Years and years of parenting traumatized and special needs children can not only cause emotional stress. Over time it can actually deplete the abilities of your adrenal glands. Adrenal gland depletion is serious stuff. Most experts explain that a slow healing/replenishing is needed…one that can take years. My research into adrenal depletion has yielded the following suggestions.

1. Take a good multi-vitamin. One high in B-vitamins, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C, all important for the adrenal gland function.
2. Get lots of rest. Adequate rest does help rebuild the adrenals. Nine hours a night is recommended.
3. Get testing. If you suspect this is your problem, you can test the levels of adrenal hormones. It is important to realize that depleted adrenal glands can lead to hypothyroidism, which has a further negative impact (more fatigue, more weight gain, and a variety of problems.)
4. A diet where stimulants and carbohydrates are reduced, where essential fatty acids (Omega-3s) are increased or supplemented. Some advise increased protein as well.
5. DHEA. Some recommend supplementing with this steroid hormone secreted by the adrenals. It is not without its risks, but has been shown effective for many peri-menopausal and menopoausal women. Here’s a good reference.
6. 5-HTP. This is the supplement that’s working for me, (along with some of the other things.) I started taking a small dose about two weeks ago. It has made me less tired, reduced my depression and feelings of being overwhelmed, and lessened my growing aches and pains. It also nearly eliminated my laundry list of PMS symptoms. And the added benefit is that I’ve lost 3 pounds. Researchers believe it can help with weight loss, although some claim not enough research has been done.
7. Gentle exercise. If you are exhausted from adrenal depletion, now is not the time to start bodybuilding. Yoga, gentle walking, stretching, tai chi are all forms of exercise that will not further deplete your body’s resources.
8. Finding a healthy spiritual practice. The catch-22 of adrenal depletion is the lack of energy breeds negative thoughts and the negative thoughts feed the lack of energy. I look at my middle-aged body gaining weight and feel overwhelmed that I can no longer make a minor dietary change or exercise a little and cause weight loss. This spiral of negativity is just one example of many. Because we’re talking about a brain chemistry connection here, we know that both the things we put into our body (food, supplements) and the thoughts we allow into our mind (psychological) effect our brain. For me, a concerted effort toward prayer and Bible study each morning helps put me on the right track spiritually and emotionally.

More information?
Adrenal Burnout Syndrome
Adrenal Fatigue – Letters to the Editor
Natural Healing by Richard Firshein

Photo credit