The Adrenal Glands are glands that produce Hormones which help the body to burn fat and Protein, regulate sugar, regulate blood pressure, react to stressors. Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison’s Disease) is a medical condition that occurs when the Adrenal cortex is damaged causing Adrenal Glands to NOT produce adequate amounts of one or more essential Hormones (Steroid Hormones – cortisol and aldosterone).
The Adrenal Glands sits astride each kidney, deep in the back part of the abdomen. The two adrenal-glands, found above the kidneys, are endocrine glands responsible for producing a variety of hormones that act as chemical messengers, including Adrenaline and the Steroids cortisol and aldosterone.
• Cortisol regulates the body’s reaction to stressful situations.
• Aldosterone helps with Sodium and Potassium regulation.
Parts of The Adrenal Glands
Each of these adrenal-glands has two (2) parts with markedly different functions:
1) A medulla (or central portion)
2) A cortex (or outer part)
The Adrenal medulla secretes the Hormones Adrenaline (ePinephrine) and norAdrenaline (norepinephrine), which are responsible for the rapid increases in Nervous System and metabolic activity involved in the GAS (General Adaptation System).
Functions of Adrenaline (Epinephrine)
• Acts on alpha-receptors and beta-receptors
• Increases contractility and excitability of heart muscle, thus increasing cardiac output
• Facilitates blood flow to muscles, brain, and viscera
• Enhances blood sugar levels by stimulating conversion of glycogen to glucose in Liver
• Inhibits smooth muscle contractions
Functions of NorAdrenaline (Norepinephrine)
• Acts primarily on alpha-receptors
• Increases peripheral vascular resistance, leading to increased blood pressure
The Adrenal cortex is responsible for production of glucocorticoids (such as Cortisol and hydrocortisone) and secretion of mineralocorticoids (such as aldosterone and desoxycorticosterone), Hormones that are synthesized from Cholesterol.
Functions of Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids help regulate Metabolism, the Immune System, certain aspects of behavior, and many other processes.
• Enhance Protein catabolism and inhibit Protein synthesis
• Antagonize action of insulin
• Increase synthesis of glucose by The Liver
• Influence body defense mechanism and reactions to Stress
• Influence emotions
Functions of Mineralocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone is fundamental to the homeostatic control of Sodium and Potassium secretion by the kidney.
Aldosterone is part of the renin-aldosterone-angiotensin axis (a hormonal homeostatic complex that regulates the volume of urine passed and electrolyte balance in the blood).
• Regulate reabsorption of Sodium cations
• Regulate excretion of Potassium cations by renal tubules.
The Endocrine System Diseases
Adrenal Fatigue
• Adrenal Fatigue – Adrenal fatigue is a theoretical condition that suggests high Stress levels triggering a mild form of Adrenal insufficiency.
• Adrenal Fatigue Diagnosis – The First step should be a thorough evaluation by a doctor as an underlying condition often causes the Adrenal Glands to not produce sufficient amounts of certain Hormones.
Symptoms of Adrenal Insufficiency
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Low blood pressure
• Loss of body hair
Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue (Theorized)
• Fatigue
• Difficulty getting to sleep
• Difficulty waking up
• Sugar cravings
• Salt cravings
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lack of motivation
• Brain fog (inability to remember things)
• Tendency to gain weight around the waist
• Digestive problems
• Lethargy/not caring about things
• Reduced sex drive
Some of the medical conditions that might cause similar symptoms are:
• Anemia
• Sleep apnea
• Heart problems
• Lung problems
• Infections
• Autoimmune diseases
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Some of the mental health conditions that might cause similar symptoms are:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Reactions to high Stress lifestyle/environment
Home Remedies for Adrenal Fatigue
• Adrenal fatigue diet – Increased consumption of high Protein foods, Whole Grains, Vegetables and decreased consumption of simple Carbohydrates (especially sugar), processed foods, fried foods, and caffeine.
• Proper timing of meals to properly regulate blood sugar.
• Decrease Stress – Some ways to reduce Stress include meditation, deep breathing exercises, exercise, unplugging from electronic devices.
• Vitamins and Minerals – A diet with B-complex Vitamins (Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12), Vitamin C and Magnesium.
• Drink a glass of Water along with 1/4 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt as soon as you wake up.
• Eat Breakfast within one hour of waking.
• Sit down to eat each meal and eat slowly.
• Diffuse Essential Oils throughout the day to help you feel more relaxed.
• Spend more time outdoors so as to get fresh air (nature helps reduce the Stress response in the body).
• Avoid intermittent fasting (or a super low-carb diet).
• Take Adaptogenic herbs for Adrenal fatigue.
Herbs that Support the Adrenal Medulla
• Adaptogens constitute the core of herbal support for conditions affecting the Adrenal medulla.
• Eleutherosides (Saponins found in Siberian Ginseng), directly impact Adrenal medulla part of the Adrenal gland.
• Nervine tonic will not directly affect the Adrenal medulla, but will provide general systemic support to help ease the impact of tension and Anxiety.
• Skullcap
• St.John’s Wort
• Oats
Herbs that Support the Adrenal Cortex
• Adaptogens will help support the cortex in its response to adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH).
Note:
* Liquorice has a direct impact upon aldosterone when eaten (or taken) in great excess, as it can lead to Potassium depletion in a very rare occurrence.
* Liquorice greatly benefit Addison’s disease patients (results from damage to the Adrenal cortex, which leads to decreased production of adrenocortical Hormones).
Food Remedies for Adrenal Glands Fatigue
Beans
Beechnuts
Bee Pollen
Blackcurrant
Cocoa Powder
Cotton Seeds
Couscous
Durum Wheat
Hickory Nut
Kamut Khorasan Wheat
Licorice Root
Mucuna
Orange Peel
Pigeon Peas
Pilinuts
Rice Bran
Rosemary
Schisandra
Taro Leaves
Wheat
Wheat Bran
Wheat Grass
Wood Ear Mushroom
• Beans – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Beechnuts – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Bee Pollen – Its Vitamin B5 supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Hormones meant to help us cope with Stress.
• Blackcurrant – Blackcurrant leaves increase the secretion of cortisol by the Adrenal Glands, thus stimulating the activity of the sympathetic Nervous System and may prove useful in the treatment of stress-related conditions.
• Cocoa Powder – Cocoa also contains the chemical phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide. PEA is an Adrenal-related chemical that is created naturally when excited.
• Cotton Seeds – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Couscous – Its Vitamin B5 supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Hormones meant to help us cope with Stress.
• Durum Wheat – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Hickory Nut – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Kamut Khorasan Wheat – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Licorice Root – It contains glycyrrhizic acid (a compound that stops the body from breaking down cortisol into natural cortisone, hence by allowing the body to retain cortisol, it prevents the Adrenal Glands from producing more, reduces tiredness and mood swings, which can give them a rest. It works quickly, with results seen in as little as one week. Licorice can also help a variety of other conditions associated with Adrenal fatigue, including Constipation, Digestive problems, and helping the body get over illnesses.
• Mucuna – Mucuna is a master Adaptogen. Adoptogenic herbs contain a unique set of phytonutrients that feed the Adrenals, balance Hormones and significantly reduce Stress levels by lowering cortisol.
• Orange Peel – Its Vitamin C content helps in the production of neurotransmitters and Hormones, while its Vitamin B1 adequate intake can relieve Stress damage to the brain and improve overall brain function significantly.
• Pigeon Peas – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Pilinuts – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Rice Bran – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Rosemary – It is thought to stimulate the Adrenal Glands and is used specifically for debility. Its infusion is useful as a stimulating nerve tonic and to aid weak digestion.
• Schisandra – Its an Adaptogenic agent helpful with protecting the body against Stress including from heat, burning, frostbite, inflammation, and radiation, and well-known to reduce inflammation, boost muscular activity, protect against Liver problems, modulate blood pressure, prevent exhaustion, and improve mental function.
• Taro Leaves – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Wheat – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Wheat Bran – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Wheat Grass – Its abundant chlorophyll content is naturally regenerative for the Adrenal Glands (according to Ellen Tart-Jensen, Ph.D), thus helps to increase oxygen supply in your body’s cells and tissues, contributing to cell regeneration, which heals the body and reduces fatigue symptoms.
• Wood Ear Mushroom – Wood Ear Mushroom contain Vitamin B5 which supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production).
Herbal Remedies for Adrenal Glands Fatigue
Adaptogens
Acorn
American Ginseng
Ashwagandha
Borage
Breadnut Seeds
Canadian Hemlock
Cordyceps Mushroom
Ephedra
Fireweed Leaves
Ginseng
Gotu Kola
Holy Basil
Horny Goat Weed
Kanna
Maca Root
Notoginseng
Passionflower
Rehmannia
Rhodiola
Siberian Ginseng
Suma
• Adaptogens – Adaptogenic herbs help increase the body’s resistance to Stress and appear to work by supporting the function of the Adrenal Glands.
• Acorn – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• American Ginseng – American Ginseng as a regulator of the The Endocrine System and an Adaptogen can be helpful in combating Adrenal fatigue and can be useful for mild to moderate impairments in the Adrenal Glands.
• Ashwagandha – Its one of the most popular (or well-known and safe) Adaptogenic herbs, and certainly one of the most well-known and safe. It improves both DHEA-S (an Adrenal Hormone) and testosterone levels, while aiding in calming the Nervous System. It may also help reduce inflammation, which can make exercising a little bit easier.
• Borage – Borage is used to restore the Adrenal Glands to their natural balance, which in turn creates a calmer body and mind. The Adrenal Glands in our body work very hard all day to prepare our body for fight or flight situations.
• Breadnut Seeds – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Canadian Hemlock – Canadian Hemlock Essential Oil is energizing and stimulating when feeling lethargic, thus beneficial to include in diffuser blends intended to help one remain focused, optimistic, calm and balanced.
• Cordyceps Mushroom – It is an Adaptogen (increased resistance to Stress, increased Energy, strength, stamina). It contain adenosine, cordycepic acid, cordycep and other related compounds.
• Ephedra – Ephedra active constituents mimic the effect of Adrenaline within the body, increasing alertness. Its active Alkaloids (but notably ephedrine) is used as a decongestant.
• Fireweed Leaves – Its Vitamin B5 content supports the function of the Adrenal Glands (responsible for stress-related Hormone production), encouraging the production of sufficient amounts of Stress Hormones, helps with Depression and prevents fatigue, and treatment of several nerve conditions.
• Ginseng – Its Adaptogenic quality (increases our ability to adapt to Stress, and regulate many bodily functions depending on individual needs), explaining why Ginseng can both stimulate and seDate the Nervous System, significantly improves the body’s capacity to cope with hunger, extremes of temperature, and mental and emotional Stress.
• Gotu Kola – Gotu Kola is revitalising to nerve and brain cells, promoting calmness and clarity, helping poor memory and lack of concentration, and to assist in balancing the left and right hemispheres of the brain.
• Holy Basil – Holy Basil as an Adaptogenic herb supports Adrenal health and a state of equilibrium in the body and helps with response to Stress in a healthy way, while nourishing the mind and elevating the spirit.
• Horny Goat Weed – Horny Goat Weed helps balance Adrenal and metabolic functions (that have been disrupted by Stress) by positively influencing the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, thus making it a true Adaptogen.
• Kanna – Sceletium is the model anxiolytic (Anti-Anxiety agent), working directly, in an adpatogenic way, to mediate the pace of the mind (slowing a racing mind and bringing a calm centeredness to the being).
• Maca Root – Maral Root acts as an Adaptogen, helping to support the body’s healthy physical Stress response, which is controlled by the Adrenal Glands. Its root is rich in anti-oxidants and nutrients essential for longevity, brain function, and heart health.
• Notoginseng – Notoginseng root supports neurological and muscular systems of the body and a tonic that supports the function of the Adrenal Glands. Its root help reduce and prevent that risk factor for Stroke and swelling of the blood vessels in the brain.
• Passionflower – Passionflower has a depressant effect on central Nervous System (CNS) activity. Its Sedative properties produce a soothing and relaxing effect, reducing nervous activity and panic.
• Rehmannia – Rehmannia root extract is an Adrenal tonic, believed to support the cells of the Adrenal cortex and pituitary during times of prolonged Stress. Its sugar extracts acts as an invigorator (or a tonic) to combat exhaustion and improve exercise endurance, thus help the body adapt to Stress and increased physical demands.
• Rhodiola – It has been used for centuries to help with reducing Anxiety, Stress, fatigue, and Depression as a potent Adaptogen (a herb that helps increase the body’s resistance to Stress). It may also help reduce mild Depression, especially when combined with a lower sugar diet.
• Siberian Ginseng – Its used to increase mental alertness and performance, enhance concentration, reduce Stress and fatigue, and enhance overall immunity. It creates a broad-spectrum, normalizing action that brings the systems back to homeostasis.
• Suma – Suma is a healthier way to stimulate, providing Energy without taxing the Adrenal Glands. It has been called a cellular regenerator, due to its Anti-Spasmodic effect and ability to overcome hangovers.
