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ADRENAL GLANDULAR
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
The adrenal gland is responsible for your ability to deal with STRESS...
What is it?
The adrenal glands are small, crescent-shaped glands that rest on the top of each kidney. They each have an outer layer called the cortex, which produces sex hormones, regulates water balance and blood pressure, and releases the hormone cortisol, which is responsible for our ability to manage long-term stress. The medulla (inner core) produces the sudden-stress response hormones called adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Thus, the adrenal glands play a role in our fertility, hormonal balance, water balance (bloating), and particularly with our ability to handle stress. These are the glands that take the hardest hit when we are chronically stressed. |
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Adrenal Glandular |
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| Having memory problems is only one common sign of low adrenal function. |
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Adrenal Insufficiency / Adrenal Fatigue
Frank adrenal insufficiency is uncommon, and can lead to a severe medical condition (adrenal crisis) that is deadly if left untreated. Adrenal fatigue, on the other hand, is a general term used to describe the condition caused by chronic stress and poor lifestyle choices that deplete adrenal reserves. Some examples of this poor lifestyle are: poor diet, excessive caffeine intake, and abuse of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms of low adrenal function are often generally regarded as signs of being "stressed out" such as: lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, blood sugar imbalances, and increased infections. As the dysfunction becomes more severe, fainting, diarrhea, depression, moodiness, feeling cold, discolouration of the skin, swelling and loss of body hair can occur.
How is adrenal fatigue treated?
When the adrenal glands completely fail, medical treatment is required to replace missing hormones to prevent shock and death. When adrenal function is simply sub-optimal, many different means of treatment exist. First and foremost, a healthy diet and lifestyle, including reducing life stressors can do wonders for adrenal health. For more information on how to avoid adrenal insufficiency, please see our adrenal gland support article. Unfortunately, the current pace of life doesn't always allow for us to live the healthy lifestyle we would like, and sometimes our adrenal glands may need a little help for a particularly stressful period of time. Often this is where adrenal glandular extracts will come into play.
Adrenal Glandular Extracts
Like most glandular extracts, adrenal glandular is often from either bovine (cow), or porcine (pig) sources. These extracts contain all of the nutritional fundamentals, cofactors, and hormones present in the organ. This can be considered a complete nutritional supplement for adrenal gland support. Because of its high concentration of hormones, it is not recommended that adrenal glandular be used for extended periods of time, but instead that it be used acutely to boost the adrenal glands in times of great stress.
Co-Supplementation
Other adrenal support products include: vitamin C, B-complex, L-tyrosine, and herbs such as licorice and Siberian ginseng. For more information please see the adrenal gland support article.
How do I take Adrenal Glandular?
Adrenal glandular can be found alone or in combination formulas with other nutrients and herbs that support healthy adrenal functioning. Because there is a lack of research and standardization, each adrenal glandular extract may be a different concentration and should be taken according to the suggested dosing on the label of that product.
Important Information
Adrenal glandular is very potent and should not be used for extended periods of time unless recommended by your healthcare practitioner. Long-term adrenal support should involve diet and lifestyle changes as well as stress-reduction exercises. Side effects of adrenal glandular may include: extreme fatigue, palpitations, blood pressure fluctuations, and anxiety. Discontinue use immediately if side effects occur. |
Adrenal Glandular - QUICK FACTS |
SOURCES |
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Animal adrenal gland (bovine, porcine or ovine) |
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS |
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Lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, blood sugar imbalances, and increased infections. More severe cases include: fainting, diarrhea, depression, moodiness, feeling cold, discolouration of the skin, swelling and loss of body hair. |
WORKS WELL WITH |
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Vitamin C, B-complex, L-tyrosine, and herbs such as Licorice and Siberian ginseng. |
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· For periods of high-stress only, and should not be used for extended periods of time unless recommended by your healthcare practitioner. Side effects of extended usage: extreme fatigue, palpitations, blood pressure fluctuations, and anxiety. Discontinue use if side effects occur. |
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