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Dr. Wilson’s Guidelines for Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue

Posted by Dr. James Wilson on Tue, Sep 29, 2009
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Here are some general guidelines to follow and things to avoid to help you recover from adrenal fatigue. Use this list as a reference guide and adapt it to your particular situation.
  • Make your lifestyle a healing one
  • Do something pleasurable every day
  • Be in bed before 10PM
  • Sleep in until 9AM whenever possible
  • Look for things that make you laugh
  • Eliminate the energy robbers (things in your life that drain your energy)
  • Take action on one of the "three things you can do" whenever you are not enjoying your life - first locate the energy robbers and then 1) change the situation, 2) change yourself to adapt to the situation, or 3) leave the situation. Notice at least one small, everyday thing that you are grateful for each day
  • Take your dietary supplements, regularly
  • Move your body and breathe deeply
  • Believe in your ability to recover
  • Use your mind as a powerful healing tool
  • Keep a journal - jot down your experiences each day
  • Eat the foods your body needs
  • Learn which foods make you feel bad (keep a list of them)
  • Read/Re-Read Part 3 of "Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome"
  • If you do not have high blood pressure, try having a glass of water in the morning containing ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt stirred in until dissolved. If this makes you feel better, continue doing it. Note: On mornings when you exercise fully, you may not want as much salt. Be mindful of your cravings for salt and potassium containing foods (e.g. bananas, melon, potatoes, tomatoes, beans) during the day. These desires may serve as rough indicators of adrenal function during the day.
  • When you eat fruit, have something with salt before or after the fruit and chew very well
  • Combine starchy carbohydrates, protein and fats at every meal, including breakfast
  • Always eat breakfast - it is very important for people experiencing adrenal fatigue
  • Eat an abundance of whole foods - those foods which are eaten like nature grows them
  • Eat lots of colored vegetables
  • Chew your food well
  • Take the power and responsibility of your health into your own hands
  • Make whatever lifestyle changes you need to make to regain your health
  • Laugh several times every day
  • Enjoy your recovery
  • Take 1,000 mg of Vitamin C complex with 200mg magnesium and pantothenic acid at approximately 2PM every day along with a small snack containing protein, complex carbohydrate and fat in order to help avoid the 3-4PM low
  • Follow my Program for Adrenal Fatigue and Stress
Avoid These Things
  • Getting overtired
  • Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and white flour products
  • Coffee, even decaf
  • Staying up past 11PM
  • Pushing yourself
  • Energy robbers
  • Being harsh or negative with yourself
  • Feeling sorry for yourself
  • Foods you are addicted to
  • Foods you suspect an allergy or sensitivity to
  • Foods that make you feel worse, cloud your thinking or pull you down in any way
  • Skipping breakfast
  • Avoid fruit in the morning
  • Never eat starchy carbohydrates (breads, pastas) by themselves
  • Do not eat foods that adversely affect you in any way, no matter how good they taste or how much you crave them
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Comments

I have read your book and have begun to incorporate all the supplements and guidelines into my life. Adrenal fatigue has left me debilitated and homebound. At last I have a diagnosis and hope for a full recovery. Today, I feel good. Thank you, Dr. Wilson.
Posted @ Tuesday, September 29, 2009 4:14 PM by Jamie
That link to the adrenal-fatigue-the-21st-century-stress-syndrome url is dead. I've experience this same thing before. Can you please fix this.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 4:37 PM by Charles Parrott
I'm not having a problem with it, Charles. Opened it yesterday and also just a moment ago. Do you have your computer set to enable or regonzie the link?
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 5:02 PM by Jamie
I plan to buy the book next month. It appears the book is on the "patient" level and easy to interpet. Any comments?
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 5:10 PM by Carole
Carole, I keep the book by my bedside, along with a journal, and I always refer to it. Yes, it is a very easy-to-read book that is packed with very informative information. As I am learning from Dr. Wilson and my other doctors (homeopath and therapist), it's not just a body thing ... but a mind/body problem. You need to work on your mind, your happiness, and your stress level as well as your body. If you are feeling as badly as I do, don't wait to buy this book. Get it now. I waited two years to buy the book, and I am so sorry that I waited that long. You may also want to check out Dr. Northrup's book on women's wellness. She has a section on adrenal fatigue and recommends some of the same supplements as Dr. Wilson.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 6:08 PM by Jamie
Carole, in addition .... I found that as I began to learn more about how the body and adrenals function, I came out of my denial and realized just how much stress, unhappiness, and the wrong foods can affect your body. Dr. Wilson explains this all very well in the book.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 6:14 PM by Jamie
Dr. Wilson, 
 
I just went to an endocronologist today who saw that i had an am coritsol of 7 and felt it was "normal"! I am so glad you exist. I only wish there were other Doctors out there who would do their job and found out about this. I know I don't feel "normal" and he saw all my symptoms and he even said " you know how many people come in here with all these symptoms looking for an answer and we can't find it!" haha well, the answer was right in front of him, my level of 7. again, he didn't want to hear it and he wants me to stop all the supplements and extracts that have been helping me. What a joke! These doctors are so tunnel visioned they can't see the solution and you simply have. They all need to take a course from you as too many people out there need to be treated for this adrenal insufficiency and are never going to find a doctor who will help until this is pushed in education for them. When we know more then them, they don't like it and sao say we have to be wrong. Its very closed minded and proud but, if someone with credentials taught them, they will be forced to listen. he wanted to know if you were a real dr. I said YES. thanks for your book!!!!!!! so much!!!!!its the one bright light in all of this.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 7:23 PM by L.
Jamie, Thanks for your help. My cortisol level was "1", and I think it is suppose to be 18. I found out my thyorid isn't working either. My pitutary gland doesn't work because my spinal fluid has deformed it. I take cortisol 1 20mg and 1 10 mg at 2:00. Does that sound about right? My thyroid doesn work because of that gland.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 8:02 PM by Carole
Jamie, thanks for the info. I will take your advise, I need to get ahead of the game.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 8:05 PM by Carole
Carole, I had a saliva test done, which showed my cortisol burden at 18. The reference values are between 23-42. The test shows cortisol levels 4 times through out the day. My lowest levels were between 6 a.m.-8.a.m and 11:00 a.m.-Noon. That surprised me because I usually feel worse during the middle of the day, especially after 3 p.m. Everything else is fine with me. Thyroid, etc. I have been checked and rechecked and checked again for just about everything and every disease, even hepatitis, Addisons, Epstein-Barr, blah blah blah. I saw a Rheumatologist to check for fibromyalgia. Once, a couple of years ago, when I complained of fatigue and muscle pain to one doctor, he gave me muscle relaxers, which made my fatigue worse. Everything came up negative (thank goodness). I was so happy to have a diagnosis, especially one that can be cured. 
 
 
 
My current doctor (a homeopath) is hesitant to treat with cortisol because of the negative effects it can have on the adrenals. Dr. Wilson discusses cortisol replacement or corticosteroids in his book, and I don't want to go that route unless absolutely necessary. I hope this helps. Thanks for your response.
Posted @ Wednesday, September 30, 2009 9:10 PM by Jamie
I was diagnose with my adrenal working very low and I have been on antibiotics 3 times for infection and ones I did not know I had. I have a very bad lower back pain. and I am always tired . I have been resting a lot more now. My doctor wants to put me on dhea but has not done it yet. What can I do about this back pain
Posted @ Sunday, October 04, 2009 12:47 PM by karen
Karen, go to a chiropractor for your back pain. I have been having pains in my legs and my hips were badly rotated and have been seeing my chiropractor a couple of times a week. Pain and back problems can cause added stress to your adrenals and make you more tired. Do some research on DHEA. It's not as good for women as it is for men and should be monitored. Also, read Dr. Northrup's books on adrenal fatigue and DHEA. Thinking about beautiful things and things that you make you happy can naturally raise your DHEA thereby helping to produce more cortisol. Hope this helps.
Posted @ Sunday, October 04, 2009 7:33 PM by Jamie
What is dhea stand for?
Posted @ Friday, October 09, 2009 7:22 PM by Carole
Carole, Off hand, I don't know what it stands for, you could Google it. It is a hormone that is produced in your adrenal glands.
Posted @ Friday, October 09, 2009 8:03 PM by Jamie
I would like to know how I choose a supplement that is right for me.
Posted @ Monday, November 16, 2009 7:40 PM by prlegl
Does anyone have any experience using liposome vitamin C to help with adrenal fatigue? Wtih regular vitamin c at 2% bio absorption, the lipsome C has claims of 98% bio-availablity. Is this worth exploring?
Posted @ Saturday, November 28, 2009 10:30 PM by Clarissa
I had bloodwork and my morning cortisol level was a 37 but was told normal level is a 22. All of my other levels are perfect. although my high cortisol affected my progesterone level, that is fixed now.I take supplements everyday but I am having trouble finding the right diet for me. Do I limit my potassium? its hard to find high protein snacks, most nuts are high in potassium...frustrating
Posted @ Tuesday, December 22, 2009 6:48 AM by Jen
that cortisol is really high. those of us with adrenal fatigue/exhaustion have cortisol levels as low as 8 in the morning which is really low. Dr. Wilson helps those with really low coritsol levels
Posted @ Tuesday, December 22, 2009 9:27 AM by l
I agree that your cortisol sounds high, but you said it was done with a blood test. The best and most accurate way to determine if you have adrenal fatigue is to have a saliva test. It measures your cortisol levels 4 times throughout the day, because it varies. Cortisol is usually lower in the morning, then raises during midday and then falls again, but never get very high and is usually below or at "normal" levels. Adrenal fatigue is a result of low cortisol, not high cortisol levels. You may want to think about having it the saliva test to accurately determine what's going on. Hope this helps.
Posted @ Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:24 AM by Jamie
To priegl, 
 
 
 
To find the right supplement for you, read through Dr. Wilson's book and make a list of all the supplements he recommends and take it with you to the vitamin store or health food store. He's very specific about what you need to address adrenal fatigue. I noticed a considerable improvement after the first week. One thing you will need, lots of Vitamin C with bioflavanoids. There are lots of different types of C out there, but get the type that he recommends. Hope this helps.
Posted @ Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:30 AM by Jamie
yes, to clarify, a normal adrenal will have high cortisol in the am, a person with adrenal fatigue will have lower cortisol in the am thus, showing the problem and saliva testing is accurate but, when i said that i had a level of 8 in the am, that was a blood level. blood levels also indicate if the cortisol is too low or not.
Posted @ Wednesday, December 23, 2009 9:37 AM by l
Hello, 
 
I have moderate adrenal fatigue and have started (5 days ago) taking the vitamins and supplements recommended (VitC with bioflavonoids, VitE, Pantothenic, B12, Mg citrate, omega 3, Ca, Guaia's Adrenal health phytocaps, and a multivitamin with dong quai, vitex, and others (Simply One Women Super Nutrition). After a few days on these, I had my period a week early. Is this normal? Is there something in the herbs that is helping or hurting my cycle?
Posted @ Friday, February 19, 2010 3:36 PM by Gigi
I believe that I have severe adrenal exhaustion because after I exercise I have extreme fatigue and some hair loss. So does that mean I have to stop exercising right now ?
Posted @ Tuesday, February 23, 2010 1:24 PM by Paula
i too have exhaustion and fatigue and weakness even sometimes when going for a walk. i have adrenal fatigue so i guess it can be related
Posted @ Tuesday, February 23, 2010 2:32 PM by l
To the writers below: Hi, my name is Wanda, I've been studying nutrition and disease for many years, and am pursuing a certified nutritionist license.... Thought I'd answer some of your questions. After struggling with adrenal exhaustion for years myself, I find Dr. Wilson's the most affordable and specific for individual repair of adrenals, for proper absorption, plus correct amounts in right proportions other organs need. His book explains this problem the best I've seen, and will answer all your questions if you read it thoroughly. I don't know him, but highly recommend his work based on years of research and experimenting and feedback from cusomers at a health store I managed. God Bless you all! 
 
 
 
1) DHEA: dehydroepiandosterone (a hormone secreted from adrenal gland - important in all bodily functions.) 
 
 
 
2) Vit C absorption: Someone is always trying to sell a better product in the industry, and many are good; But regarding the adrenals there are multiple factors involved.... therefore one really needs to address all deficiencies not one. Dr. Wilson's C formula will absorb very well, plus address all issues involved. A better form isn't necessary if you use his. (I hope he doesn't mind me saying this. I have first hand purchasing experience in the retail industry and am very aware of the vit C absorption issue that manufacturers will target.) I recommend Dr. Wilson's because I can see they are appropriately balanced & absorbable for the whole body. 
 
 
 
3) Cortisol Levels: These are generally low in adrenal exhaustion, but can work on overdrive too.... esp. in evening if you stay up late. This causes inability to sleep, and further depletes adrenals' ability to function normal. Holy Basil, ginseng, ashwaganda, inositol, along with adrenal cortex extracts, can lower them again. (I've had the problem) 
 
 
 
4) Purchasing individual nutrients at store: There are some great products individually, but I'm finding that to do all that is necessary it is costly. The formulas on this site are specific and work... you can save lots of money purchasing them. When it comes to adrenal problems, there is no solution best than those specifically made from years of experience. (That goes with any disease actually) A doctor who knows what he or she is doing, is best to follow. 
 
 
 
5) Exercise: Do what does not make you more exhausted. Start slow and easy only when able. Build up system with nutrients and extracts and EAT RIGHT.... must eat right, rest, & repair if you want success!!!! 
 
 
 
6) Early Periods: Yes, certain herbs bring on blood flow, and certain ones can stop it.... works good for both problems. Sometimes a period can come early when old blood is still there. Sometimes the herbs influence hormones one way or another. Read an herb book for specific help about which ones you need. 
 
 
 
7) Hair Loss: Hormone imbalance and nutrient deficiency can cause. I use "Good Hair" Vitamins at the higher dose with success. (Century Systems) Sometimes thyroid, and testosterone imbalances need to be addressed. 
 
 
 
Summary: Hope this helps! Have a great day! Wanda  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Posted @ Sunday, February 28, 2010 11:34 PM by wanda
Dr Wilson, I managed a very high- quality health store 4 1/2 years, where I learned from many customers with high blood pressure of a salt they said DID NOT raise their pressure. It is worth trying. The product: REDMOND REAL SALT. It contains all the natural minerals found in salt... I assume that is why they did not have bp go up.  
 
Thank you so much for all your hard work. Your book has been very helpful to me and others.  
 
Posted @ Sunday, February 28, 2010 11:51 PM by Wanda
I am wondering if there is any info out there on men and hypothyroid and adrenal fatigue? I've found mostly all women's books as it is mainly a women's disease
Posted @ Thursday, May 20, 2010 2:37 AM by Red Jarland
adrenal fatigue the 21st century is a book for both male and female
Posted @ Thursday, May 20, 2010 2:15 PM by le
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