Adrenal Fatigue. Does my daughter have "it?"

Concerned mom wants to know why her daughter is tired all the time

Hi Viveca,

I was searching the web trying to find some way to help my daughter and found your website. She has all of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue. She is 21 and has always been very skinny and energetic. She has gained 40 pounds in the last two years and has terrible acne along with all of the other symptoms you listed. I understand the emotional aspects, but I am wondering if you are taking anything for adrenal fatigue and if so, is it helping? I am desperate to help my daughter. She just moved to LA to persue a career in acting and this has the odds stacked against her. The worst it gets the more stressed she becomes. I would love to hear back from you. Thank you very much. - Concerned Mom

Dear Mom,

When I was about her age and going full throttle I use to regularly wear myself out and into bronchitis. A very wise doctor I had at that time would say to me "you can keep going and go into pneumonia and break your health and take a very long time to recover or, you can go to bed for a few days and get some rest." That blunt style worked for me and I'd head to bed.

Left untreated, adrenal fatigue can go into adrenal failure in which you break your health. Unlike adrenal fatigue, adrenal failure can take years to recover. So, perhaps you could mention that you'd spoken with an expert who said she could either make a few changes NOW or take a few years off to recover. Blunt worked best with me then and now.

I am not a doctor and always recommend visiting a physician to determine if there are underlying causes. That being said, if your daughter decides to make changes I would recommend she do the following immediately:

1. Purchase the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart e-Guide and complete Steps 1-3.
Make an appointment to see a doctor in 21 days. Complete the 'Physical Feelings' and 'Symptoms Survey' plus the 'Lifestyle Survey'.

Perhaps you could make this a mother/daughter activity. My mother and I went to smoke-enders together and it really helped to have the extra support!

2. Keep a diet, lifestyle & activity log for 7 days. Paying close attention to the foods you eat and daily activities makes it easier to track adrenal fatigue symptoms. Reviewing dietary, lifestyle and activity habits provides the opportunity to uncover destructive habits. Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart e-Guide includes a Diet and Activity Log.

3. Review data and make changes. Healthy changes offering a natural energy boost include:

• Eliminate habits that deplete energy; i.e.: watching television or being on the computer after 8:00 pm; irregular sleep hours; toxic relationships.
• Choose one new healthy habit to form and get started. One habit at a time. One energy boost success will lead to another. New habits can be formed quickly; usually in 21 days or less. On the other hand, bad energy-zapping habits can be very difficult to break. Therefore, NEVER try to break a habit. Instead, start a new one to take its place.

Highly recommended 21-day practices that turn into energy-sustaining habits include:

• Become a Dog Walking Volunteer at a local "no kill" shelter. This 3-hour a week activity brought me new friends, much joy, a huge boost in self-esteem and energy (giver's gain.) It also melted off 7 pounds of extra weight in no time!

• Getting to bed by 10:00 p.m. every night with a quiet book and 'lights out' by 11:00 p.m. The adrenal glands do their most significant recharging between 11:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

• Weekly meeting with a psychologist, personal lifestyle coach, or spiritual advisor to explore better ways to deal with stress and anxiety.

• Learn something new, fun and communal. A Friday Night Salsa or Jitterbug Class is cheap and fun way to increase energy. Added bonuses include learning how to dance, increased self-confidence and forming new friendships. Been there, done that and loved it!

• Break-the-Fast. Eat the Oatmeal Energize or a variation of it every morning.

• Engage in a news/internet/e-mail fast two to three days per week. Chances are your daughter needs to take cell phone and text messages to stay up with work opportunities. Anything else needs to be turned off a couple days every week because they over stimulate our adrenal glands.

• Get ready for tomorrow, tonight. Besides breakfast this is the best way to de-stress the morning and so, the rest of the day. Lay out the clothes you plan to wear down to the skivvies. Pack the lunch and any other materials needed for the day. People suffering from adrenal fatigue feel easily overwhelmed. Simplifying life and making days flow with ease are essential step to recovery.

Finally, how about some mother/daughter/best friend time? Could you take a week to fly out and just-have-fun with her? L.A. is a huge, fantastic, throbbing city. I bet she's feeling a bit lost and overwhelmed. My mother came to visit me for a couple weeks when I moved to Virginia. I was feeling a bit lost and lonely. She helped me break in the town and gave me a big dose of love and fun.

I hope this is of use to you and your daughter. Please keep me updated on your daughter's fatigue recovery. Sending you both my best!

Viveca


P.S. On a final note (for now) I recommend listening to an interview I had with the author of The Dance of Fear. Dr. Lerner is enjoyable to listen to – has a light touch - and offers invaluable advice on this topic. With everything going on right now most of us are feeling overly anxious and stressed. This interview would also be a good discussion piece between the two of you.

Fatigue & Dehydration is easy to spot - just look at your pee!

I'm hungry, tired and just peed bright yellow.

What does that mean?

Dehydration. All of them are symptoms of dehydration.

So, the next time you are hungry - drink a glass of water, wait 20 minutes and then eat something - if you are still hungry.

And, the next time you are tired - drink a big glass of water, wait 20 minutes and then - if you are still tired, take a 15 minute nap. Close the door, hang a "Do Not Disturb" Sign and put your head on the desk. (Think grammar school "rest periods!") If they won't leave you alone, go sit in your car or hide in a friend's office!

Finally, the next time you pee bright yellow instead of clear or very light yellow, know that you are dehydrated and drink a big glass of water. Maybe drink two. Coffee, which I love, dehydrates. I think I'm seeing the results of my cup a day treat. That's o.k. I just need to compensate.

Now ... going to go take that 15 minute nap. Then I am going to eat something delicious. Self-care. I love it!

Cheers!

Viveca

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Did you know that everything you allow to cross your lips can either make you feel better or worse? Are you attempting to fuel your body with energy-zapping foods such as sugar, caffeine or energy drinks? Simple dietary changes can result in amazing energy gains. Discover nutrition and dietary supplementation secrets by subscribing to the Fatigue Be Gone Newsletter. Sign up for your free copy today at: http://www.fatiguebegone.com/newsletter.htm

Alkalize or Die & The Power of Nature Foods

Most of the degenerative diseases we call “old-age diseases,” like memory loss, osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and hypertension, are actually lifestyle diseases caused by acidosis, an overall poor diet (especially a lack of leafy green vegetables), improper digestion, and too much stress. -Susan Smith-Jones, author, The Healing Power of NatureFoods

Think about it this way … Too much acidity in the body is like having too little oil in your car. It just grinds to a halt one lazy Sunday afternoon. There you are – stuck. The body does the same thing. It starts creaking to a stop along the byways of life and you find yourself in some kind of discomfort. (Fatigue, weakness, acid reflux, arthritis, diabetes …)
- Dr. Theodore A. Baroody, author, Alkalize or Die

How do you Alkalize and eliminate acid? The same way you eat any elephant - one bite, one sip, one adjustment at a time.

1-2-3 Alkalizing Steps to feeling GREAT!

1. Aim to make every meal 50/50. 50% raw fruits and veggies (alkaline) and 50% cooked and other than raw food (mostly acid.)

2. Join us on Mondays for our Juice Fasting Day. (Alkalizing Day)

3. Completely eliminate sodas. It takes 32 glasses of alkaline water to neutralize the acid from one 12 oz. cola or soda!
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Would you like an easy way to make a change for the better? Join us – Join in on our Juice Fasting Day every Monday! Check in to share recipes, encouragement and fellowship. For weekly re-energizing tips, tools & techniques, click here to subscribe to the Fatigue Be Gone NEWS. http://fatiguebegone.com/newsletter.htm

Insomnia & Fatigue Revisited.

Just got in my copy of Prevention (1-year) Magazine which included some excellent tips on how to overcome insomnia in an article written by Camille Noe Pagan. I am always researching this topic as insomnia is a major contributor to fatigue.

Here goes ...

1. Turn all of it off at least one hour before bed. T.V., telephones, blackberries, strawberries, pagers, computers … (click here for tips on how to also turn off arguments, anxieties and stress or here for a great place to vent, let go and move on!)

2. Take a warm shower or bath. Apparently your body temperature goes down after you get out and this drop makes you feel sleepy. Water also washes away the energy, arguments, excitements and attachments accumulated in the day which is why I always bathe at night.

3. Meditate or pray for 10 minutes. Start this a minute at a time. Another opportunity is a 20 minute group visualization/meditation with NightlyHealing.com

4. After 6 p.m. just have one or two glasses of water and do 10 to 20 Kegel Exercises a day. If you are getting up more than a couple times a night you will love how well this duo works!

5. Try a small dose of melatonin. .5 mg 15 minutes before bed. More melatonin isn’t better, in fact and can cause nightmares and depression.

6. Sleep Apnea? Symptoms include poor sleep, snoring and being overweight. Make an appointment to talk to your doc and see if you have this problem. While you wait to get in work at losing some pounds and getting more exercise.

Someone I know and love was recently told he was “obese” and had to lose 50 lbs OR ELSE (continue to suffer from acid reflux, headaches etc.)

He lost the weight and those two conditions have tremendously improved. A couple "bonuses" are less snoring and his sleep apnea has diminished. Who would have thunk?!

7. Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your side vs your back opens up airways so you’ll breathe easier, snore less and wake up feeling more refreshed.

8. Keep pets off your bed! This is tough for me! I usually have a pup and a cat or two snuggling around me and my man. I have to admit they do wake me up a couple times a night and making space for them often leaves me feeling cramped. So …. even though I don’t like the idea of pet free sleeping I may give this a try ...

Below are past posts on the topic of fatigue and insomnia. If you have any tips please add them via the "Comments" feature. You never know who will benefit from what you have to share. Thanks! Viveca

* Insomnia & Fatigue. More Lights Out Tips.
* Insomnia. If you can’t beat it LOL at it!
(Psst. The more you fight it the worse it gets.)
* Magnesium & Insomnia & Fatigue. Duh. What was I thinking?
* Nine Tips to Help Moms Overcome Fatigue
* National Sleep Foundation Facts & Stats

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Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! e-Guide provides useful forms & journals to help you keep track of vital health information. Simply fill out the forms and provide to your doctor. Discover simple home medical tests that can save both time and money. A "must-have" for anyone who is tired of being tired. Order your copy today at: http://www.fatiguebegone.com/fbg_guide_information.htm.

Poll Results --- When Are You Most Tired?

TGIF! Now, about those "When Are You Most Tired Poll" results I keep forgetting to post ... Thanks Kim for bringing that to my attention. Sorry.

First of all, pretend you are a scientist. Use this information as part of your process of elimination not instead of consulting your doctor. Your sleuthing + Your Doc's Expertise is vital to helping you get your groove back!

Now, roll-of-drums, here are the results of our poll

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If you are most tired between 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Could be Allergies.

Run a food journal for at least a week. Notice & note how you feel after you eat. For example, I tend to fall asleep within 20 minutes of a bowl of ice cream. My eyes start to water within ten minutes of eating a GIANT Chocolate Donut from my local superstore. My girlfriend Kelley watched this happen and told me to never eat another one of those donuts!

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If you are most tired between 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Could be Borderline Anemia

Run a food journal for at least a week while naturally increasing your iron absorption. How?

Heat and eat acidic foods like tomatoes, apples & lemons, in a cast iron skillet to boost the amount of iron you absorb. Combine iron rich foods with high acid foods to boost your iron absorption. Examples: beans and tomato sauce or cereal and strawberries.

You can also add an iron pill with a chaser of lemon juice or water. Do not take an iron pill without the chaser as it is hard on the liver.

If you notice an improvement you are on the right path. Keep it up!

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If you are most tired between 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Could be Adrenal Fatigue

Run a sleep journal for at least a week. Go to sleep before 10 p.m. and stay in bed until 9 a.m. whenever possible. Turn off the TV, Computer & Cell Phones by 8 p.m. If shutting down and sleeping this is difficult to do you could be among the 80% of American Women who suffer from Adrenal Fatigue at some point in their lives. Click here for more information on what to do ...

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If you are most tired between 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Could be Toxin Overload

Eliminate worn out plastic containers - if they are scratched or blistered, they are worn! Rinse produce well. (I soak mine in water plus a splash of bleach for ten minutes, rinse and soak is fresh water for ten minutes.) Clean out under your bathroom sinks and kitchen sink with a mixture of bleach & water.

Again, notice and note how you feel ...

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If you are most tired All-Day-Long

Could be Functional Hypothyroidism, Wilson's Syndrome, Candidiasis, Dehydration, Anxiety, Migraine or Depression.

My own experience with fatigue is that a number of hidden fatigues will gang up. I had adrenal fatigue Plus borderline anemia Plus Candidiasis Plus anxiety Plus dehydration ... the food journal and sleep journal was critical tools to help me identify and peal them back one at a time.

It takes time to wear ourselves down (years) and it is pretty amazing how our bodies can turn that around in weeks or months if we get ourselves on the right path and chip away .... May I suggest that you treat yourself to a copy of the Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart e-Guide?

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Poll Results of the Fatigue Be Gone Community:

Our #1 Fatigue was in the 3-5 p.m. time --- Adrenal Fatigue
Our #2 Fatigue was in the All-Day-Long --- See list above
Our #3 Fatigue was in the 7-10 a.m. --- Allergies
Our #4 Fatigue was in the 11 - 2 p.m. --- Borderline Anemia

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Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! e-Guide provides useful forms and journals to help you keep track of vital health information. Simply fill out the forms and provide to your doctor. Discover simple home medical tests that can save both time and money. A "must-have" for anyone who is tired of being tired. Order your copy today at www.FatigueBeGone.com.

Are You Constantly Tired? You May Be Suffering from Adrenal Fatigue

Kathy Browning is one of my favorite researchers and writers. Whatever topic she covers she explains in a clear, thorough and friendly vs. "high brow" manner. Her favorite topics are women's health and gourmet food. Love that combo!

Here is one such article, very applicable to our topic.

Are You Constantly Tired? You May Be Suffering from Adrenal Fatigue
Research Shows that Nearly 80 Percent of Americans Suffer from Adrenal Fatigue

Do you have a type "A" personality? Do you feel that you never do enough although everyone tells you to slow down and smell the roses? Do you eat a poor diet, have too much stress or get inadequate sleep? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be suffering from adrenal fatigue.

Research shows that nearly 80 percent of Americans suffer from adrenal fatigue. Yes, you read that right - an astounding 80 percent of the U.S. population is affected by adrenal fatigue syndrome.

Adrenal fatigue is a collection of symptoms … click here for the rest of the article

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Psst. If you are interested in participating in our book club, this month's featured title is "The Dynamic Laws of Healing", please check back tomorrow for the second installment. Topic is "The "No" Law of Healing."

Sorry I didn't post this on Monday. It has been a crazy, taxing, week. No pun intended. Taxes - get it?!

One more thing - you may want to sign up as a "follower" of our blog so you don't miss out on our club or other energy boosting topics!

Fatigue & Fear -- Yikes. How to breakthrough and live fearlessly

Nothing exhausts our resources -- financial, professional, emotional and physical like fear. In fact, the fastest way to fail is to simply stay in that paralyzing fight or flight space and wait for the other shoe to drop ...

One of my favorite mentors, Henry Ford, once said:
Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.

Today, make a break from your past or present and decide to live fearlessly. Another favorite mentor, Guy Finley, can show you just how to do that in his new breakthrough book, The Essential Laws of Fearless Living.

Click here for more information about this work and the 152 FREE GIFTS that are included with the purchase of his book. Includes my bonus offer -- Best Of Get Ready For Love! Show Interviews and Topics. (Happy relationships are the ultimate fatigue busters!)

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Get re-energized on a regular basis with the Fatigue Be Gone newsletter! Receive tips, tricks and tools to help you get your groove back. Subscribers also receive free reports, including our exceptionally popular "Why Am I So Tired?" and "Take Your Pulse" - a secret re-energizing shortcut. Subscribe TODAY at http://fatiguebegone.com/newsletter.htm.

Fatigue Cause Alert – MSG – Do you feel tired, depressed and achy?

The MSG fatigue culprit recently came under my radar. My dude has been suffering from migraine headaches (3-5 week.) I used to have a couple a year until my forties ... Since then I've gone up to 4 to 5 a month - not fun.

Long story short – research led me to a list of things to eliminate from our diet and lifestyle. Tippy top of that list is MSG.

Results? We are having fewer migraines, they are less severe and don’t last as long. We also really notice when it slips back into our diet via a store bought “goodie” or a reckless restaurant escapade.

My first warning sign is fatigue and feeling achy and depressed -– then comes the headache. Michael’s warning is the migraine followed by the aches, low energy and blahs. Here is bottom line info to help you check out of Club MSG.

MSG a.k.a. Monosodium Glutamate is a “flavor enhancer.” It is also called an “excitotoxin” or neurotoxin by neurologists and is believed to have degenerative and deadly effects on the brain and nervous system.

Common side effects of MSG include: Fatigue, achy muscles and joints and headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety and obesity.

Fatigue Be Gone’s Easy 1-2-3 to MSG Elimination:

1. Be Ruthless. Go through your spice cabinet, food pantry and freezer and throw away anything that lists MSG or its pals which include:

Autolyzed “anything”
Bouillon/Broth/Stock
Carrageenan
Caseinate (sodium or calcium)
Citric acid
Commercial soup or sauce base
Corn byproducts: corn syrup,
Cornstarch,
Dextrose
Gelatin
Hydrolyzed “anything”
Malted barley flour
Malt extract
Monosodium glutamate
Natural flavor/flavorings
Seasonings, Spice (check ingredients for anything on this list.)
Soy, wheat, whey protein
Soy, fish, or bean sauces
Yeast extract or nutrient
And NutraSweet.

2. Shop Smart. Carry the above list with you when you go grocery shopping. Hint: Stick to the outside perimeter of the supermarket. The inner isles offer MSG and other chemical laden foods i.e. most canned soups and boxed foods, lunch foods, condiments, TV dinners and sodas. And, beware of foods sold as “heart smart” and “weight loss.” When fat and sugar are removed something needs to take those spots …

3. Dine Out Smart. Before you make that reservation call the restaurant and ask if their food is MSG Free.

Is your fatigue caused by MSG? Use the above information to completely eliminate it from your diet then notice and note how you feel over the next couple weeks . The old fashioned way of trial and error works well and is cheap to implement. You just need a memo book, a pen and a blush of resolve.

Psst. If you’re lacking resolve just remember that you are sick & tired of feeling tired AND willing to do whatever it takes to get your groove back!

Fatigue Be Gone Jumpstart! e-Guide provides useful forms and journals to help you keep track of vital health information. Simply fill out the forms and provide to your doctor. Discover simple home medical tests that can save both time and money. A "must-have" for anyone who is tired of being tired. Order your copy today at http://www.fatiguebegone.com/. (http://www.fatiguebegone.com/fbg_guide_information.htm)

Advancing Health Blog and the Glycimic Index

I just found an excellent post and indepth explanation of the Glycemic Index on the Advancing Health Blog. If this story reminds you of you do click on the link at the bottom for more information including a happy ending ...

"I was thin most of my life and then it hit me. I started gaining weight around my middle, my thighs, chest and neck. Even my face became fat! I went to my doctor and asked him what I could do. He said, "Exercise more and eat less." Well, duh! I was expecting something a little more profound than that. I followed his advice and came back in a month. When I got on the scale, I weighed MORE! How could this be, doc? He said that when I increased my exercise, it must have made me hungrier and I must have eaten more. I don't think so. When I was younger, all I had to do was think about losing weight and it would come right off (fast). Why was it so tough now? It's a simple formula, isn't it? Burn more calories than you take in. I had done that all my life and it always worked before. What had changed?

I did not know it but I had put my body on a high-glycemic roller coaster ride. For many years, it was not a problem. My body seemed to handled it just fine with no telling symptoms. Then, all of the sudden, I started putting on 10-15 pounds a year. I was always tired in the afternoon and I found that my memory was not as good as it had been before. The results of the roller coaster had finally caught up with me.

Here's how the glycemic roller coaster works." (Click there for the rest of the story.)

Fatigue Cause - Anxiety - Read all about some natural remedies for Anxiety

This is good info. In my experience anxiety is a major cause for fatigue. Aside from this article, do tune into my interview with Harriet Lerner, author, The Dance of Fear ...

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Although it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, if you feel anxious without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability, impatience, or poor concentration. People may also notice changes in their physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, excessive sweating, and headache.

It's important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble anxiety.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety

These are some of the natural remedies that are being explored for anxiety. Click here for the rest of the article ...

If only watching T.V. would ...

If only watching T.V. would make us healthier and wealthier and re-energized and ... can you imagine how great our lives would be since most of us watch so darn much of it?! (The average American watches some 4+ hours a day.)

I am on a T.V. fast. I've been threatening my husband with it for months, but not until today have I really embraced my good/great intention.

So, just for today I haven't heard about a half dozen horrible gender and sexual conditions with symptoms that seem awfully familiar. Just for today I haven't been reminded about how close I am to having IRS problems that require a retired IRS agent, and all his contacts, to resolve. Just for today I haven't given up two to three hours of my life and received nothing but eye-strain, back pain and dirty looks from my dog who wants to go out for a walk.

Just for today I don't feel guilty about wasting my time. (I wish I could do clever things while watching T.V. but I can't. I can just watch and eat - preferably rocky road ice cream.) Just for today I am not tired of sitting on my bum and of not following my own sage advice to TURN it off and turn LIFE ON.

Whew. Do you want to join me?

I don't know how long I can last but it would be fun to have some company on this journey (besides my husband who will become my unwitting accomplice when I cancel the cable service this week. Shhhhhhh. Don't rat me out. Maybe he won't notice?)

Psssst. Get re-energized on a regular basis with Fatigue Be Gone NEWS! Receive tips, tricks and tools to help you get your groove back. Subscribers also receive free reports, including our exceptionally popular "Why Am I So Tired?" and "Take Your Pulse" - a secret re-energizing shortcut. Subscribe TODAY at http://fatiguebegone.com/newsletter.htm.

Tired, and it's only Tuesday?

When was the last time you thought about or were tested for Adrenal Fatigue or Allergies or Borderline Anemia or Candida or Dehydration or Eye Strain or …

Most fatigues don’t show up on our annual physical results. And, we’re too busy in our heads to notice how are bodies feel. We say we're "O.k." or "Fine" or "Getting Along." We discount our fatigue and blame it on the holidays "everyone is tired", or staying up too late or getting up too early ... It's the worry about the wedding, the move, the new job, the newborn, his parents, , my parents, the boss, PMS …

My personal favorite … "being tired is just a natural part of getting older."

What are your favorite excuses for feeling tired today?

I used all the above plus some! Never thought I was tired - just thought that's how life went. Finally it got baaaaaaaad. You can read my story, click here.

I hit bottom and had to stop & figure out what was going on. Was it physical, emotional, spiritual?

It took me a year and half to get my groove back. Now my mission is to help other women get to their “bottom line” & re-Energize - fast. Here’s a starting point for your journey. The A, B, C, D, E, G, H “Hidden Fatigue” Suspects …

A - Adrenal Fatigue – Affects up to 80% of the population! If you are most tired between 3pm – 5pm AND ... click here for more