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Adrenal Fatigue and a Holistic Approach to Recovery

At Q Functional Medicine Clinic, Dr.Chang Lee specializes in finding the true cause of your problem. A thorough consultation and comprehensive examination allows us to understand your level of health and where you need to take it to, achieving your goals. Dr.Lee offers a holistic approach to healthcare. He focus on promoting lifestyle habits that promote healthy moving, thinking, and eating in order to enhance positive outcomes while reducing the need for medication. Each patient undergoes a thorough evaluation of his or her complete health before determining the right course of action.

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is common in today’s society and is caused by prolonged stress activating the glands too often. Almost any type of physical or mental stress can activate the glands to secrete hormones and/or neurotransmitter substances. Adrenal Fatigue is dangerous because it greatly increases your susceptibility to many various physical and emotional symptoms, and diseases.

What Effect does Adrenal Fatigue have on the Mind and Body?

In the short term you wake up tired and probably need coffee to get going, maybe several cups. Again after lunch you feel tired and about 6 pm you get a spurt of energy. Sleepy at nine or ten but if you get through that another energy burst at midnight. Sleep may be easy at first but then it is difficult to sleep through the night and feel rested in the morning. Sore muscles, which do not recover from exercise is a classic symptom. When your legs will not keep still, especially when tired it can be a sign of adrenal fatigue.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue~

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Chronic pain

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Allergies

  • Autoimmune disorders

  • Depression

  • ADD/HD

Role of Adrenal Gland~

Studies suggest that 80% of people experience adrenal fatigue and/or stress at some point in their lives and do not realize it. The adrenal glands produce hormones that are responsible for many important bodily functions such as:

  • Producing energy

  • Regulating blood pressure

  • Normalizing blood sugar

  • Balancing fluids and electrolytes

  • Responding appropriately to stress

Saliva Test VS Blood Test

There are two hormones typically used as markers of adrenal fatigue or adrenal dysfunction. The two hormones commonly measured are cortisol and DHEA. The best way to test your adrenal health is to measure your level of free key adrenal hormones, such as, cortisol and DHEA. The free form is important because it actually measures the available hormone. Saliva testing is preferred as it measures the amount of free and circulating hormones instead of the bound hormone commonly measured in blood tests.

What is Adrenal Test?

This saliva test evaluates stress, insulin measurements, and adrenal capacity. It tests the levels of cortisol, DHEA, Hydroxyprogesterone, secretory IgA, and gliadin antibodies. Adrenal stress has an effect on energy production, muscle and joint function, bone health, immune health, sleep quality, skin regeneration, thyroid function, and grain intolerance. The test assists with the diagnosis and treatment plan development for chronic pain and fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sugar dysregulation, allergies and autoimmune disorders, and depression or AD/HD.

What does This Test Involve?

The test involves simply spitting into a test tube. Cortisol is measured four times – in the morning (8 AM), noon, evening (4 PM) and night (best between 11 PM and midnight). You carry the test tubes with you during the day (they easily fit into a pocket or purse) so they are handy when it’s time to give a saliva sample. Immediate refrigeration is necessary. Once the sample set is complete, you mail the tubes back to the lab for analysis in the mailing envelop that is included with the test kit. Our office will receive the result usually within 2 weeks.

Why You Need 4 Samples?

DHEA can be measured any time during the day. Cortisol on the other hand is the highest in the morning and the lowest in the evening before bedtime. Taking four samples of cortisol at 8 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., and before bedtime is the most accurate. With multiple samples taken throughout the day, Dr. Lee is able to map diurnal curve of free cortisol in the body relative to DHEA level. This will give him a much clear picture of adrenal function. This also gives him a better picture as to adrenal stress loads. Stress can also affect the levels of adrenal hormones. Your cortisol level tested after a quiet and relaxing morning will be different from that taken when you are under tremendous stress.

Treatment Plan at QFMC~

Structural:

  • Remove spinal subluxation with manual chiropractic adjustments

  • Remove fascial adhesions with percussion and/or trigger point therapy

  • Stretching and breathing exercises

  • Recommend Yoga or TM techniques for reduction in structural stress

  • Evaluate and treat bio magnetic imbalances

Nutritional:

  • Testing (Applied Kinesiology or blood analysis) to evaluate for nutritional imbalances and/or heavy metal toxicity in systems and/or organs of the body

  • Adrenal support supplements

  • Homeopathic remedies

  • Evaluation for allergy

  • Detoxification diet program. A diet plan designed by Dr. Lee to remove allergens and toxicity from the diet and greatly improve digestion and elimination.

Emotional:

  • Chiropractic techniques designed to treat the emotional body and release inner tensions and fears

  • Recommend Yoga or TM techniques for emotional stress reduction

Proper Nutritional Supplementation~

One of the nutritional companies that Dr. Lee work with is Standard Process. They are his first choice because they use only whole food organic plant and animal products. Their patented protomorphogen extracts help regulate cellular metabolism and healing of the organs and cells of the body. Using adrenal gland supplements helps the adrenals heal and function better. Depending on a person's individual chemistry and what else is involved systematically determines what adrenal supplement is best suited for them.

Chiropractic Care Can Help You Avoid Adrenal Fatigue~

Keeping the adrenals strong will help every organ and gland of the body function at its optimum level. Let us help you and educate you on how to deal with your fatigue and stress. Please contact at 972-907-8500 if you think you have an adrenal gland disorder for consultation. Together we can make a tremendous difference in your health.

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"Linking Natural Medicine Based on Science"

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