What Are The Adrenal Glands?

Your adrenal glands are located in the abdomen above the kidneys and are the sole provider of cortisol to the body. In addition to cortisol, they produce some androgen, aldosterone, norepinephrine and epinephrine. The body produces cortisol daily, and people commonly call it the stress hormone.

Cortisol is highest first thing in the morning and tapers off throughout the day, reaching its lowest point between 5pm and 8pm. Chronic stress can cause problems by signalling the adrenal glands to produce higher amounts of cortisol than normal. The continued stress put on the glands can cause them to fall behind and create a cortisol deficit or to respond with inappropriate levels of cortisol that swing from high to low. Anyway you look at it, if the adrenals are not supported in their balanced production of cortisol, health problem ensue (fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, mood swings, compromised immune function, insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction and more!)

How Do Adaptogens Support The Adrenal Glands?

Adaptogenic herbs or adrenal support formulas can be very effective at balancing cortisol levels and decreasing unwanted stress-related symptoms. Adaptogens vary in their effects, and one herb may work differently than another. Practitioners often combine herbs for specific needs.

Holy Basil

Holy basil is especially important for individuals with dysglycemia (or blood sugar imbalances) and cravings and/or emotional eating in relation to stress or caused by cortisol irregularities.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is another herb with a long history of use for treating stress-induced fatigue, improving mental performance, and alleviating mild depression and anxiety. It is more commonly useful for those who find themselves getting angry or frustrated when stressed out.

Relora

Relora is actually the proprietary combination of two plants: Phellodendron Amurense and Magnolia. This herb may help manage irritability and mood swings linked to cortisol imbalance. It may also support sleep and concentration during stress.

Astragalus

Astragalus addresses the fatigue and weakened immune system aspects of stress and cortisol imbalances. It is often included in immune support formulas for this reason.

Ginsengs

The Ginsengs [Ashwaghanda, Eleutherococcus, Maca and /articles/supplements/gingseng/] Ashwaghanda can be particularly effective for stress-related insomnia or sleeping problems. It also supports the production of thyroid hormone, as thyroid issues often go hand in hand with adrenal dysfunction. Eleutherococcus, Maca and Panax ginseng are helpful for energy, as well as increasing libido and helping to support balanced androgen production (sex hormones).

Licorice

Licorice is a very effective cortisol balancer, although slightly less popular, as it can increase blood pressure. Like Holy Basil, the use of licorice has been linked to improved glucose control and fat modulation, as well as improving immune function, decreasing inflammation and balancing sex hormones (often exacerbated with cortisol imbalances). For those with low blood pressure (do you get dizzy when you sit up quickly?), licorice might be the right choice for you.

Schisandra

Schisandra is an adaptogenic herb especially useful for reducing fatigue and improving mental performance and memory decline related to stress. It can also help to support stress related immune compromise, such as chronic cough or asthma. This plant also has an affinity for the liver, helping to support liver function and repair liver damage.

B Vitamins

B vitamins can be very useful for supporting healthy adrenal function, as well as reducing symptoms associated with cortisol imbalances, such as anxiety, depression, ruminating/obsessive thinking and blood sugar control. These vitamins work best in combination with other B vitamins, so when stress is an issue, a B complex has to be included in your supplement protocol.