Bouncing Back from Burnout
By Steven Horne

Millions are exhausted in America today and they don't have any idea what to do about it except to take stimulating drugs like caffeine. Over time, these drive the body into even deeper exhaustion. Here are some real solutions.

First of all, don't be afraid to REST! Our Western life-style does not make much allowance for this. We tend to push ourselves until we are completely exhausted. But the body was designed to require periodic rest. So accept the fact that you may need to be a "couch potato" for awhile while your body builds up its reserves of strength. To put it bluntly, you have to love yourself enough to say "NO!"

Don't hesitate to give your body some credit for putting up with a lot of stress for long periods of time at your insistence. This is no time to be angry at it for letting you down from time to time. Most of us know we have been stretching our luck too far, and then we are angry when it catches up with us. We would rather blame the boss or the husband/wife or kick the cat.

The first thing to do is to find the cause. Extreme fatigue can be brought on by food allergies, for example. Look for an association of diet and depression, anxiety, rapid heart rate, perspiration, slow response to stimuli (making it dangerous to drive), bloating and fever. Strong food craving are another sign of allergy to those foods.

The cause has also been blamed on chronic viral or bacterial infections that keep the body worn down. The Epstein-Barr virus used to be accused most often, but that is now hotly debated. Candida yeast infections are commonly blamed, also. For both problems, look for symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, confusion and inability to concentrate. It is a fact that heightened immune activity causes sleepiness, which automatically preserves energy for the battle. Normally, this kind of fatigue is temporary.

Sometimes the cause is not enough sleep. Almost a third of Americans have trouble sleeping at night, and two-thirds of all workplace accidents are caused by those who are sleepy. Naps are appropriate and natural after lunchtime.

Low thyroid function is also a common problem. The thyroid must govern the body's rate of living (rate of metabolism), and when it produces too little thyroxin, the body slows down and seems tired all the time. Notice other symptoms like dry skin, brittle nails, thinning hair, sensitivity to cold, etc.

Anemia is another common cause, which puts menstruating women at risk. Along with iron, folic acid is important.
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is another way to cut the body's energy simply because it does not have enough fuel, or cannot absorb or use it when it is available.
PMS and other hormone imbalances are often the culprit.

Mental depression is also a cause of chronic fatigue and can almost paralyze a person.

General Conditions Caused or Aggravated by Stress
Cancer - Infections and Lowered Immune Response - Depression - Digestive problems - Sexual Malfunctions - Exhaustion - High Blood Pressure - Metabolic Problems - Heart Disease - Depletion of Vitamins Especially B Complex and Vitamin C.

Nerve Conditions Caused or Aggravated by Stress
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) - Parkinson's - Insomnia - Body Dysmorphia (a type of mental illness) - Panic Disorders
Not Dreaming - Self Cutting/Injury - MS - Nightmares - Anxiety - ADD - Trichotillomania (hair pulling)

While you find out the specific cause, there is a general program that should help the body deal with any of the causes of burnout or chronic fatigue listed above:

Vitamins and Minerals
Extra Vitamin C alone has helped many people. Including B-Complex is even better.
Vitamin B6 is needed for energy production and another B vitamin, Pantothenic Acid, is a famous anti-stress vitamin.
Other people need larger amounts of Niacin.
Don't forget Vitamin E to help bring oxygen into the cells, which they need to burn fuel for your energy needs. So, it is probably wise to take a good vitamin/mineral supplement, and be generous in the amounts taken. Super Supplemental puts a wide range of nutrients into the blood all at once (as does the food we eat).
One of the most important minerals for those suffering from fatigue is Magnesium.

Herbal Aids
For long-term rebuilding, "adaptagenic" herbs are very useful.
These plants contain compounds that assist the body in fine-tuning the master regulators, the glands. They are also known as "tonics." They are associated with long life.
Eleuthero (ginseng) is world-famous for fighting fatigue and combating stress.
A mild tonic is Gotu Kola, which is especially useful to improve the mind.
Suma Combination contains several adaptagenic herbs.

If the adrenal glands are weak or exhausted, Licorice Root is famous for giving almost immediate energy (Adrenal support is also a key combination highly recommendd in this case.).
When the thyroid is involved, then TS II is helpful.
When the immune system and thymus gland are involved Thim-J may be called for.

A program which includes Thim-J, Liv-J, Seasonal Allergy, L-Lysine, Kelp, and Rose Hips has restored energy and relieved all symptoms of chronic fatigue for many people. These herbs should be taken throughout the day.

Although most people are repulsed by the suggestion that so many products be taken in one day, the body's need for certain healing compounds is actually very high in times of stress and fatigue. After the problem has been overcome, such high amounts should naturally be lowered or not taken for awhile to give the body a rest.

Let's all determine to "clean up our acts" so we can act with more energy to make the world a better place in which to live. But let's not hurry too fast!

Other products to consider
Nutri-Calm
Nutri-Calm is a soothing blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs to help the nervous system cope with both short-term and long-term stress. It helps to relieve symptoms related to an overactive nervous system including itching, hyperactivity, anorexia, and the problems of drug and alcohol withdrawal.

Stress-J caps or Liquid
Relieves nervous stress and muscle tension anywhere in the body, but especially in the colon. As a relaxant, it helps with nervous indigestion, spastic colitis, anorexia, tension headaches and menstrual cramping.

Stress relief
Acute stress resulting in nervousness, difficulty relaxing, inability to relax/sleep, and excitability.

Nervous Fatigue Formula
General stimulant for weakness due to stress and burnout (for when your heart just isn't in it any more). Nervous fatigue formula has helped infirmities including mental fatigue, forgetfulness, low thyroid, insomnia from frequent waking and restless dreaming.