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Dr Michael Platt has published a book, “Adrenaline Dominance: A Revolutionary Approach to Wellness”. He examines the role that adrenaline may play in a number of conditions that are quite often misunderstood, including ADHD, Irritable bowel syndrome, PTSD and Autism, anxiety and depression. He offers dietary ways to control the over-production of adrenaline.
With a background in diseases that cause pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma — tumors that causes over-production of adrenaline — Joyce is eager to discuss with him how to differentiate between pheos and the kind of medically treatable adrenaline dominance that he discusses in his book. Pheos are difficult to diagnose, and they notoriously do not respond to medical treatment. Undiagnosed pheos can be life-threatening if they are not diagnosed and removed, especially during pregnancy. Some pheos can even become cancer and metastasize. If you have a pheo, it is extremely important to diagnose and remove this dangerous tumor. Pheos-Paras can occur anywhere from the earlobe to the groin, on either side of the body, along the sympathetic nervous system.
There are recommendations in Dr. Platt’s book which are not proven and may be counter-productive if you have a pheo/para. The diet is fine, but before you embark on any of the hormonal treatments suggested in the book it would be wise to get a plasma free metanephrines test to rule out a pheo-para. See http://www.pheo-para-alliance.org/what-is-pheochromocytoma/diagnosis for details.
There are more than 20 tiny genetic flaws that can increase one’s chance of having a pheo or para. If you know that any of these conditions runs in your family, be sure to get tested for the presence of one of these tumors before embarking on Dr. Platt’s treatments. It will be easier to diagnose the pheo-para before this treatment. Furthermore, some of the medications he discusses can make a pheo worse:
“Do I need to change my lifestyle if I have been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma?”
Medications that should be reduced or avoided
“If you have been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, you may need to make several adjustments to your lifestyle. Many medications can further stimulate the release of the excess hormones, which may increase the severity of the condition. The consumption of these medications should therefore be reduced or avoided. These medications include:Medications for obesity management: phentermine (Adipex, Fastin, Zantryl), phendimetrazine (Bontril, Adipost, Plegine), methamphetamine (Desoxyn), and phenylethylamine (Fenphedra), sibutramine (Meridia) Nasal decongestants containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamineAntidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), edronax (Reboxitine), duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor)Antipsychotic and antiemetic drugs: metoclopramide (Reglan), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and prochlorperazine (Compazine)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: deprenyl (Selegiline), linezolid (Zyvox)Glucagon, steroids, histamine, angiotensin II, and vasopressinPseudoephedrineCocaine.”
Reference: http://www.pheo-para-alliance.org/what-is-pheochromocytoma/faq-s/
For more information on pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, please see:
About Pheos for patients listing common symptoms
Information from the National Institutes of Health
Pheo-Para Troopers support organization
