Some people who have been experiencing adrenal fatigue, or “neuro-endocrine imbalance,” for an extended period of time develop a low thyroid condition, or hypothyroidism. I often pick up on the low thyroid condition while reviewing the list of my patient’s medications.

Many of my patients report uncomfortable side effects from thyroid medications that are prescribed for low thyroid hormone production. I advise all of them to talk to their prescribing physician about the side effects of their medication, and reconsider the dosage or the specific medication with their physician’s supervision.

The good news is that some adrenal and thyroid conditions are reversible with diet and lifestyle changes. Sometimes patients require medical supervision by a physician and nutritional supplementation for a period of time while their body is re-balancing.

The challenge is that “if you keep doing what you have always done, you will keep getting what you have always got.”

In order for the nervous system to rest, digest and facilitate deep, complete recovery from adrenal fatigue and related thyroid problems, we each must make relaxation time a priority for our lives. We have to “turn off” and unwind.

As I have been able to spend more time on personal retreats in the last year, I have been pleasantly surprised to discover that the world did not end while I was “off-line” for a week at a time. And when I returned with my nervous system fully relaxed and more stable to tackle the pile of emails, text messages and voicemails awaiting my return, I carried on with a fresh energy and renewed motivation.

Through my own life experience and constant vigilance in stabilizing my nervous system, I am coming to understand the importance of a balanced diet, taking time off from my work to rest and experiencing deep relaxation.

Enjoy a “lazy day” once a week, with no outside commitments, no schedule and no electronics to deeply relax your nervous system.

For more information on how to overcome adrenal fatigue, click here.

Update on 1/12/18: Ironically, since I initially posted this blog, I have personally been diagnosed with adrenal fatigue, or “neuro-endocrine imbalance,” and Hashimoto’s auto-immune thyroid disease with low thyroid hormone, so making time for relaxation and not over-working have become even more of a priority for me to improve my health.

I have also recently changed my diet by going gluten-free, dairy free, (mostly) sugar free, and reducing caffeine intake. Even though many adrenal and thyroid conditions are reversible as I mentioned above, I have found that the lifestyle changes required are dramatic and not easy.

As a Christian, I now also find daily renewal in prayer, worship and reading the word of God. It re-invigorates me to read the Bible out loud and helps me to overcome my personal health challenges.