Caffeine is a commonly used drug in America. In 1996, an estimated 85% of the US adult population consumed some sort of caffeinated beverage daily. One significant effect of caffeine is that it amplifies release of the adrenal hormone cortisol for many hours after it is consumed. Over time, this results in an overworked and eventually fatigued adrenal gland.
Most people consume caffeine to help them wake up and stay awake during the day. If you rely on caffeine as a pick-me-up, you may want to try tyrosine supplements and eat tyrosine-rich, protein foods in the morning to help you stay alert. Tyrosine can be purchased at almost any health food store in 500 mg capsules. Try taking one capsule first thing in the morning to help you get up. If no improvement is felt, you may want to increase your dose to two or three capsules per dose. This can be repeated at about 10 am (between meals) and 2 pm to improve focus and energy, if needed. Taking B vitamins with the tyrosine is helpful. Too much tyrosine will make you jittery, like too much caffeine does.
Guest post by Lisa Hill MD
I suffer with adrenal fatigue and I support all who are getting the word out about the actuality of this epidemic problem. I personally have not taken Tyrosine, but I will address diet coke and the public being duped about the value of aspartame as a sugar replacement. Aspartame is strongly linked to conditions such hypogylcemia, hormonal problems and weight gain and much more. All these are also symptoms many suffer when they have adrenal fatigue. I have recently released a bestselling book, “All In My Mind? Overcoming Adrenal Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia.” I am an Adrenal Fatigue suffer who had been kicked around by the traditional medical community and I still found a solution. I found help and I am a patient advocate through the written word. Thanks again for your efforts.
Comment by Jen Busch — December 15, 2010 @ 12:10 pm
Another great caffiene replacement are ‘stimulant’ herbs. These are herbs like Ginger tea, Cinnamon, Peppermint tea, etc. which provide a nourishing energy and do not actually ‘stimulate’ the body into jolting energy. Still, it is wise to go easy on these with Adrenal Fatigue as the body is in much of a fragile state, but these are way better than taking caffeine.
Comment by Blue — November 17, 2011 @ 7:57 pm