Julie Anderson, ARNP, latest newsletter

June 2009

Dear Patients and Friends,

 Fatigue and Adrenal Insufficiency

Most of us have some degree of adrenal insufficiency due to the high stress environments in which many of us live and work. These situations often result in a lack of exposure to sunlight, getting adequate exercise and diets lacking in vital nutrients – things that we all need to maintain good health. For many of you, I focus on the absorption and provision of appropriate nutrients, along with the removal of toxins. While that is a good start, it will not accomplish the goal of better health for people who have significant amounts of on-going and unrelenting stress in their lives.

Some people have had traumatic experiences of various types that can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  When a person suffers from PTSD, their nervous system is stuck on high alert, ready for fight or flight, resulting in the constant high production of adrenal hormones. Over time this will progress from hyper high stress behaviors accompanied by anxiety, panic, depression, insomnia and poor digestion to extreme fatigue, which can last a lifetime if not treated. While we do need to address and support many physiological systems to allow healing, the underlying stressors must also be addressed and treated before healing can take place.

While most people are comfortable treating their symptoms by addressing the biochemical imbalances in their bodies, many people continue to be in denial about the need to also address stress issues, like PTSD. The underlying psychological stress of PTSD, as well as other chronic high stress lifestyles, create biochemical imbalances by over-stimulating the body’s adrenal system. We can work together to identify the needed nutrients and improve digestion but if the underlying cause of the chemical imbalance is not also addressed, healing simply will not take place. It would be like trying to fill a leaky pail with water. Water can be continually added to the pail but it will never remain full unless the leaks are patched.

Denial isn’t the only reason that these issues are not addressed.  We live in a society that encourages suppression of emotions that are viewed as non-productive. If something bad or traumatic has happened to us, we are encouraged to “get over it” and move on. Lifestyles and work habits in which people are expected to produce results “no matter what” and to operate on adrenalin and lack of sleep if need be, are often valued and highly rewarded. Many become addicted to this type of lifestyle and find they must be busy all the time – feeling that rush of adrenalin- or something feels wrong. I have worked with too many patients that have maintained this type of high stress lifestyle until they are no longer able to function.  This constant over stimulation of the adrenal system leads to adrenal crash resulting in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other disorders.

I have used many methods to treat these issues but the most important aspect is the acceptance that treatment is necessary and essential to healing. One method is called Re-evaluation Counseling. It is an international movement and has numerous groups around the world.  You can learn more about it and check out resources in your area by going to www.RC.org. Another method involves biofeedback and breathing called RESPeRATE and can be found at www.resperate.com.

Finding personal ways to alleviate and reduce stressful habits and lifestyles are an integral part of healing from adrenal insufficiency and fatigue. Learning to value healthful practices that we actually put into practice and make into habits contribute greatly to success in healing.

Digestion and Absorption

I am running this article again as I am finding that many people are not fully understanding the importance of digestion and absorption. During my consultations, I spend quite a bit of time going into the details of how digestion and absorption are essential to a healthy functioning body.  It is truly a key component of health. Without effective digestion and absorption, our body systems do not function optimally. If a body is unable to absorb minerals, proteins, fats and other nutrients, then toxins cannot be effectively excreted from the body and cells cannot be renewed. 

For many of you, I have prescribed hydrochloric acid, especially if you have low ferritin (iron stores). Low ferritin can result from other problems, as well, such as excessive menstrual bleeding, trauma, colon cancer, polyps and inflamed stomach ulcers. If you have had problems tolerating the hydrochloric acid or have not had a colonoscopy and/or stool check to check for hidden blood in the stool, please call for a consultation. I have been prescribing a different approach to use if hydrochloric acid is too strong for you.

It is very important to persevere with the endeavor to improve digestion and absorption  If this aspect of the body’s functioning is not optimized, then the possibility of success in balancing other body systems, such as the adrenals and sex hormones and in alleviating associated symptoms is greatly reduced.

Minimum Supplemental Protocol for Healthy People

The following is not intended as advice on any specific patient’s case and should not be interpreted as such. It is not intended as prescribing treatment for or prevention of any specific disease or health condition, but rather to promote good health through supporting the normal healthy structure and function of the body. Those who wish to receive personalized advice specifically tailored to their individual circumstances and health status should make an appointment for that purpose.

1.         Multivitamin with minerals, no iron (unless your ferritin is low), no ALA, and no  copper

2.         Probiotics- 60 Billion organisms per day at the end of a meal

3.         Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of Fish Oil (3-9 capsules daily),

            Krill Oil (2 capsules daily) or Perilla Oil (6 capsules daily)

4.         Emulsified Cod Liver Oil (1-3 capsules daily)

5.         B Complex 3-4 times per day

6.         Vitamin C, amount as tolerated, 3-4 times per day

Many of us attempt to eat locally grown, whole and organic foods when we can, but it is not always possible.  Many of the foods that we consume are processed and/or preserved or are picked before they are ripe and then shipped from the place they are grown, to the place they will be sold.  All of these factors, as well as, other food production practices, contribute to the reduction of nutrients in the foods we use to prepare our meals.  The above supplement protocol gives us back the nutrients missing in many of our foods and gives our bodies what they need to achieve better health. For more fascinating information on how food production and farming practices affect our health, go to www.westonaprice.org.

While I do consult with many of you on a regular basis, I recommend that all patients schedule a check-in every 6 months to a year.  This can be a short telephone consult in most cases.  We would review your case, your supplement protocol and medications, any changes in your symptoms and follow up with any labs that need re-testing. For patients to whom I have prescribed any type of medication, there has to be at a minimum, one follow-up consultation per year. For some patients, I require even more frequent blood testing and consultation based on their medical history, risk factors and multiple diagnoses.

Thank you all for the honor you have given me by choosing me to be your health consultant.  I enjoy serving you immensely.

A link to this and previous e-health newsletters can be found on my website: www.npjulie.com

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Sincerely,

Julie