I purpose to share my journey of 'recovery', and share what I am learning with others. I have been so blessed by my dear friends sharing what they have learned with me, about adrenal dysfunction, that I can do no less than share as well.
First of all, if you are like me, repetition is a good thing:) A bit of a definition; Adrenal fatigue is a pre runner to Adrenal exhaustion. It is a result of the adrenals being over taxed~by injury , distress, chronic infection etc..Adrenals being over taxed simply means that they have put out an over abundance of 'cortisol' for an extended amount of time and they are tired now. Cortisol is very important in that it dictates to your ovaries (for one) how much progesterone to produce. When the adrenals are not functioning at full capacity as they should, they fail to tell the ovaries to produce progesterone, thus estrogen is the dominant hormone running through your body. This is called the condition of 'Estrogen Dominance'. Estrogen dominance is the cause of cysts, endometriosis, ovarian cancers etc....
I believe the Lord has created our bodies to be extremely resilient. So why is 'Estrogen Dominance' so prevalent? Here is a brief explanation;
Many of the chemicals and pesticides in our environment , mimic the hormone Estrogen in our bodies. We are completely surrounded by all of these invaders. So though our bodies were created to withstand a normal amount of 'stress', 'trauma' etc...it was not designed to be constantly bombarded in every direction by circumstances which create this imbalance in our bodies.
Dr. Mercola put out an interesting and very informative newsletter yesterday that names some of the additives we use in everyday items that mimic Estrogen in our bodies. Here is the article
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/02/toxic-parabens-on-breast-cancer-patients.aspx?e_cid=20120402_DNL_art_1.
Another interesting fact that I would share with you...in hopes that you can help yourself to lower your Estrogen levels is this; Women who intake 500m of coffee daily have a 70% increased level of Estrogen than women who intake 150m! Wow. Thus falls one of my morning joys!
It seems that this entire recovery program is all about...doing what I don't want and not doing what I do want. For example, I want several cups of coffee in the morning..nope! I don't care to eat breakfast...I am eating it anyways! I take multiple supplements and vitamins throughout the day...for the first time in my life!...I eat 2 bowl of fresh vegetables and at least a cup of nuts daily in addition to my regular meals! Ive never eaten so much in my life! As well, though my figure is becoming a bit 'filled out'...I can in no way limit what I am doing...everything I do and don't intake right now is deliberate and has a purpose!
So, even in our trials we see that the Lord is able to work according to His good pleasure in our lives. It is always a blessed discipline to deny the flesh and grow in maturity so that we can do unpleasant things because it is right....So through all of this; Blessed be the Name of the Lord for loving me enough to train me up! Never too old to learn right?
Showing posts with label Adrenal fatigue. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adrenal fatigue. Show all posts
Monday, April 2, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Adrenals.....
Fatigue or exhaustion, it is practically the same! You feel exhausted and fatigued! And, if you weren't already feeling poorly enough...try reading up on all of the info available on the subject! That is really exhausting!
I am so grateful for all of that info though! I am so grateful for all of the Dr's, health care providers, bloggers etc who share what they know so that people like me can be informed!
I think it only appropriate to do my small part in educating people! I am now a firm believer in taking care of your adrenals! If you do or don't have adrenal fatigue, there is much you can do!
Probably one of the best sources of info I have found on the 'disorder'(?) is from Dr. Lam who is easily found online. However there is no replacing my dear friend who is going through this too and never tells me she tires of my endless inquires! So here is a minor explanation of what is going on with me and hopefully not you!...(Most of this info is from Dr. Lam)
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that help control metabolism, chemicals in the blood, and stress responses. Adrenal gland disorders can increase the level of hormones produced.
The adrenal gland consists of two sections, each produces a specific set of hormones. The outer portion of the adrenals, known as the adrenal cortex, produces corticosteroids including cortisol that functions in the use and storage of energy, aldosterone that stimulates the reabsorption of salts and water, and the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
The inner portion of the adrenals, known as the adrenal medulla, produces hormones classified as catecholamines including epinephrine, also called adrenalin, and norepinephrine, also called noradrenalin. Epinephrine and norepinephrine act on the (sympathetic) nervous system. Adrenal gland disorders can cause the adrenal medulla to produce increased levels of these hormones.
Whew! All that to say that my adrenal medulla works overtime when I should be sleeping, I have low blood pressure but high pulse rate...and my cortisol production is down, which means my progesterone is low which means the hormone estrogen is the dominant hormone in my body right now. This leads to the 'fatigue' or tiredness, or chronic muscle and joint pain.
I don't really know too much about it but one thing I am convinced about; having spoken to several people, Dr's and Dr Lam himself...natural remedies are the only long term effective way to correct the 'OAT AXIS' dysregulation that is occurring. That stands for ovary,adrenal, and thyroid. They all work together. Taking progesterone is not going to help the thyroid, taking thyroid meds is not only addictive but taking them will not help the ovaries or adrenals. As well, if and when you do choose to take a progesterone supplement it is HIGHLY recommended that it not be a synthetic form.
It seems that when it comes to certain progesterone replacement therapies and thyroid medication therapies, that your body decides it will let the meds do the work for them. So instead of helping your body to restore and produce normal levels of what it needs, it will now do little or nothing on its own.
My hope and goal is to be able to 'get' regulated by long term natural means. So far Ive heard from one source that it may take a year, another source has said two years.
Being 42, it means that Ive had that many years of environmental toxins, and stress. So 2 years doesn't sound so long after all.
A few friends have asked if 'having a lot of children' produces this 'disorder'. No! It is not a result of being a homeschool mom either:) It takes years for ones body to get this way, it therefore stands to reason that it will take some time to correct it. Individuals are all born with a certain 'adrenal strength,or constitution'. Some bodies are able to handle more than others, also some bodies have had to deal with more than other bodies...this explains why everyone isn't suffering from this.
A small piece of advice 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' and 'Prefer one another ahead of yourselves'....Do those verses seem out of place here? Well not if you've heard the sad, heartbreaking stories that I have of women who are misunderstood because they have adrenal fatigue/exhaustion.
I posted earlier this week that 'supermom is dead and if she isn't she will be soon. God did not call us to be super He called us to be faithful'. Those super mom (super bloggers maybe?) that look down on this weakness in others makes me want to remind them that they do not stand in their own strength....and if you do take heed lest you yourself fall. "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy". May we all be merciful to one another today, and also to ourselves. There is no dishonor in caring for our temple:)
I am so grateful for all of that info though! I am so grateful for all of the Dr's, health care providers, bloggers etc who share what they know so that people like me can be informed!
I think it only appropriate to do my small part in educating people! I am now a firm believer in taking care of your adrenals! If you do or don't have adrenal fatigue, there is much you can do!
Probably one of the best sources of info I have found on the 'disorder'(?) is from Dr. Lam who is easily found online. However there is no replacing my dear friend who is going through this too and never tells me she tires of my endless inquires! So here is a minor explanation of what is going on with me and hopefully not you!...(Most of this info is from Dr. Lam)
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that help control metabolism, chemicals in the blood, and stress responses. Adrenal gland disorders can increase the level of hormones produced.
The adrenal gland consists of two sections, each produces a specific set of hormones. The outer portion of the adrenals, known as the adrenal cortex, produces corticosteroids including cortisol that functions in the use and storage of energy, aldosterone that stimulates the reabsorption of salts and water, and the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
The inner portion of the adrenals, known as the adrenal medulla, produces hormones classified as catecholamines including epinephrine, also called adrenalin, and norepinephrine, also called noradrenalin. Epinephrine and norepinephrine act on the (sympathetic) nervous system. Adrenal gland disorders can cause the adrenal medulla to produce increased levels of these hormones.
Whew! All that to say that my adrenal medulla works overtime when I should be sleeping, I have low blood pressure but high pulse rate...and my cortisol production is down, which means my progesterone is low which means the hormone estrogen is the dominant hormone in my body right now. This leads to the 'fatigue' or tiredness, or chronic muscle and joint pain.
I don't really know too much about it but one thing I am convinced about; having spoken to several people, Dr's and Dr Lam himself...natural remedies are the only long term effective way to correct the 'OAT AXIS' dysregulation that is occurring. That stands for ovary,adrenal, and thyroid. They all work together. Taking progesterone is not going to help the thyroid, taking thyroid meds is not only addictive but taking them will not help the ovaries or adrenals. As well, if and when you do choose to take a progesterone supplement it is HIGHLY recommended that it not be a synthetic form.
It seems that when it comes to certain progesterone replacement therapies and thyroid medication therapies, that your body decides it will let the meds do the work for them. So instead of helping your body to restore and produce normal levels of what it needs, it will now do little or nothing on its own.
My hope and goal is to be able to 'get' regulated by long term natural means. So far Ive heard from one source that it may take a year, another source has said two years.
Being 42, it means that Ive had that many years of environmental toxins, and stress. So 2 years doesn't sound so long after all.
A few friends have asked if 'having a lot of children' produces this 'disorder'. No! It is not a result of being a homeschool mom either:) It takes years for ones body to get this way, it therefore stands to reason that it will take some time to correct it. Individuals are all born with a certain 'adrenal strength,or constitution'. Some bodies are able to handle more than others, also some bodies have had to deal with more than other bodies...this explains why everyone isn't suffering from this.
A small piece of advice 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' and 'Prefer one another ahead of yourselves'....Do those verses seem out of place here? Well not if you've heard the sad, heartbreaking stories that I have of women who are misunderstood because they have adrenal fatigue/exhaustion.
I posted earlier this week that 'supermom is dead and if she isn't she will be soon. God did not call us to be super He called us to be faithful'. Those super mom (super bloggers maybe?) that look down on this weakness in others makes me want to remind them that they do not stand in their own strength....and if you do take heed lest you yourself fall. "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy". May we all be merciful to one another today, and also to ourselves. There is no dishonor in caring for our temple:)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Affliction makes time for Reflection....
Isnt that so? When we are afflicted we suddenly have time for reflection?
Reflection is a useful tool in which we can honestly look around us and make evalutaions about how we have been doing. Sometimes reflection is difficult, sometimes rewarding but either way it is necessary and profitable.
Ive come to the conclusion that there is a myth floating around that there exists a 'Supermom'. Supermom is dead folks, and if she isnt now, she will be soon because 'mom' wasnt designed to be 'super'. Mom was designed to be faithful. We were created to bring glory and honor to the Lord. This world doesnt often honor what the Lord does. So things that bring eternal value; 'T' (talking) parties with our children, looking them in the eye, discipling them, loving our husbands, being faithful keepers of our home, showing hospitality, all of these things are valued as nothing in the world.
So I just wanted to encourage you, and me, to be faithful to the 'eternal' today. What a glorious thing to look forward to one day when we hear the words 'Well done thou good and faithful servant'. It makes all of the everday mundane tasks of life look worthwhile and pleasant.
Reflection is a useful tool in which we can honestly look around us and make evalutaions about how we have been doing. Sometimes reflection is difficult, sometimes rewarding but either way it is necessary and profitable.
Ive come to the conclusion that there is a myth floating around that there exists a 'Supermom'. Supermom is dead folks, and if she isnt now, she will be soon because 'mom' wasnt designed to be 'super'. Mom was designed to be faithful. We were created to bring glory and honor to the Lord. This world doesnt often honor what the Lord does. So things that bring eternal value; 'T' (talking) parties with our children, looking them in the eye, discipling them, loving our husbands, being faithful keepers of our home, showing hospitality, all of these things are valued as nothing in the world.
So I just wanted to encourage you, and me, to be faithful to the 'eternal' today. What a glorious thing to look forward to one day when we hear the words 'Well done thou good and faithful servant'. It makes all of the everday mundane tasks of life look worthwhile and pleasant.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Crash recovery...
Crash recovery....! Update on Dana
No thankfully not a car crash! I knew I was slowing down and getting slower and slower...
Proverbs 16:9 says "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Well the adrenal crash was inevitable! So now it seems as though the Lord determines that I recover. A road which I am now embarking on!
When I tell a 'regular' dr. "Im so run down and tired and anxious" they inevitably laugh at me and ask what I thought would happen when I decided to have 11 children and homeschool! The 'mainline' medical route being inefficient, I have now had to persue other means of restoration for my health!
As well, in a well ordered, peaceful home where Christ is Lord, 11 children do not have to be the 'cause' of a OAT axis imbalance!:) Not that things are always well ordered or peaceful here:) But an internal chemical imbalance is the issue not my children:)
All that to say that I have missed visiting and posting here on our blog and on THC! I just 'rose' from a 5 day bed rest and am not sure how much I will have to offer in the near future!
I do pray that your homeschooling and life adventures are enjoyable, and that the Lord is blessing your sacrifice to your children!
Brett and I continue to pray diligently for all of our 'friends' on THC. I would love to hear how everyone is doing!
Blessings and peace!
Dana Adams
Proverbs 16:9 says "In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps."
Well the adrenal crash was inevitable! So now it seems as though the Lord determines that I recover. A road which I am now embarking on!
When I tell a 'regular' dr. "Im so run down and tired and anxious" they inevitably laugh at me and ask what I thought would happen when I decided to have 11 children and homeschool! The 'mainline' medical route being inefficient, I have now had to persue other means of restoration for my health!
As well, in a well ordered, peaceful home where Christ is Lord, 11 children do not have to be the 'cause' of a OAT axis imbalance!:) Not that things are always well ordered or peaceful here:) But an internal chemical imbalance is the issue not my children:)
All that to say that I have missed visiting and posting here on our blog and on THC! I just 'rose' from a 5 day bed rest and am not sure how much I will have to offer in the near future!
I do pray that your homeschooling and life adventures are enjoyable, and that the Lord is blessing your sacrifice to your children!
Brett and I continue to pray diligently for all of our 'friends' on THC. I would love to hear how everyone is doing!
Blessings and peace!
Dana Adams
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