Preventing Adrenal Fatigue in Children

After several generations of poor nutrition, increased toxins in our environment, and genetic malfunctions being passed down, adrenal fatigue is on the rise in children and teenagers. Symptoms include colic, skin rashes, frequent infections, allergies, asthma, and metabolic syndrome.

What can be done to prevent adrenal fatigue in children or to help chronically ill children get better?

A Nourishing Diet

Growing children need a high supply of nutrients in their diet. The following are most urgently needed:

• Breast milk when at all possible, from a healthy mother. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, choose homemade formula from raw milk rather than commercial formula.
• Plenty of animal foods to supply ample amounts of cholesterol (needed for growth hormones), protein (for muscles), healthy fats, and vitamins (such as vitamin A).
• Eggs and milk from healthy animals.
• Organic vegetables that are raw, fermented (such as sauerkraut, which my children love), or cooked in bone-based broths and sauces.
• Sodium and other minerals from sea salt (unrefined) and fish sauce.
• Supplements such as cod liver oil, which has been traditionally given to children for centuries.

Children also need to avoid all trans-fats in their diet (check the label for words like “hydrogenated”). Also avoid MSG in all its forms, as well as simple sugars and commercial fruit juice.

Finally, be sure that breads and other grains are properly prepared.

Restful Sleep

In Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, Dr. Marc Weissbluth makes a strong case that babies and children who receive adequate sleep will have stronger adrenal glands and less chronic illness. From about four months of age, babies’ circadian rhythms are starting to stabilize and begin controlling insulin, serotonin, and cortisol production.

To help establish healthy circadian rhythms, keep these pointers in mind:

• Encourage babies to nurse for long enough at each feeding to receive both “foremilk” and “hindmilk,” which helps establish healthy patterns of insulin and cortisol production. Read more information here.
• Rather than nursing your baby to sleep, promote healthy digestion and a happy disposition by encouraging your baby to stay awake for at least a short time after each feeding, then teaching your baby to fall asleep without “props” such as needing to nurse or use a pacifier. Read more information here.
• Babies go through various stages of sleep, including R.E.M. (dreaming) sleep and light sleep. Babies often appear to be waking up about 45 minutes into their naps, yet if left alone to sleep, they can learn to go back to sleep and go through all the needed sleep cycles. To encourage healthy circadian rhythms, don’t be too quick to pick up a restless baby. A healthy “nap” for an infant usually lasts at least 90 minutes.
• As children grow, be sure they receive afternoon naps until approximately five years of age. A well-rested baby, toddler, or preschooler wakes up happy.
• Children, especially those nearing puberty, need to sleep in total darkness for proper melatonin levels in their brain. This hormone is especially vital for proper sexual development and regulation of adrenal hormones.
• Teenagers need adequate sleep! Homeschooled teenagers should have reasonable bedtimes, should not have televisions or computers on in their bedrooms at night, and should be allowed to sleep until they awaken naturally in the morning.

A Stable Environment

Learning to handle stress is an important skill that we can help our children develop. Here are some pointers:

• Disorganization is stressful for everyone, especially children. Teach your children how to clean up clutter and manage their belongings and how to stick to a schedule.
• A stable home environment is essential. A healthy marriage relationship is the best gift you can give your children!
• Healthy relationships with others help us avoid unnecessary stress. Teach your children how to resolve conflicts with their siblings and friends, as well as how to avoid anger.
• Teach your children how to pray instead of worrying. Teach them how to control their thought life as well.

While these suggestions are especially vital for children struggling with adrenal fatigue, they are actually good for all children! Hopefully our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will enjoy vibrant health!