A Brand New Year

The sun was out today. No, really, I saw it. It was hard to recognize at first, after the record rainfall we’ve been dealing with, but a quick look outside shows me a bright blue sky!

I have had such a great response to my free 15 minute consultations that I continue to offer this to anyone thinking about visiting a Naturopathic Doctor. It’s a great way to get a few health questions answered and to determine if Naturopathic Medicine is right for you. Many of my current patients refer their friends and family for this service.

I am very excited to see what 2006 will bring. I am planning to attend the 50^th Anniversary Northwest Naturopathic Physicians Convention in Tacoma, WA in April. These conventions allow me to provide current Naturopathic information and treatments to you. The BC Naturopathic Association is also planning a conference in November, so it looks like it will be another wonderful year of learning.

This newsletter is designed to help you learn about adrenal fatigue. I see this condition almost every day, yet all the information I present here will probably be new to you. Empower yourself. Learn about your body and Take Charge!

Adrenal Fatigue - Where did my energy go?

Are you tired, worn-out, lacking energy no matter how much sleep you get, or how many doctors you visit? You may be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue.

Your adrenal glands are small organs that sit on top of your kidneys. They are responsible for stress management in your body. You depend on

your adrenals for energy, endurance and resiliency. The main purpose of your adrenals is to enable your body to deal with stress from every

possible source, ranging from injury and disease to work and relationship problems.

Modern medicine does not yet recognize adrenal fatigue as a distinct syndrome. Unless your doctor is trained in the signs and symptoms, they may not be treating the root of your health problems.

The signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue are:

1. Difficulty getting up in the morning – you hit the snooze button more times than you like to admit

2. Continuing fatigue not relieved by sleep – you would never say you feel refreshed.

3. Craving for salt or salty food

4. Lack of energy

5. Decreased ability to handle stress – little things bother you a lot more than they used to

6. Light-headed when you stand up too quickly

7. Symptoms are worse if you miss a meal – you find you have to drive yourself with caffeine or snacks to make it through the day

8. Your thoughts are less focused

9. Your memory is less accurate

10. Your energy drops in the mid-afternoon, but you may get a second wind of energy later at night.

Who gets Adrenal Fatigue?

Anyone can suffer from Adrenal Fatigue at some time in his or her life. An illness, a life crisis, or a continuing difficult situation can drain the adrenal resources of even the healthiest person. However there are factors that can make you more prone to Adrenal Fatigue. These include certain lifestyles (poor diet, substance abuse, too little sleep and

rest, or too many pressures), a chronic illness or repeated infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia

How common is Adrenal Fatigue?

An estimated 80% of North Americans suffer from Adrenal Fatigue at some point in their life

What causes Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal Fatigue is produced when your adrenal glands cannot adequately meet the demands of stress.

The adrenal glands mobilize your body's response to every kind of stress (whether it's physical, emotional or psychological) through hormones. Whether you have an emotional crisis such as the death of a loved one, a physical crisis such as major surgery, or any type of severe repeated or constant stress in your life, your adrenals have to respond. If they don't, or if their response is inadequate, you will experience some degree of Adrenal Fatigue.

Is there a test for Adrenal Fatigue?

There are a few simple tests that can be done to determine if you have adrenal fatigue.

– Orthostatic blood pressure

– Iris contraction

– Salivary Hormone Testing

General supplements that help with Adrenal Fatigue:

Vitamin C is involved in adrenal metabolism

The B vitamins are essential contributors in the adrenal processes.

Calcium helps settle your nervous system and create inner calm

Magnesium acts like a spark plug for your adrenals and for providing energy to your cells.

Adrenal extracts are used to boost your body’s response to treatment

It is essential to have a full workup from your Naturopathic Doctor before self-medicating your adrenals.

Using Guided Imagery to Help your Adrenals.

Imagery is a potent method of stress reduction, especially when combined with physical relaxation methods such as deep breathing.

You will be aware of how particular environments can be very relaxing, while others can be intensely stressful. The idea behind the use of imagery in stress reduction is that you use your imagination to recreate and enjoy a situation that is very relaxing. The more intensely you imagine the situation, the more relaxing the experience will be.

One common use of relaxation imagery is to imagine a scene, place or event that you remember as safe, peaceful, restful, beautiful and happy.

You can bring all your senses into the image with, for example,

– sounds of running water and birds

– the smell of cut grass

– the taste of cool white wine

– the warmth of the sun

Use the imagined place as a retreat from stress and pressure.

Scenes can involve complex images such as lying on a beach in a deserted cove.

– You may “see” cliffs, sea and sand around you

– “hear” the waves crashing against rocks

– “smell” the salt in the air

– “feel” the warmth of the sun and a gentle breeze on your body.

Other images might include looking at a mountain view, swimming in a tropical pool, or whatever you want. You will be able to come up with the most effective images for yourself.

Book your appointment today

Dr. Jacks is currently accepting new patients. Call the office at 604-533-8660 to book your first appointment.

Return to www.drjacks.ca

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