Adrenal

Adrenals Function & Supplements

The adrenal glands are small, triangular-shaped and sit on each kidney. Adrenals key function is to produce a variety of different essential hormones. As such, they play a crucial role in the endocrine system and are critical to maintaining homeostasis, responding to stressors, regulating metabolism, managing electrolyte balance, and influencing various aspects of growth and development in the body. 

Each adrenal gland comprises two regions – the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla, each responsible for producing different hormones.

The adrenal cortex is the gland's outer layer and secretes steroid hormones called glucocorticoids, including cortisol, the body's most important stress hormone. The adrenal cortex is also responsible for producing mineralocorticoids, most notably aldosterone, which is crucial in maintaining proper electrolyte balance and regulating blood pressure. Moreover, the adrenal cortex produces small amounts of sex hormones, including androgens (e.g., testosterone and DHEA), contributing to the body’s overall hormone balance. 

The inner portion of the adrenal gland is called the adrenal medulla and produces adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). The adrenals function is to release these hormones in response to stress or emergencies, helping to prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response. They increase heart rate, elevate blood pressure, and boost energy levels, so we can effectively fight the impending threat (stressor).

Function of Adrenals & Benefits of Supplements

• Alleviates Fatigue
• Helps The Body Better Handle Stress
• Relieves Symptoms Of Physical & Emotional Stress
• Stimulates Adrenal Function
• Supportive In Cases Of Lowered Resistance To Illness
• Treatment For Severe Allergies, Asthma, Inflammatory Skin Conditions Like Eczema And Psoriasis, As Well As Rheumatoid Arthritis

Adrenal Extract Supplements

Now that we know how adrenals function, let's look at how supplements can help. Like other glandular supplements, adrenal extract comes from animal sources such as pigs, cows, or sheep. These extracts contain various compounds naturally present in the gland, such as hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline (epinephrine), and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Adrenal extracts also typically contain enzymes such as 11-beta-hydroxylase, which converts corticosterone to cortisol, and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, which converts noradrenaline to adrenaline. Various peptides may also be present in adrenal extracts, as well as amino acids, which play crucial roles in different physiological processes throughout the body.

You can purchase adrenal extract in several forms, including capsules and tablets, liquid extracts, and powder form. In addition to pure adrenal extract, many other adrenal support supplements exist that feature adrenal extract in combination with other supportive nutrients like vitamin C, B-complex, L-tyrosine, medicinal mushrooms, and various herbals. Always follow the dosing instructions on the packaging of the product you purchase for optimal efficacy and safety.

Final Thoughts

Glandular extracts should be used with caution since there is a lack of standardized dosing. As such, the concentration of active compounds can vary considerably between products. This lack of standardization makes it difficult to determine the appropriate dosage, which may lead to inconsistent or unpredictable effects. In addition, it’s also important to note that adrenal extracts can have contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, or prions. Inadequate processing or quality control measures during manufacturing may increase the risk of these contaminants being present in the finished product.

Given these caveats, it's always best to discuss the use of glandular extracts with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner who can guide you toward a high-quality product from a reputable brand and the right dosing for your unique health status.