Adrenal Support

The adrenal glands are small triangular-shaped glands located at the top of each kidney. Each adrenal gland is composed of two parts, the adrenal cortex, which is the outer region and also the largest part of the gland, as well as the adrenal medulla, which is located in the centre of the gland and tasked with producing stress hormones including adrenaline. In times of stress or danger, adrenaline is what triggers our fight or flight response (the body’s natural stress response). The adrenal glands, as a whole, are responsible for the production of a variety of hormones. Important adrenal hormones include: 

·     Aldosterone: helps the kidneys regulate sodium and potassium balance (blood pressure)

·     Cortisol: as our primary stress hormone, curbs functions that would be nonessential or even potentially harmful in a fight-or-flight situation. Cortisol also alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive system, the reproductive system, and growth processes (all of which aren’t necessary for fight or flight mode).

·     Androgens: support the growth, development and function of the reproductive system and are required to make estrogen.

·     Estrogen: a female sex hormone that regulates female sexual development and reproduction. 

The Adrenal Glands and The Stress Response

While small in stature, the adrenal glands fulfil key functions inside the body and are most notably critical to helping the body face stressors from many sources (psychological, mental, physical, environmental, and others) by producing stress hormones. Indeed, when the adrenal glands produce these stress hormones, whether in reaction to an actual or perceived threat, this engenders a cascade of physiological changes in the body. These changes include dilated blood vessels in skeletal muscles, increased blood pressure, accelerated heartbeat and faster breakdown of glycogen to glucose in the liver to provide extra fuel, etc. All of which are intended to enable us to face the threat. 

Why your Adrenals May Need a Little TLC

While the production of stress hormones is essential in keeping us alive in dangerous situations, when our stress response remains “on” as a result of chronic stress, this results in the overproduction of stress hormones (most notably, cortisol) and over-accumulation in the body. This long-term stress can increase the risk for hypertension, heart attack and stroke; can contribute to headaches, migraines and musculoskeletal pain; and can lead to the development of numerous physical and mental health conditions, including chronic fatigue, diabetes, obesity, immune suppression, mood disorders and many others. Ultimately, extended exposure to stress/chronic stress can result in adrenal exhaustion (or “burnout”). 

Signs and Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Some common tell-tale signs that your adrenals may be getting a little tired include:

Disturbed sleep cycle (falling asleep but waking up several hours later and unable to fall back to sleep), salt cravings. difficulty handling stress (everything seems overwhelming), the appearance of belly fat despite no change to diet or exercise routine, feeling emotional and/or crying for no reason, brain fog, worsening PMS and in men, the appearance of a ‘beer belly’ and breasts. Faced with these symptoms, many may resort to coffee and other stimulants to get ‘going’ and make it through the day, but this actually makes the problem worse because regular intake of caffeine prompts your adrenal glands to produce even more cortisol leading to a vicious cycle. 

Adaptogens to the Rescue

Fortunately, there are things you can do to support your adrenal glands. The “adrenal fatigue diet” is the best place to start. This regimen cuts out caffeine, sugar, sweeteners, processed foods and meats and instead focuses on healthy fats (including fatty fish, avocado, nuts, seeds, etc.), cruciferous vegetables, seaweed, fermented foods and medicinal mushrooms, among others.

 In addition, topping the list for adrenal support are adaptogens, which most knowledgeable natural health care practitioners recommend thanks to their unique ability to help the body better handle stress and mitigate cortisol production. The most commonly used adaptogens for adrenal support include: 

Ashwagandha

·     Supports Anxiety

·     Boosts Nervous System Health & Function

·     Down-regulates Production of Cortisol

·     Immunomodulator

·     Provides Anti-Inflammatory Effects 

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

·     Boosts Immunity

·     Helps Address Symptoms of Low Mood and Anxiety

·     Protects the Body Against Effects of Stress

·     Stimulates Mental Alertness 

Holy Basil

·     Helps Lower Elevated Cortisol

·     Protects Against Infections (Immunity and Infections)

·     Reduces Symptoms of Stress & Anxiety

·     Supports the Brain and Cognition 

Rhodiola Rosea

·     Anti-Fatigue Effects

·     Boosts Energy

·     Helps Lose Belly Fat

·     Sharpens Cognitive Function

·     Stimulates Mental Performance and Concentration 

Schisandra

·     Anti-fatigue Effects

·     Helps Reduce Mental & Physical Fatigue Related to Stress

·     Enhances Resistance to Stress

·     Increases Energy 

Beyond Stress

It’s also worth mentioning that beyond the stress response, our adrenal glands are responsible for taking over sexual hormone production for the ovaries as menopause nears. This is why it’s key to ensure your adrenal glands are in tip-top shape and able to take over this critical new function to mitigate the classic symptoms of menopause and perimenopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability, etc. In fact, it’s been documented that when women have exhausted adrenals, both PMS and menopausal symptoms tend to be far more severe than in those with healthy adrenal function. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.