I had it, and it improved with lots of sugar, and carbs in general etc.

I do believe today that it's really not as difficult to treat as some say, it's a cortisol dysfunction, actually a problem with the hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal axis, people get it from different things, but basically you need to get your hands on the parasympathetic nervous system in some way, it usually starts taking over with carbs, stimulation like spike mats, massage, acupuncture needles, and then you start to relax etc... after it overrides the stress (sympathetic system), you will start "healing".

Specific nutrients are good, you just need to know what to target, and also the body uses more of certain vitamins when stressed, also salt, potassium, magnesium, calcium balance is important so that you start to relax.

The problem is that when you get stressed, it gets hyper, and you can't get "down" (parasympathetic response) like a normal person after the stress, so your cortisol output changes, it gets high in the evening, low in the morning, and so on.

But all in all, the solution differs, but I would try to cut off the stress loop with something that works for you.

Also, do not believe anyone who says that there is healing period where you will feel like shit, you will feel great, and relaxed (!) right away when you find a system that works for you. Not great as in yeah, whoa, more catecholamines, up we go, but great as in just had the best the sleep ever, and feeling all relaxed.

The problem isn't the adrenals as much as the stress that's driving them. Yes, too much stress can overstimulate them and drain them of resources, so until you get that stress fixed, the best you can do is to provide support through supplementation...

If you have a car that's being driven by someone with a lead foot, it'll wear out faster, so you'll need more frequent oil changes, more tire replacements, and checkups/tune ups, etc., but the fix isn't to repair the car constantly, it's to get the driver to chill out.

Same deal with things like Vitamin C, magnesium, and salt and the like. The real issue is dealing with the driver and the reason for the stress, once that's dealt with, having a normal response to a stressor will not cause a chronic spike in cortisol and they'll heal.

Lots of rest and meditation as well as looking at how you look at stressful situation is what will help fix it. Like the saying goes, if you can't change the situation, change how you view it.

If there's nothing you can do to change something, don't worry about it. Reading things like The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and the works of other stoics will likely help here. I can't say they cured adrenal fatigue for me, but they changed my view of the world.

I currently have the same problem and the last thing I would do is respond to this by eating high amounts of sugar and carbs!! That said, I have increased my carb intake of sweet potatoes and starchy veggies somewhat, and what I mean by that is that I may eat a whole medium sized sweet potato instead of a half in a day along with some berries as snacks aiming to bring my carb intake from 50g or so to 100-125 or so a day.

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) can also be very helpful in addition to some adaptogenic herbs like holy basil, ashwaganda and lemon balm in the evening.

Lastly, lifestyle modifications are imperative. Less intense workouts, shutting the computer and other electronics in the evening and improving sleep hygiene.

Calcium is required to stimulate the release of adrenaline and magnesium is needed to buffer excess calcium, which limits stress response.

Many stress-coping mechanisms like smoking and drinking coffee or alcohol only magnify the deficiency.

Magnesium may be the answer.

There are over 12 major metabolic functions that are affected by adrenaline, including heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle contractions. Each function uses magnesium and can lead to depletion if the symptoms continue.

Below is a link to an article at RecoverySpray.com that might be useful to you.

http://www.recoveryspray.com/stress-help-your-body-deal-with-it/

I have been following this protocol for adrenal fatigue since the first of June. http://www.drlam.com/articles/adrenal_fatigue.asp?page=3#13 I would recommend reading all the information on Dr. lam's website. The part on hormones is very helpful. I have also been taking these products: Progesterone cream. Homeopathic adrenal liquscence and drops. http://www.pureformulas.com/adrenal-drops-2-oz-by-professional-formulas.html http://www.pureformulas.com/adrenal-liquescence-4-oz-by-professional-formulas.html

I hope you are feeling better soon! I know how you are feeling, it sucks, but it will get better!!

Really surprised no one has recommended this book yet.

You probably don't want to have to read a book, but this is actually a pretty quick read and very informative, especially where supplementation is concerned. Even so, you definitely don't want to do this willy-nilly on your own. Work with your naturopath and make sure you're on a targeted supplementation plan that's right for YOU.

Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome

Adrenal fatigue = chronic stress catching up with you. So step 1 would be to reduce the stress in your life. Yes, easier said than done. Get enough sleep, drop the things that don't matter, deal with the thing that do, and work out less intensly until the stress is under control.

Step 2, and the answer to your question, is to dial in your nutrition. Make sure that you are getting at least 100% of your RDA for vitamins and minerals. Then: - Take extra B complex, since you need more in times of stress. - Consider taking GABA (an amino acid) to quickly calm you down when dealing with acute stress. - The amino acids valine and taurine are also calming. - Magnesium and calcium can both be calming. Magnesium especially helps with sleep. - Carbs, and especially sugar, can stop a cortisol response. In periods of high stress, sugar will quickly act to calm you down (it's drug-like how effective it is, especially if you generally don't eat much sugar/carbs). - The adrenals require salt and saturated fat to function effectively, so be sure to eat enough.

JayJay is right as are others here. Consider the idea that the adrenal glands receive signals from the pituitary, it is good to know if that system (the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis) is functioning properly. If your cortisol output is low (diagnostic criteria for adrenal fatigue), many people will use licorice to elevate it. The challenge is that licorice only acts on the adrenal cortex to raise cortisol and ignores the signal TO the adrenal glands in the form of ACTH. It is wise to address "both sides" of the equation. For men, we use Revolution Macalibrium http://naturalhi.com/Products/Macalibrium.aspx in addition to a high plant-based paleo diet, exercise and stress reduction techniques such as meditation. Be careful on the workouts. Weight training is important as is cardio and also things like yoga, but for those with adrenal fatigue, we have to do all of them in small doses as to avoid additional stress.

Hi, not sure you are still looking for help and did not read all the posts so I apologize for the overlap.
Adrenal fatatigue is caused by stress as many people have noted, but there are many sources of stress (emotional/mental and internal stressors such as food sensitivities, blood sugar problems, infections, leaky gut, etc.). The best way to recover from adrenal fatigue is do get tested and identify internal stressors. It's important to first identify what stage of adrenal fatigue you are in by taking a Salivary adrenal stress test. This looks at cortisol levels throughout the day as well as sex hormones. You might be producing too much or too little at different times during the day. You would also want to get lab work done looking at gut function, liver function and oxidative stress as well as food sensitiivties to help identify hidden internal stressors that are stressing out the adrenals. I am getting certified in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition and would be happy to happy to help you run these labs, eliminate hidden stressors and find healing opportunities. I would provide you with a program that would help eliminate internal stressors using a D.R.E.S.S. for Health Success Model. This would adress diet, rest, exercise, stress reduction and supplements. You can contact me at tinag422@aol.com. Wishing you good health! Tina

how long does it take to recover from adrenal fatigue?

I see all problems as systemic, stemming from unfulfilled holistic requirements.

You need: oxygen, sunlight, exercise (aerobic and anaerobic), sleep, good quality animal matter (various and from various parts of the animal), good quality plant matter (leaves, fruits, vegetables)

You need to avoid: pollutants, being indoors, gluten etc, refined and processed foods in general

These are requirements for everybody, and if we don't get them, what we feel first; what noticably breaks down first, is different for different individuals ~ however, rectifying your problems, from my experience, comes from addressing all of the above issues simultaneously and in an ongoing effort.

The most important thing you can do is to find a naturopathic doctor or chiropractor that can do an accurate assessment of your condition, and provide guidance and advice throughout the course of your recovery. I have been through severe adrenal fatigue, and like you was confused with the all the information I was receiving. It is good to do research and take maters into your own hand, but with something like this, having some quality weekly or bi-weekly support from a professional that understands adrenal fatigue and also harbors experience with paleo and alternative medicine is absolutely essential!

try some magnesium (natural calm) and Holy Basil (new chapter supercritical extract) before bed. your sleep will be a-maz-ing and you will feel so much better. at least i did. and it doesn't like 'go away' after you stop taking it. you just feel 'woken up.' i thought especially the holy basil was helpful.