Health Tests

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We recommend doing the following four health tests to identify nutritional deficiencies and potential sources of inflammation and adrenal triggers.

 

We know the costs can add up with these tests, especially if not covered by your health insurance, so do them in the following order over time as your budget allows.

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Step 1

Blood works

• Get a full blood test. Include major vitamins and minerals, hormone levels such as cortisol and testosterone (for men), glucose, and other major biomarkers.

• Some major cases of fatigue will be explained by an insufficiency which will show in blood tests, such as anemia (low iron) or low testosterone. Solving these will take you a long way, but we still recommend completing the plan to cover all other grounds.

 

Step 2

Gut Flora

• A gut test analyzes a fecal sample to identify the quantity and variety of microorganism in your gut. Recent scientific advancements allow the use of DNA sequencing which is more precise and allows for the identification of a broader range of microorganisms.  Ensure your test of choice provides information about bacteria, as well fungi, viruses, parasites and other digestive biomarkers.

• Most likely your result will show some level of dysbiosis. If you also have any other parasites or even intestinal worms, then addressing those through specialist medicine will be another major leap forward in your journey.

• Rebalancing your gut from dysbiosis should be based on your specific gut flora, and should inform which probiotics (live microorganism) you should take to fill in any gaps. Consuming more prebiotic foods over the long term is also important.

 

Step 3

Food Intolerances

• Most people have some level of intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods, such as gluten and lactose. Symptoms of food intolerance include getting bloated, experiencing digestive issues and feeling generally unwell after eating. Food intolerance, which relates to the digestive tract, is different to a food allergy, which relates to an immune reaction.

• Food intolerances can be identified through a sample based test (blood or hair), a skin pricking test, or an elimination diet. Tests evaluate antibody (IgE, IgG and IgA) reactions to exposure to certain foods. Elimination diets take a trial and error approach where all foods are removed and added back in a controlled manner to monitor reactions.

• IgE relates to an immune response and is connected to food allergies. IgG signals food particles have passed through the gut lining and are creating systemic inflammation, while IgA is connected to the digestive mucous membrane and relate to inflammation of the digestive tract. As a result, IgG and IgA reactions are the key antibodies to test for, and in general blood tests can be the most comprehensive.

• Some food sensitivities will be congenital (you are born with them). However, note that many of your existing food sensitivities will in fact be a result of your dysbiosis. Recall that gut flora help breakdown food. If your current gut flora composition limits your ability to digest a certain food, then the body would react negatively to its presence. As a result, the foods you are sensitive to might change over time as your dysbiosis improves.

 

Step 4

Mold

• Mold can affect your health in two main ways: mold spores can cause allergies and asthma, whereas mold toxins (mycotoxins) can cause a range of other symptoms.

• Mold toxins typically enter the body through the lungs and the digestive tract. Symptoms vary depending on the the type of mold and the level of exposure and can include amongst many others general fatigue, insomnia, and several neurological effects such as brain fog, dizziness and confusion. As a result, mold toxicity aggravates Adrenal Fatigue symptoms and adds yet another requirement on your adrenals, which are mobilized to help rebalance the body fight off the pathogens.

• Mold can be present indoors at homes (sometimes identified by a musky smell), in belongings and even in food (including moldy food and some coffee). The highest risk comes from mold growth in homes from water dampness which cannot be readily noticed.  

• You can test for mold in two ways: test your environment (such as your home or place of work) for the presence of spores through traps or dust analysis, or you can test yourself (urine sample) for allergy markers. However, both methods are very limited. Environmental tests do not always manage to trap any or all of the relevant spores. Testing yourself typically focuses on allergic reactions which is only part of the issue, and can only be run on a reduced number of the many types of mold. 

• As a result, the best line of defense against mold toxicity is to scan your environment and your food. Typically mold toxicity can be suspected via symptoms, which can be difficult given these can be related to other conditions. If you suspect mold exposure, search for local mold toxicity examiners. Ultimately you might need to move homes or work place. 

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Nutrition

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There is a wealth of knowledge, diets and recipes online so we will not reinvent the wheel. There are also many different types of health diets, and analyzing the impact of each on Adrenal Fatigue is beyond the scope of this plan.

 

In general, there are three key steps we recommend you take to heal your gut and regain balance in your sugar levels.

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Step 5

Natural cure for dysbiosis

• Introduce a daily morning shake which uses natural ingredients to kill off bad bacteria and parasites.

• Your daily morning shake should have these four ingredients: Papaya with seeds (usually a fourth of a small papaya), pineapple with heart (a fourth of a small pineapple), a few cloves (10 or so), and a handful of pumpkin seeds. These four ingredients are very effective natural anti parasitic ingredients and will help eliminate the bad gut microorganisms.

 

Step 6

Cut gluten

• Gluten is one of the favorite foods for bad bacteria and parasites. We recognize it can be hard to cut gluten given it is in many of the foods we are used to.

• The rule of thumb is to exclude anything with wheat such as bread and pasta and replace with gluten free carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes. As usual, unrefined and wholegrain forms are best. This is only necessary for the duration of the plan.

 

Step 7

Reduce refined sugars

• Sugars are the other favorite food for the bad bacteria and other microorganisms.

• Cut down on anything that is outright sweet including chocolates, fruit juices and deserts. Some non-sweet foods can also be high in hidden sugar, such as tomato sauces. If you want some sweet flavor have a small amount of your favorite fruit instead.

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Supplements

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Step 8

B-vitamins

• B-vitamins are extremely important in many metabolic processes, and some are directly involved with the manufacturing of adrenal hormones.

• We often do not consume enough B-vitamins through our diet. But even if we do, given B-vitamins are water soluble, we lose them by consuming diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol, or by requiring more than we consume when under sustained stress and inflammation. The result is that we are typically in significant deficit. 

• Key B-vitamins include:

  • B1 (Thiamine): B1 is important for cells to work efficiently, for adequate nerve and muscle function, cell energy production and processing of glucose.

  • B2 (Riboflavin): B2 is important for mitochondria functioning, the part of cells which generate energy. It also strengthens the nervous system.

  • B3 (Niacin): B3 increase the levels of HDL, the good cholesterol, and is an essential ingredient for the production of adrenal hormones.

  • B5 (Pantothenic Acid): B5 is the most important B-vitamin for adrenal function, especially for cortisol, and reduces adrenal gland sensitivity. B5 is also important for carbohydrate processing and nervous system support.

  • B6 (Pyridoxine): B6 is also important for the production of adrenal hormones and nerve functioning.

  • B12 (Cyanocobalamin): B12 helps with nerve function, cell health, and the synthesis of adrenal hormones.

• We recommend having a high dosage B-complex during Phase 2: Recover. For ongoing B-vitamin supplementation, it is better to have more normal amounts as over the long term very high dosages can increase their risk of toxicity.

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Step 9

Vitamin C

• The immunological benefits of Vitamin C are well known. Less well known is that Vitamin C is also necessary for the production of adrenal hormones, bone health, production of collagen, cellular reactions, and is a great antioxidant. 

• We recommend having a high daily dose through Phase 2: Recover to support the adrenals and strengthen your immune system. Some Vitamin C supplements come with Zinc, which is also an important mineral. However, be mindful that copper is another crucial mineral involved in Adrenal Fatigue recovery. Zinc acts as the counterbalance to Copper, so excessive Zinc supplementation can reduce Copper in the body and hinder recovery.

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Step 10

Iodine

• Iodine is required for optimal functioning of the endocrine system, which includes the adrenals. Low levels of Iodine can affect the ability of the adrenals to produce cortisol.

• Environmental toxins such as chlorine and fluorine, typically found in water, can also make it harder for the body to absorb Iodine. Iodine supplements are typically derived from sea kelp.

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Step 11

Probiotics

• Rebuilding your gut flora includes removing foods which feed the bad microorganisms (covered in Phase 1: Balance), as well as adding good microorganisms through probiotics (live cultures) and having prebiotic foods, which help good microorganisms grow. 

• There are many types of good bacteria and yeasts which symbiotically interact with your body on virtually every metabolic process, including food breakdown, nutrient absorption, fighting off infections and reducing digestive tract inflammation. 

• Most probiotic supplements will focus on strains from the best known genera, such as:

  • Lactobacillus: Strains of this family will appear on supplement labels starting with L. such as L. acidophilus. This is the type you find in fermented foods such as yogurts., and it helps with food and nutrient breakdown.

  • Bifidobacterium: Strains of this family will appear on supplements starting with the letter B. This type helps with digestive tract inflammation, fighting off infections, and breaking down foods such as carbohydrates.

  • Saccharomyces boulardii: A type of good yeast which helps the digestive process, helps manage all types of inflammation, as well as controls bacterial overgrowth.

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Lifestyle

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Step 12

Exercise

• Exercise helps in many ways as we are often told, and it is true. It improves circulation and strength, and it even makes you feel better through endorphin release. However, too little or too much exercise can be detrimental as it can apply stress to your adrenals. In general, the key during Phase 2: Recover is to exercise consistently but in moderation.

• Equally, ensure you have a blend of the three main types of physical activity, anaerobic (weightlifting), aerobic (swimming, jogging) and flexibility (yoga, stretching). This balance will ensure you maximize and obtain well rounded health benefits without applying too much pressure on your adrenals.