Stress and Adrenal Function
The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney, each weighs about one ounce. But don’t let their smallness fool you. The adrenal glands are considered the body’s most important glands.
The adrenal glands produce hormones that regulate blood sugar levels, blood pressure, effect water retention, neurotransmitter levels, oxygen consumption, central nervous system function, cardiac output, and immune response. The adrenal glands are made up of two parts; one the medulla which produces hormones like adrenalin and the cortex which produces cortisol. When the body is called upon to respond to stress the adrenal gland is the primary role player. Stress on the body stimulates the adrenal medulla to produce more epinephrine which increases blood sugar and the adrenal cortex which produces cortisol.
In my newsletter discussing the stress response I detailed the chemistry of stress. This newsletter is designed to show you how to repair the adrenal gland. There are two reasons for low adrenal function or hypoadrenalism as it is usually known.
The classic stress respond was very accurately outlined by Dr Han Syles. Early studies by Dr Selye identified a pattern of stress-related illness in both test animals and humans. Dr Seyle discovered a series of events that occur as a reaction to chronic stress. This series of events is known as the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). The GAS has three stages: 1) the alarm reaction, 2) the resistance stage, and 3) the exhaustion stage.
1. The alarm reaction. The adrenal glands increase their activity due to stress. They produce extra amount of hormones. They are working harder to respond to immediate stress. If the stress is continued or severe enough the adrenals will finally be overtaxed to the point of depletion.
2. Resistance stage. After a period of time of continued, severe stress, the adrenal begin to adapt and attempt to re-build themselves. The adrenals have a unique capacity for increasing their size and function. At this point the adrenals begin to function in a hyper state. A continuation of stress will overwhelm the glands and the adrenals will begin to lose their ability to respond. This will lead to the third and final stage.
3. Exhaustion stage. At this point in the GAS the adrenal glands function in a hypo state to the point where the patient loses the ability to adapt to stress. The adrenal function in this stage is severely limited. The body has little or no ability to resistance any further stress. This is when the patient will certainly seek help. Most hypoadrenic patient that I see are either entering or have arrived at the third stage.
At this point people will complain of difficulty concentrating, depression, low energy, disturbed sleep, craving for salt, sugar, refined flour products. Women with hypo functioning adrenal glands will suffer from many PMS symptoms, particularly mood swings, bloat, cravings, and fatigue.
There is however another way to reach a hypoadrenal stage. That is you were born that way. How can that be you ask? Babies do not have anything to stress them except perhaps those being carried by drug or alcohol addicted mothers. But latest research shows that fetus’ that are exposed to stress while in development will be born with low functioning adrenal glands. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to eat poorly. Some of that is due to craving, nausea, or just the idea that when you are pregnant you can and should eat anything that you wish. Poor eating habits during pregnancy can also stress the babies adrenal glands. Pregnant women suffering from lots of stress whether emotional or nutritional will tax the adrenal gland of their babies.
Children born with low functioning adrenal glands will exhibit certain symptoms. These kids exhibit low energy, extreme moodiness, learning difficulties, difficulty awaking in the morning, more infections, and an enormous need for sleep.
I have found that almost all children with learning disabilities exhibit hypo-adrenal functions. One of these symptoms is hyperactivity. The irony is that these kids need to be active to feel better. Activity helps the adrenal to produce more hormones that helps with concentration and information processing.
Whether a person is young or old fixing the adrenal glands is primarily the same. The first step is to make sure that the diet is devoid of refined flour, sugar, and starches. Eating every four hours is important to help stabilize blood sugar. Usually increasing protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and in some cases whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice are helpful in strengthening the adrenal function.
Nutrients are also used to repair and rebuild the adrenals. Adrenal extract is very helpful in restoring adrenal function along with B vitamins, vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid, herbs like ginseng, ashwaganda, and licorice are very effective. These adaptogenic nutrients along with dietary changes and light exercise will go a long way in turning burnt out adrenal glands into vibrant functioning adrenal glands
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by Dr. Steven Felder
