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, these glands play a role in our fertility, hormonal balance, water balance (bloating), and particularly with our ability to handle stress. Chronic stress affects these glands more than any other glands.

What Is Adrenal Fatigue?

Adrenal insufficiency is uncommon, and can lead to a severe medical condition (adrenal crisis) that is deadly if left untreated. Chronic stress and poor lifestyle habits can deplete adrenal reserves. Many people refer to this condition as adrenal fatigue. Some examples of this poor lifestyle are: poor diet, excessive caffeine intake, and abuse of drugs or alcohol. Low functioning of these glands may cause lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, blood sugar imbalances, and frequent 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 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 their health. Unfortunately, today's fast paced world doesn't always allow for us to live the healthy lifestyle we would like, and sometimes these glands may need a little help for a particularly stressful period of time. Often this is where glandular extracts will come into play.

What Are Adrenal Glandular Extracts?

Like most glandular extracts, these ones are often from either bovine (cow), or porcine (pig) sources. These extracts contain all of the nutritional fundamentals, cofactors, and hormones present in the organ. Adrenal glandular provides comprehensive nutritional support for the adrenal glands. Its high hormone content makes it best suited for short-term use during periods of intense stress.

Other Adrenal Supporting Supplements

Other support supplements products include: vitamin C, B-complex, L-tyrosine, and herbs such as licorice and Siberian ginseng.

How Do I Take Adrenal Glandulars?

Manufacturers offer these glandulars alone or in combintaion formulas with adrenal-supporting herbs and nutrients. Extract concentrations vary between products. Always follow the dosing instructions on the product label.

Side Effects & 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 these glandulars may include: extreme fatigue, palpitations, blood pressure fluctuations, and anxiety. Discontinue use immediately if side effects occur.