatigue or hypoadrenia is a putative health disorder in which the adrenal glands are claimed to be exhausted and unable to produce adequate quantities of hormones, primarily cortisol. The term "adrenal fatigue" is a label sometimes applied to a collection of non-specific medically unexplained symptoms, but it is not a recognized medical condition. Actual adrenal dysfunction is medically termed adrenal insufficiency."
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adrenal_fatigue
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
1 YEA
[YEA] 06/05/2009: Lisa from Coto de Caza, CA writes: "First, see if you can find a doctor who believes in adrenal fatigue and do the cortisol saliva test. Alternative DR's, DO's, ND's are a good place to start. Prescription cortisol will help a lot.
If that doesn't work, try Adrenal Cortex 250 mg, 1-2 each in morning and 1-2 each at noon. It's important to take twice a day to keep the levels up through the afternoon
If that doesn't work enough, add Licorice root, 450 mg 1-2ea, 2 times per day. Licorice will help keep the cortisol that you do have, circulating longer.
I've been taking the Adrenal cortex for a few years, but adding Licorice root did make a positive difference. I didn't feel an "over abundance" of energy like a stimulant, but the afternoon "crash" doesn't happen and I can get a lot done."
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08/06/2008: Adrenal Fatigue from Kenedy, Texas writes: "Does anyone else suffer from Adrenal Fatigue? I found these suggestions at this website and thought they might help someone also suffering with this:
http://healwithhope.com/learn_about/adrenal_fatigue.htm
"Lying down during your work breaks (preferably at 10 a.m. and again anytime from 3 to 5 p.m.)
Sleeping until 9 a.m. as often as possible
Laughing
Exercising
Minimizing stress
Taking negative people out of your life
Eating regular meals
Chewing well
Doing something fun each day
Combining unrefined carbohydrates with protein and oils
Avoiding junk food
Eating five to six servings of vegetables each day
Taking calcium and magnesium supplements
Adding sea salt to your diet
Taking 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C each day
Supplementing vitamin E with mixed tocopherols
Taking B-complex supplements that are high in B6 and pantothenic acid
Adding licorice root extract to your dietary supplement regimen
Dietary changes to enrich your nutrition and reduce carbohydrates and stimulants. We also recommend the addition of high-quality nutritional supplements, including essential fatty acids from fish oil.
Stress reduction, including moderate exercise and taking more time for yourself. It's helpful to make a list of your stressors, especially those that are constant.
Get more rest. Your body needs time to heal."
08/14/2008: Angela from Tonasket, WA. replies: "I found out thru muscle testing with my chiropractor that my adrenal gland wasn't working well. Call that adrenal fatigue or not, I don't know, but she gave me a supplement called adrenal, desiccated (that says it's only sold thru health care professionals unfortunately.) that has really seemed to help me already. I'm only half way thru the bottle so far, but I'd reccomend it. My chiropractor is also a nutritionist by the way."
09/08/2008: Andrew from Delta, British Columbia replies: "Response to Angela:08/14/2008: Angela (aloisi2/@/gmail.com) from Tonasket, WA. replies: "I found out thru muscle testing with my chiropractor that my adrenal gland wasn't working well. Call that adrenal fatigue or not, I don't know, but she gave me a supplement called adrenal, desiccated (that says it's only sold thru health care professionals unfortunately.) that has really seemed to help me already. I'm only half way thru the bottle so far, but I'd reccomend it. My chiropractor is also a nutritionist by the way."
Actually, your chiropractor is not being honest with you. You can purchase dessicated adrenal cortex from a large number of vitamin suppliers. Go to iherb.com and do a search for adrenal cortex."
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08/24/2008: Teresa from Kenedy, Texas writes: "From Fatigued to Fantastic
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1 YEA
[YEA] 04/13/2008: Gail from North Bend, WA writes: "I have been experiencing hypothyroid symptoms as well as adrenal exhaustion symptoms for 6 months. My Medical Doctor did blood and urine tests as well as an MRI because I was experiencing headaches, low body temperature, extreme fatigue, earaches, muscle and joint pain. All tests came back normal. Liver function normal, thyroid normal, B12 normal, iron normal. Naturopath did allergy testing, autoimmune and thyroid tests. Thyroid TSH, T3 and T4 all were in optimal ranges. No allergies to foods. Negative to autoimmune test. I began on my own taking nutritional support for my Adrenals. I purchased a book and took all the recommended supplements for Severe Adrenal Fatigue. My morning temperatures were consistently in the lower 97 degree F. I ate well, eliminating junk food and sugary foods. My morning temperature dropped into the 96 degree F range. In desperation, I began taking Virgin Coconut oil, starting with 2 teaspoons on day 1, then 3 teaspoons on day 2. 3 Tablespoons on day 3. After 4 days of VCO 3 tablespoons a day I was able to do light exercise. Before that I was barely able to make it through a day. My legs felt like lead. I worked 4 days a week at a sitdown job and would be in bed for 3 days. After 9 days of 3 tablespoons of Virgin Coconut Oil a day I had nerve zapping in my right leg and right shoulder at night. Since that time I have had no nerve zaps and the pain in my left shoulder due to Adrenal Fatigue is 98% better. I have been able to exercise vigorously. If I reduce to 1 tablespoons a day my body aches. At 3 tablespoons a day I have energy and have no body aches. My morning temperatures have gone up a degree, 97-98 F. I've been taking Virgin Coconut Oil for a month and a half."
08/07/2008: Susan from Auburn, WA replies: "I read your post about adrenal fatigue - what book did you get and supplements did you take exactly - I have had this for YEARS. Stress is finally better, but still taking a long time for me to recover. I am specifically interested in what supplements worked for you. Thank you. Do you think it is the supplements or the coconut oil?"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 09/07/2008: June from KC, KS writes: "Hi, I am surprised to see so little feedback on adrenal fatigue, so I thought I would add my experience. I was diagnosed with adrenal burnout several years ago, but I suspect I have suffered from this problem since childhood.
I read not too long ago, I think on a coconut oil website, that studies show abused children often grow up to suffer adrenal problems, which makes sense in my case.
Anyway, emotions and past trauma are definitely things to consider in your healing program and I have done quite a lot in this department. It does help.
As far as supplements, I take a lot of B vitamins and I think they help. A nutritional consultant/chiropractor I worked with for a while had me taking cortisol tablets, but I never felt they helped.
The naturepath I work with now has me on green drink powder. I think more than anything this really helps me. I have tried several kinds and what you want to look for are the organic ingredients. Some taste better than others, but I find each brand takes getting used to. Most companies are adding berries and stevia as sweetener, so they really are quite delicious. I think the greens really fortify my body and help with the adrenal issue.
One of my adrenal symptoms is heart palpitations which can be brought on by stress and poor choices in diet. Sometimes they come out of nowhere, it seems. I usually can control them with an electrolyte mix...similar to what Ted has recommended here. My recipe is: 2 heaping tsp Calm (powdered magnesium citrate), 6 capsules potassium citrate (emptied) and 1 tsp natural sea salt (the kind that looks like sand). Put ingredients in a quart jar and add 1/2 cup hot water. After mix stops bubbling fill nearly full with cool water.
This mix helps me almost immediately. I take as little or as much as I need. (Too much, though, can cause the runs from the mag. citrate.) I usually take a couple shot glasses full a day and the jar lasts me several days. I leave it sitting on my kitchen counter. My naturepath recommends you have an electrolyte drink every day. I think it's smart.
The other thing I know is really important for me is detoxing the body. And my naturepath has said this is very important. I have just realized, too, that fibromyalgia, which I had for 9 years, is caused because the body is not draining properly and toxins get backed up in the system. I have felt extremely bogged down at times, as if I am carrying lead weights, and I will sweat for 20 minutes and feel completely different and have complete relief! I have a steam cabinet, which is fabulous! You can also use your bath tub, just add epsom salt, h202, vinegar, iodine, etc...anything to help the body detox and that works for you.
I am also reading more about parasites and the diseases they cause. I think Hulda Clark has done a lot of research in this department and I'm going to try her parasite cleanse, too. Also going to make my own black walnut hull tincture. Look online for the recipe, if you are interested.
Back to the adrenals...I have done so many things and taken so many supplements it is hard to really pinpoint what made the biggest difference. But I can tell that my work with the naturepath who uses top grade supplements, including many homeopathics, really is beneficial. Expensive, but beneficial.
I also sleep a lot: 9-10 hours is best for me. I take sublingual melatonin to help me fall asleep. I avoid sugar as much as possible and try to be gluten-free. (very important for people with blood type o.) And I've spent a lot of time (and money) in self help/spiritual programs which are so very important.
I hope my information has helped."
11/15/2008: Kay from Raleigh, NC replies: "June, how were you diagnosed with adrenal fatigue? It's been suspected for me, and I'm waiting for some test results. However, I also noticed that some of your symptoms, and comment on fibromyalgia, made me think of Lyme disease. SO much is not known about lingering cases or chronic Lyme, and many think that it is often incorrectly diagnosed as fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue, even M.S. and Alzheimers. Some of your remedies are similar to things I've used for Lyme disease.Unfortunately, the testing for Lyme is MAYBE 75% accurate, cases are often not diagnosed and reported if doctors think "It's not in this state", perpetuating that myth, and there are people who have wondered what is wrong with them for years, only to be told by standard medical testing that they're "fine". I was finally diagnosed, 9 years after classic symptoms and a negative test, and 5 years after another negative test. My 1st test this year was 'negative', (after being on antibiotics, which I think can affect the results), my insistence on another led to a positive test and acknowledgement of this disease. The author, Amy Tan, had it for 8-10 yrs before she was diagnosed, http://www.amytan.net/LymeDisease.aspx
and an M.D. in Maryland, Dr. Singleton had it for 8 years before his diagnosis, and was told he had fibromyalgia
http://www.lymedoctor.com/index.html (page 2-3 of his Introduction in his book can be viewed).
The tick is the size of a sesame seed, often not seen, and not everyone gets the bullseye rash. Even the CDC says there may be 10x more cases than known.
Here's a link w/ some info.
http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html , pages 9 and 10 list symptoms.Many symptoms are also symptoms of other diseases or disorders."
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1 YEA
[YEA] 02/27/2010: Faithinhealing from Forest Park, Ohio, Usa writes: "Vitamin C is great for adrenal issues. Lemons are high in vitamin C so I use 1/2 in water first thing in the morning and before bed. I also use ginseng which seems to help as well. I use the liquid ginseng that you drink with a straw, they are very small viles that you get at the Health Food Store. B vitamins are also critical and I use the liquid multivitamin which contains all of the B's!"
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1 YEA
[YEA] 11/30/2008: Jean E. from Berwick, Pennsylvania writes: "I was diagnosed as having adrenal weakness and a slower thyroid. I was through dr's after dr's. most saying that I had nothing wrong with me. I ended up seeing an herbal doctor. she had me on many herbals and no unkfood, and vitamins.
The things that I take now are the ones that I need to take or I can hardly function. B vitamins complex 50 mg( that is a combination of all the b vitamins, 50 mg of each one )
Vitamin C 1000 mg- 500 mg twice a day, possibly three times a day
calcium/magnesium at 1200 mg of calcium and 600 mg of mag.
a potassuim tablet -I think 99 mg a day
vit A and Vit E. these you can only have a certain amount a day, so buy the highest mg you can. they aren't allowed to sell them at anything higher than a certain amount so you will ok with that much.
I have to limit my stress, chores a day and exercise. If I'm tired I go to sleep, so what if the laundry isnt done or the dishes are left. I need more sleep than the average adult. When I keep up with these things I am way better, but too much overtime and not keeping up with my vitamins drags me way down. I have lately been getting away from my routine and it is showing. I have had to quit many jobs because of this So if you find a set of things that work...stick with it,
Stress upsets adrenal sufferers more and things that are small seem to be huge, but to us, we can't help it. the b vitamins and c vitamins and calcium/magnesium do help soooo much with this.
I would like to hear from others with this condition. Thanks"
11/30/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Jean,
I don't have your problem but I remember a patient with a sluggish thyroid who was on Vitamin Bl2 injections. When she started coming to our clinic she was taking 2 gr. Synthroid daily for her sluggish thyroid. After talking with her about her eating habits and her other problems, I suggested that she get rid of bleached flour problems and switch to whole grain products including whole wheat flour for making any breads or gravies at home. I also suggested that she get a good Stress tab (Vitamin B complex + vitamins C & E) and take one of them at mealtime and bedtime instead of the one a day that the bottle recommends. When she returned a couple of weeks later for her Bl2 injection, she requested that we repeat her blood chemistries and her thyroid test, which we did. The next day I got a call from the lab and quickly called the patient to inquire if she had doubled her thyroid dosage and started a potassium supplement since her last test, and her answer to both was no and asked me why I was asking her about them. Her thyroid test had gone from low normal reading to a hyperthyroid level and so had her potassium. We solved the potassium level problem by questioning if she was using a salt substitute, which she had started and most salt substitutes are potassium chloride, so we decided she needed to stop that and go back to salt. She was also instructed to stop her thyroid medication for a week & restart it at 1/2 tablet daily and return 21 weeks later for repeat labs, which were looking great. An hour or two of reading in a pharmacology text concerning problems caused by vitamin/mineral deficiencies revealed that B vitamin deficiences cause a sluggish thyroid. So my suggestion is whole grains will help with the vitamin E and magnesium, increasing fruits and vegetables will increase potassium levels and the stress tablets will junp start your thyroid. I also recommend that anyone with health problems stop all carbonated beverages because they stress the kidneys, and anything that stresses the kidneys are going to create problems elsewhere also. Hope you find this information helpful. Google "excitotoxins" and learn all the names they hide monosodium glutamate under and work on eliminating both of the two major excitotoxins our processed foods are so laden with by reading ingredient labels carefully and stop buying anything containing them. You are pretty safe in buying unseasoned frozen vegetables, unless they came from some of the fields that Dr. Mercola says has been using MSG on the crops in the fields for at least a decade. I have found a couple of brands of canned vegetables that list 3 different names for MSG in their ingredients lists, so I have boycotted those brands in my household. If canned vegetables list anything beyond the vegetable, water and salt, I leave it on the shelf. I pretty much stick with frozen or fresh vegetables that are not seasoned with anything but salt."
12/01/2008: Pamela from Houston, Texas replies: "I have had this problem several times off and on so bad I couldn't get out of bed. I will share with you what has helped me. Used the same vitamins your herbalist had you on except a lot more potassium. Plus I added lugol's iodine several drops a day. But that is what my body needed. Dr's Brownstein book recommends 25 mg to 50 mg. (1 drop equals 12.5mg)I believe is what the book said. The book is name Iodine why you need it and why you can't live without. Then I also used licorice. Which really kick my adrenals in (big help). But if you use licorice all the herb books say you need to supplement with potassium as it depletes it. But for me it is worth it to be able to move around again. I did find a product which I don't think I can mention it combines all these things in caps. lot easier to deal with. Plus it has adrenal cortex extract in it which feeds the adrenals and l-tyrosine. I know how you feel I hope my experince helps some."
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09/09/2009: Melissa from Valencia, Ca Usa writes: "Hope someone can help me with adrenal fatigue. Would oil pulling have any effect for a severe case of adrenal fatigue? I have been suffering with this for the past 4 years. I take 4 different antidepressants and wondered if this would create a problem. Any advice would be greatly appreciated."
09/10/2009: Gean from Salina, Ks replies: "Melissa, for severe adrenal fatigue I would get licorice root solid extract (Tahoma Clinic is the only one that carries it to my knowledge), and take 1/2 teas. in a little water 3 times a day. Take for one week on, three weeks off. Go to bed by 9:00 p.m. every night. Stay away from sugar and caffeine. Find out what the root cause is (mine was 8 large mercury fillings I had in for 30 years) and remove it, by a safe amalgam removal dentist. Don't do vigorous exercise. Oil pulling might help somewhat, but not without the other stuff. E-mail me if you need more info. Best wishes."
09/10/2009: Melissa from Valencia, Ca Usa replies: "Gean: thanks for the quick response. I will definitely try your suggestions. Do you happen to know if there would be contraindications with my 4 antidepressants? I also need to know if the medications should be taken before or after with oil pulling (if I am able to do the OP). Thanks so much!"
09/10/2009: Gean from Salina, Ks replies: "I don't have much experience with oil pulling - tried it once or twice only - but from what I've read it should be done on an empty stomach, so I would oil pull first thing in AM and do your meds after. I'm afraid I don't have any insight on whether licorice root goes with the antidepressants, and medical doctors seldom can tell you whether the two work or don't work together, but if it was me I would go ahead and do licorice root along with the other meds, but space them out so one is not on top of the other. Like maybe at least 1/2 to 1 hr. apart. Licorice actually has antidepressant properties and is also good for ulcers, canker sores, and inflammation. It will raise blood pressure and long-term use will deplete the body of potassium, hence the 1 week on, 3 weeks off schedule."
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1 QUESTION
[QUESTION] 08/03/2009: Loren from Queens, Ny writes: "Hi everyone Can anyone recommend a safe adrenal supplement. My doc wants me to start using some but i am sceptical because they are made with animal products and i am scared of mad cow disease. Help please!!"
08/03/2009: Tavora from Brooklyn, Ny replies: "Loren - try Licorice Root extract. It's an excellent dietary supplement for adrenal fatigue. My adrenals were taxed out at one point but after taking it - my energy levels picked up. But also diet/nutrition plays a big role. Try to get a lot of greens in. You'll feel ten times better!"
08/03/2009: T from Baltimore, Md, USA replies: "Hi Loren, I have a supplement here without animal products in it. If EC will allow me to name it, it is "Christopher's Adrenal Formula". It contains mullein leaves, licorice root, eleuthero root, gotu kola, hawthorn berries, lobelia, cayenne pepper, and ginger root, in a vegetable-based capsule. You're supposed to take 2 caps 3 times a day (that could get pricey). Funnily enough the bottle has 50 caps; you'd think they'd even it up to 60 to match the suggested dosages!
Unfortunately I can't give you any testimony as to its effectiveness as I've only taken it sporadically, since my main focus has been working on my Hashimoto's with other things. Bear in mind that herbals do take time to be effective and you might have to take something for months to really know if it's working for you. I see lots of other good recommendations here for adrenal fatigue as well...certainly consider trying some of those as well as a supplement like this one. Best of luck, and if it works, please do let us know!"
08/04/2009: Loren from Queens, Ny replies: "Thanks for that information on what type of licorice to use. Any suggestions on what adrenal glandulars are safe to use? Thanks"
08/05/2009: Tavora from Brooklyn, Ny replies: "Loren - if you're apprehensive about licorice - consider a supplement called Basic Preventive. It's made by Douglas Labs. They're supplements are pretty high quality. They make them in different versions (ie copper/iron free, glandular based, chelated, etc) The labels read as BP 1,2,3,4,5. Each one has similar yet diff ingredients. Though pricey - I can attest its potency. I took them to help me with an inner ear problem. Definitely gave me a lot of energy and got rid of my brain fog. Only caveat is the pills are BIG and you have to take anywhere btw 6-9 a day (depending on which version u buy)."
02/16/2010: Sarah from Seattle, Wa replies: "The purpose of the adrenals, usually bovine, is to give your own adrenals a rest and time to rebuild. This can take several years of eating healthy (that means no alcohol, coffee, sugar or white refined flours)Lots of greens and adequate protein. But use the adrenal fractions only for a period of time I took it for a year, then when you are no longer as stressed take herbal support.
I have found Rhodiola to be excellent for adrenal support. I also use ginseng, licorice and schizandra."
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08/03/2009: Loren from Queens, Ny writes: "Hi T & Tavora: Thank you guys so much for yr feedback. Ireally do appreciate it. Here's the deal though. Most of the stuff T recommended i am currently using. It did help but not greatly. I have been using these for about 2months. I'll still continue though. As for the licorice-Tavora if you google side effects of licorice its pretty scary. I know many people swear by it but i am really scared to use it. Any other feedback will be appreciated."
EC: Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has fewer side effects: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deglycyrrhizinated_licorice
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-licorice.html
08/04/2009: Rob from Manhattan, New York replies: "do some research on Maca and Ashwagandha.. both considered adaptogens & reported to help with adrenal fatigue"
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12/29/2008: Ron from Miami, FL writes: "I am a 63 year old man and all my life I have been stressed to the point of exploding . I have always had a seething burning anger and have always had a low opinion of the human race. This began when I was 8 years old and continues to this day. Anger, hate, and bitterness have been my constant companions my entire life, now it has poisoned my body. For many years I have been told my hands were ice cold and my temps indicated I had weak adrenals but until now I never realized how it could affect my health. This has been brought to my attention my a constant atril fibulation problem that I think was created by my adrenal fatigue. I am starting a program of licorice vitamins and minerals as well as adrenal extract.I look forward to adrenal solutions and atril fib connections on this board. I have no other choice than to get my mind purified and put all the negative thoughts out of my mind that have poisoned me for years."
12/31/2008: Mary from Regina, Canada replies: "Dear Ron: Just a thought... often when people have adrenal problems they are also hypothyroid. If your body temps are low you could have this problem. It doesn't necessarily show up on blood tests. Wilson's temperature syndrome website is a wonderful resource. Apparently in the old days hypothroidism was diagnosed by low body temps and depression. A good book is Hypothyroidism the hidden illness, by Dr. Brody Barns.
Hope this helps you.
Mary "
01/03/2009: RON from TAVERNIER, FL replies: "I HAVE BEEN ON HERE BEFORE COMMENTING ABOUT HAVING A CONSTANT A FIB PROBLEM AND THAT I HAVE TRIED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING AND WAS GOING TO CONCENTRATE ON THE ADRENALS. I READ THAT THOSE THAT HAVE ADRENAL EXHAUSTION ARE ADVISED TO UP THE SODIUM INTAKE AND MY MINERAL ANALYSIS ALSO INDICATED I WAS LOW IN SODIUM. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE AVOIDER OF SALT, NO CANNED FOOD ONLY FRESH VEGGIES NEVER SALTED EVER. I AVOIDED SALT LIKE IT WAS POISION AND THEN I READ ABOUT NATURAL SEA SALT AND ALL THE MINERALS THAT WERE IN IT AND READ ABOUT HOW SALT NOT TABLE SALT BUT GOOD QUALITY NATURAL SALT AFFECTS HEARTBEAT AND STARTED TRYING SOME SEA SALT AND IT REALLY SEEMS TO BE HELPING MUCH TO MY SURPRISE. COULD THIS BE THE MAGIC KEY? THE FACT I HAVE AVOIDED SALT AND WENT OUT OF MY WAY NOT TO INGEST ANY SALT AT ANY TIME MAY HAVE CAUSED MY A FIB. COULD IT BE SO SIMPLE? ANY ONE THAT HAS TRIED THIS OR CHECKED IT OUT PLEASE ADVICE ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE BECAUSE THIS IS THE FIRST THING THAT REALLY SEEMS TO FIT THE PUZZLE. SEA SALT HAS AN ANTI ARRYTHMIC EFFECT AND I AM AS SHOCKED AND SURPRISED AS I CAN GET."
08/11/2009: Aware3 from Navarre, Fl. replies: "Hi! I am replying simply to say it has to be Mind, Body and Spirit that we address all together, for when 1 suffers it affects the whole. I have like so many people, these days suffering with adrenal burn-out, and on a collodial iodine 1 drop a day, and it is helping, I also take a green food supplement, and B-complex along with sub-lingual b-12, and learning that letting go of repetitive negative thought patterns was paramount, for anything to work, Eckhardt Tolle's book "The Power of Now", and "A New Earth" really helped me see that all we really have is now, life can only be experienced now, and wallowing around in old garbage was not only blocking my path to wellness, but in fact attracting the opposite. There are tons of supplements out there, and we certainly do need some, but eating food that is unprocessed, drinking good water, and focusing on what we do want-which is good health, and letting go of the garbage has to be part of the plan, otherwise we are wasting good money, and our good health ! Blessings to ALL !!!"
08/11/2009: Rob from Manhattan, New York replies: "Ron, it's a tough one...so many possible paths to take..
addressing the anger would be a great place to start..finding a good
therapist is difficult...(then we get angry at the money we throw at them :))
guided imagery may help as well..
as for the supplements I have had some success lately with a combination of Cordyceps and Korean Red Ginseng. (asian ginseng) Do your own research.
Be careful to purchase a quality brand..Ginseng is recommended for adrenal balancing
especially for men, though can possibly be overstimulating...hard to say how your body will react. (other herbs etc, Ashwaghanda, Magnesium, walking, breathing exercises, eating well, no caffeine! no alcohol..filtered water...positive friends)"
11/03/2009: Mel from Tucumcari, New Mexico replies: "I have researched and believe I may have adrenal fatigue also. I have low blood pressure and low temp along with heart palpitations and fog brain also experience aches in shoulders. I found it interesting to hear that someone else other than I also is not much of a salt eater. I avoid salt also and it maybe a cause among others for adrenal fatigue. I also take B complex with vit c and still feel worn out. I feel a little better taking a multi vit and calcium with Magnesium, but still am extremely tired by 3pm. By 3 I feel like the day should just be over and time for bed. I am still searching for something to kick start me come mid afternoon. Any ideas??"
11/04/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Adrenal fatigue: There are a couple of supplements that help adrenal fatigue, and calcium is not one of t hem. They seem to worsen the condition and promote blood clotting, but also restricts blood flow from that also. The other supplements besides vitamin C, magnesium, is the vitamin E, chromium 1000 mcg, and DHEA. Tin deficiency tends to occur with adrenal, but the dose is very low, usually 2 mg-5 mg of Tin chloride. I doubt they sell that, but it seems to help depression that goes with it. The iodine supplement is taken along with the vitamin C 500-1000 mg, 1-2 drops for lugol's solution. During the afternoon, a quick pickup, might be taking some betaine HCl, which adds energy to the body if taken during that time. If there's still problem I have other remedies up my sleeves also. It's important to eat lighter meals during lunch and drink plenty of water during that time, so that the energy of digestion is not depleted from lack of water. It requires the body less energy if water is drank during the lunch hour plus lighter meals. Water acts as a catalyst and allow the food to be better digested."
02/18/2010: Idaho Cowgirl from New Plymouth, Idaho, Usa replies: "It's interesting to read all the comments on adrenal fatigue. I am going through menopause. I have fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, low blood sugar, palpitations, candida yeast and numerous symptoms that are really ruining my zest for life. I'm in constant pain. I have been tested for many things including thyroid. I'm sure thyroid is a problem though nothing shows up on the blood tests except low B12 anemia and low salt. In fact I get charlie horses if I don't make a point of consuming salt. I haven't been able to exercise because of muscle cramping. The one thing that has helped in the past is to go on a low carb diet was mostly meat, eggs and cheese with green vegetables and other low carb veggies. It totally excludes grain products. I felt better eating this way than any other. B vitamins also help. My life are been an extremely stressful one due to numerous tragedies and it has just taken a toll on my body. I had hot flashes and DHEA helps with that. Does anyone have any solution for the muscle and joint pain? I'm beginning to feel like a hypochrondriac! Any other suggestions would be appreciated. This has to be all tied together. I just don't know how."
02/18/2010: Cindy from San Diego, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Cowgirl,
You mention among all your other ailments that you have candida yeast. I don't know if you mean localized like a vaginal infection or what, but all your symptoms and problems sound like systemic candida. Candida attacks the adrenals and thyroids causing untold misery and yet MDs continue to blow off the symptoms as "all in your head" and regard you as a raging hypochondriac. I have researched candida extensively and believe that when you clear up the candida the "other" problems will clear up also. The best thing I have found for treating systemic candida is a commercial product that I can't mention here, but it is a special probiotic developed in Japan. It contains bacteria that are different than your usual probiotic because these bacteria eat the yeast rathering than just crowding it out. Do a google search on candida and when you find the same stuff mentioned on a number sites, you'll know you've found the right thing."
02/18/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia replies: "Hi Cindy,
Re the Candida 'spit test':
The spit test is not a test for Candida, in fact it is not a test for anything. At best it is a piece of misinformation that has spread all around the net and at worst it is a piece of deliberate misinformation that has spread all around the net.
Saliva contains enzymes, which are quite large molecules, and hence heavier than a water molecule, and also mucus (slime) which is also heavier than water and tends to stick together making long strings as the saliva sinks to the bottom of the water (this doesn't happen everytime because the saliva content depends on whether you are thinking about eating etc and also if you swish the spit around in your mouth, which puts air bubbles into it, before spitting it out).The surface tension of the water and temperature changes also contribute to variability of saliva sinking/stringing.
I read a credible report, online, that the 'spit test' was devised by a company, that sells a Candida probiotic 'cure', as a marketing ploy.
Be aware that if you are talking to anyone online about probiotics and Candida and you give them your email address there is a good chance they will contact you in an attempt to market their product to you.
Note that one such product has been banned in more than one country.
Re Oral Candida:
- Over 50 species of Candida, and hosts of other 'bugs' are all around us in the environment and also living on, and in, our body (commensal). Only around 6 of the Candida species have been found to cause problems to humans and this only happens under certain circumstances. So, up to 50% of people have Candida fungus in their mouths (I am referencing data from the USA) and don't even know it (unless they are a student of science or perhaps a reader of EC).
The saliva contains several factors that inhibit bacteria and fungal growth but if for any reason these mechanisms fail, and a Candida overgrowth occurs, it can be seen with the naked eye ... no need for a test to confirm which of the six species it is although a other than a lab test (culture or microscope) can assist in identifying the strain and targetting effective treatment.
As the pictures at this site show oral C is easily seen by the naked eye.
http://www.doctorfungus.org/mycoses/human/candida/Oropharyngeal.htm
Re Systemic Candidiasis:
Note that there are two main classifications of Candidiasis - those that are external to the body (skin) and those that are internal (invasive or systemic).
Yes, Systemic Candidiasis is a very dangerous disease however research shows that while it is on the increase in the USA (as a result of lifestyle and medical changes) the overall level in the community is not at epidemic proportions.
Nosocomial bloodstream infections in US hospitals: analysis of 24,179 cases from a prospective nationwide surveillance study.
Wisplinghoff H, Bischoff T, Tallent SM, Seifert H, Wenzel RP, Edmond MB.
Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
Erratum in:
Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Oct 1;39(7):1093.
Clin Infect Dis. 2005 Apr 1;40(7):1077.
METHODS: Data from a nationwide, concurrent surveillance study (Surveillance and Control of Pathogens of Epidemiological Importance [SCOPE]) were used to examine the secular trends in the epidemiology and microbiology of Nosocomial (hospital) bloodstream infections (BSIs).
RESULTS: Our study detected 24,179 cases of nosocomial BSI in 49 US hospitals over a 7-year period from March 1995 through September 2002 (60 cases per 10,000 hospital admissions).
Note that since hospital admissions only involve people who are sick the rate of blood stream infections, in the population at large, is likely to be less and note also that the above statistic includes all BSI's in total and not just Candidemia.
Further to that Candidemia has a very high mortality rate so it is unlikely that anyone who has it is sitting at home chatting on the forums.
Attributable mortality of nosocomial candidemia, revisited.
Gudlaugsson O, Gillespie S, Lee K, Vande Berg J, Hu J, Messer S, Herwaldt L, Pfaller M, Diekema D.
Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, USA.
We reexamined the attributable mortality of nosocomial candidemia 15 years after a retrospective cohort study performed at our hospital demonstrated an attributable mortality of 38%. For all episodes of nosocomial candidemia between 1 July 1997 and 30 June 2001, we matched control patients with case patients by age, sex, date of hospital admission, underlying disease(s), length of time at risk, and surgical procedure(s). We analyzed 108 matched pairs. There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, underlying disease(s), time at risk, surgical procedure, or vital signs at admission between cases and controls. The crude mortality among case patients was 61% (66 of 108 patients), compared with 12% (13 of 108) among control patients, for an attributable mortality of 49% (95% CI, 38%-60%). Nosocomial candidemia is still associated with an extremely high crude and attributable mortality--much higher than that expected from underlying disease alone."
EC: Yep, we'd read similar info about the test too. Thanks.
02/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines replies: "Hi Ron...The combination of your atrial fib and adrenal fatigue problem might well point to a Magnesium deficiency, since magnesium is a very important electrolyte in your body -- it regulates both the calcium in your bones and tissues as well as the potassium which is balanced by sodium. Magnesium is used and is necessary in over 300 enzyme processes in your body, so Lord knows what else it would cure if you were deficient of this mineral as most of us are. Taking Magnesium is also known to vitally regulate and improve arrythmia and tachycardia in heart conditions. The best magnesium salts to take internally are mag chloride, mag citrate, mag gluconate and mag sulphate(Epsom salts) forms. The dosages recommended for deficiency are anywhere from 800 - 1200 mg of magnesium -- but too much magnesium will generally cause diarrhea -- so, if this happens, just cut back the dosage and continue. I refer to drink 1/4 teasoon of mag sulhate(Epsom salts) in half a glass of water two or three times a day. Magnesium is also known to be a major neural influence on the relaxation part of muscle operation(including heart muscle operation), so if you are deficient magnesium, your muscles would be tense(whose neural influence is governed by calcium).
But the quickest way to up your Mag levels is simply to take a bath at least 2-3 times a week and add 2-3 cups of Epsom salts or mag chloride to the bath water. Stay in the bath for at least half an hour. Your body will quickly absorb what magnesium it needs and in larger amounts than supplementing which sometimes causes diarrhea issues. I simply spray myself after my shower with a small garden sprayer that contains 1 tbspn of Epsom Salts to 8 oz of water(I don't have a bath in my house). I let it just dry and be absorbed by my body. For more info on magnesium, check out these links, which I hope will further interest and convince you as to the uselfulness of magnesium as related to your problems:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Supplements/magnesium.html
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/transdermal-magnesium-therapy.html
http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=49&db=5&C0=74
I'm a 60 year old who has very few problems medically now, either with my body or with stress. But it wasn't always like this. I had candida for 7 years due to my own stressful job I think, and it took me a year of using Ted's alkalizing protocols to get rid of this. Now, free of intestinal candida, I have a phenomenal amount of energy and a much happier outlook. I would, therefore, recommend and urge that you use Ted's alkalizing remedies every day. See this link here for the remedies:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html
I've used all of Ted's alkalizing remedies and I still use them, they simply work as described.
Regarding your anger problems, these might relate to problems in your past. The Traditional Chinese Medical system approach believes that anger and love are both ruled by the liver/kidneys region and since you have adrenal fatigue(kidneys) this could well be affecting you emotionally, causing a hormonal/energy imbalance. Liqourice and sea salt are very good for the intestines and kidney, but I would deliberately add another supplement like Milk Thistle to directly target liver improvement. Once you liver and kidneys are healthy again, your blood and hormone levels should both also improve, and there should be a noticeable improvement in your health and outlook on life.
All the best,
Bill"
02/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines replies: "Hi Ron...I've just found and read the original description of your problem on the Atrial Fibrillation age of earth clinic and I'm truly astonished at the similarities between your candida symptoms and mine (the only real difference being that I did not suffer from adrenal fatigue). Here is a description of my symptoms:
I had candida three years ago. My symptoms were psoriasis, eczma, BM and toilet only once every 4 days if I was lucky, tired and sluggish all day, severe grogginess and brainfog in the mornings, bad athletes foot, jock itch(tinea cruris) and overweight. I also regularly caught colds, flu etc many times a year on a regular basis.
This is what I took to cure candida:
* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime or 2 tbspns ACV plus 1/2 tspn baking soda(Arm & Hammer brand) two or three times a day. This is Ted's Alkalizing Remedy and this is THE NUMBER ONE CURE for Candida in my book.
* One tablespoons of virgin coconut oil stirred into my coffee at least 2 - 3 times a day.
* Blackstrap molasses in my coffee, no refined sugar or aspartame sweetener allowed in my diet. BSM also added more potassium to my diet and also helped to balance the extra sodium from using the baking soda.
When I started this remedy at the beginning, I got fairly severe flu-like symptoms for a while -- it almost seemed as if the remedy was making me worse. But this die off or Herxheimer Effect always happens when you get the fungal toxins released into your blood from microbes and fungus from the die off, so think of it as a good sign. Your liver and kidneys are overworked initially, until your immune system can get on top of it. After this die-off it was easy. All my skin problems just disappeared slowly (except the jock itch -- but that's another story) and I haven't had a cold or flu in 2 years.
I must also emphasize that it took a WHOLE YEAR of using these remedies regularly to cure the candida, because any fungal infection is so hard to get rid of, much harder than getting rid of a virus or bacterial infection for sure.
I also took a daily decoction that I made consisting of three herbs just to support my liver, kidneys, blood and immune system throughout this protocol. The 3 herbs were: Tinospora cordifolia, Chanca Piedra (Stonebreaker) and Tumeric root. I gathered the fresh herbs and made the decoction myself(I live in the Philippines). But you can use other simple herbs such as Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Burdock or Liquorice and Ginseng in support just as well.
The reason I started on the magnesium therapy was that, even after curing my candida, occasionally during the day I would suffer strange regular episodes of dizziness from a racing heart. I don't know what that was, but I took magnesium supplements(800 - 1200 mg/day) as well as sprayed my body with Epsom salts as a means of curing this, and was successful. I have also reduced my mag intake accordingly. As a synergistic aid for absorbtion as well as trying to boost my immune system, I now also take mega-doses of Sodium ascorbate(Vitamin C) dissolved in water -- at least 2 - 4 grams per day in split doses.
Your symptoms are remarkably similar to my symptoms, so with enough determination, there is no reason you can't get rid of both your atrial fibrillation roblem as well as your candida, so please don't give up !!
Best regards,
Bill"
02/19/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas replies: "Well I have to agree with you because of my experience. I had suspected that I was having problems with candida and because I brought into the spit test I did nothing about it. Each time I did the spit test it was perfect. My stomach kept getting bigger and I didn't know why. One night I threw up a big piece of candida with streamers. Have been treating for candida and my stomach is getting smaller. Hopefully these posts will help to dis-spell some of the the dis-information going around."
02/19/2010: Cindy from San Diego, Ca, Usa replies: "Phoenix, thank you for the information about the origin of the spit test. I had rather assumed it originated with Dr. Crook. If it is not reliable, then better to go with the survey-type tests that calculate a score based on symptoms.
As to your assertion that true candidiasis is rare and the inclusion of medical studies that appear to support this--for every study you come up with, I can come up with two that say the contrary. However, I don't want to waste space here on dueling medical studies. That is not what this site is about. While most of mainstream medicine continues to scoff at the concept of systemic candida (as your post illustrates) people who have gone from doctor to doctor in a desperate search for relief from their aches, pains and misery have figured out how to cure themselves and get their lives back. They are sharing how they did it. THAT is what this site is about."
02/19/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia replies: "Hi Cindy,
Thanks for your post. I welcome forthright discussion on the subject.
Re Questionaire assessments for Candidiasis:
I don't believe that these are valid tests either. The reason I say that is because of the subjective nature of the tests e.g. "Is my bum fat?" The answer to that is a personal opinion, unless we have a standardised measure that we can employ. Also, when people are not well, especially if they have a chronic illness, then they to tend to fear the worst and sometimes make irrational decisions, so it is not a good time to be subjectively self-assessing.
The symptoms of many diseases are similar e.g. repeated episodes of dizziness could be due to blood pressure, diabetic incidents, adrenal fatigue, blocked artery to the brain, an ear infection and many other things .... each of these has a very different cause and treatment.
For example .... here are some self-assessment questions for Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome AFS (from the book by James Wilson):
(Note that any symptom alone is not an indicator ... an above average total number of symptoms is considered significant)
- long term steroid use (the pill?)
- less productive at work
- confused thinking under pressure
- chronic fatigue that is not relieved by sleep
- chronic nausea
- increased frequency/severity of allergies
- feeling cold or decreased tolerance of cold
- frequent rashes
- multiple chemical sensitivities
- etc
Looking at this list every single one of them is also on the self-assessment questionnaires for 'Candida' (I have seen a few versions floating around).
Note that the SA questionnaire, for AFS, is quite comprehensive and this is only a small non-randomly selected sample.
Re Scientific studies also support the existence of true Candida:
Orthodox medicine does not believe that Candida diseases are a figment of peoples imagination and just ignore them, as many peole in health forums claim. They are well known to science and medicine. The distinction is between internal (systematic) and external Candida. All of the external diseases (mouth, skin, oesophagus, nails, vagina, anus etc) of Candida have physical symptoms and can be seen and readily diagnosed.
For example .... looking at BV
BV itself and the percentage of vaginal infections that are caused by either bacterial or fungi are well known to science. Generally they are also successfully diagnosed and treated by orthodox medicine (I didn't say in the best possible way). The problem with BV is misdiagnosis (30 percent of woman self assess and misdiagnose the disease) and also the fact that a percentage of woman are resistant to the known medical treatments and go on to have chronic BV that the medical profession can't cure.
As far as systemic Candida goes i.e. it is in the blood stream and/or internal organs ...... these diseases are also well known and are an everyday part of normal operating procedure in hospitals and emergency wards etc all around the world.
There are no studies that I am aware of that prove that Candida is a greater factor in systemic disease than what is already allowed for in the literature i.e. < 0.6 percent in hospital admissions (these comprise transfers of critical patients from other hospitals and non-candida blood infections so the percentage in the general population is much lower).
So, while science and medicine does recognise Candida diseases they do tend to scoff at the wild and irrational idea that there is a growing epidemic of people walking around with fungus growing inside their body.
Re this site is for sharing info and experiences that will help 'sick' people get their lifes back:
Yes, I agree.
Health is not only phsyical ... it is also emotional. mental and spiritual so at times we may want to consider these issues.
There are also many different ways of healing ("there are many mansions in my fathers house").
Everyone is different and has their own style and experiences. I am not Ted or Bill.
Re consideration of Candida diseases:
- the fact that medicine and science are most familiar with systemic and topical C diseases doesn't limit our investigations to that.
For example:
- it is possible that yeast could get into the blood stream and cause disease without becoming a recogniseable disease (to medicine that is) OR that it can escape detection by current science (existing lab tests for Candida in the blood are not 100 percent convincing although I believe there is a relatively new procedure that is reliable but not in widespread use)
For example:
- only 50 percent of people with a known systemic fungal disease also test positive for Candidemia (C in the blood).
The caveat there is that AFAIK fungi tend to colonize so if we have an internal colony then you would think that we would, or should be, able to know about it.
- Candida is the main cause of fungal disease in Mankind but there might be other species that are going undetected at this time
- we still have more to learn about intestinal fungal infections. Of the current theories, on Candida disease, the possibility that a gut imbalance could cause or promote leaky gut syndrome LGS OR produce intestinal toxins that get into the bloodstream are the ones that concern me the most. I believe that there are lab tests for LGS and also to check the biological status of the gut. I haven't tried them, or studied them, at this stage so I can't give an opinion on it.
If Candida is contributing to disease in ways that science doesn't know anything about then we need to get all of the facts we can and perform some critical assessments .... on the other hand wild speculation has little to contribute (I can have all of the wild ideas that I need all by myself)."
02/20/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia replies: "Hi Pr,
Thankyou.
Well, that is an eye opener.
Yes, I think the level of misinformation on the subject has exploded bcause of the army of people enlisted by 'for profit' companies to sell 'candida cures' via networking and the internet.
I am not saying that Candida is not impacting on peoples health or that it is not an issue of growing importance. What I am saying is that we need to educate ourselves as an antidote to the manipulation of the marketeers because their misinformation is the indirect cause of a lot of suffering.
I am also appealing to the community to focus more on valid means to identify the health issues that it is definitely responsible for and to tick off reliable tests that we can use to diagnose the various forms of the disease i.e which of the blood tests, if any, can we rely on, will live blood testing do the job? are the biological stool analyses worth doing or not (once again most of this stuff is coming from people with commercial interests and I am finding it harder and harder to trust the info they disseminate)."
02/20/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines replies: "Well said Cindy, agree completely. For over 100 hundred years we have had Modern Medicine and The Germ Theory. And yet, despite all the "advances" made with stem cell research, genome theory, antibiotics, vaccinations, antiobiotics etc, there are still no cures for Alzheimers, Malaria, Cancer, AIDS, Lupus, Parkinson's disease, Obeisity, Diabetes, measles, flu or even the common cold. Where are the outright cures?
I find it very odd that all the pharmaceutical companies seem to invent these days are just fancy anti-inflammatory and analgaesic painkillers, that are not really designed to cure the ailment, but are specifically only ever designed to take down inflammation and remove the pain no matter what your problem or disease happens to be. And all this with the possibility of such awful side-effects.
If I didn't know better, I might also suspect that this drug design practice might fit in very well with their business profit model -- after all, if you are cured quickly by a drug, then noone buys it anymore do they? So, poor profits. But if you can design drugs whereby, even though they don't cure the problem, people will still become heavily dependent on them from the emotional comfort factor -- and will take these drugs for the rest of their life, then this will be very profitable indeed for the drugs companies involved."
02/20/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas replies: "Hi The_Phoenix,Your right about why dis-information gets passed along. I don't think all those who sell remedies for candida have that motive but I do think there are those who should of taken the time to verify the information before using it. I being neither of these and being my own doctor and researcher do the best I can.
As far as blood test and other medical test I am all for them as they can take the guess work out of treatment. The problem in the United States is that many of us do not have the resources or co-operation of some of our doctors to do these test. So if we want to get well we take responsibility for our own health which we should anyway.
Thanks for all your posting and input. It is much appreciated. Keep up the good work."
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