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Adrenal Gland Support

Chronic stress puts a strain on the adrenal glands so it's important to be sure to give them the support they need...

Adrenal glands are small glands located on the upper pole of each kidney. Each one is divided into an inner medulla surrounded by the outer cortex layer. The medulla produces the fight-or-flight hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and nor adrenaline (norepinephrine). The cortex produces sex hormones, stress hormones and other hormones responsible for water balance in the body. All of the hormones produced by the adrenal cortex are derived from cholesterol, so proper intake of this nutrient is essential for their release. For more information on the adrenal glands their function, please see our Adrenal Disorders article.

Stress and Adrenal Fatigue
Although actual organ failure of the adrenal gland is uncommon, our high stress lifestyles, poor diet and abuse of drugs or alcohol often lead to adrenal depletion. Signs of low adrenal function are those that we associate with being "stressed out" such as: lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings and blood sugar imbalances. As the dysfunction gets more serious other symptoms such as: fainting, diarrhea, depression, moodiness, feeling cold, discolouration of the skin, swelling and loss of body hair can occur.

Diet and Lifestyle Influences
It’s important to deal with stress in healthy ways in order to escape potential adrenal burnout. Activities like deep breathing and regular exercise are proven ways to relieve stress and decrease its effect on the adrenal gland. By doing these regularly, the adrenal gland function will naturally be stimulated. A few times each day, take 10 slow, deep breaths to increase your well-being and reduce stress. This simple activity will improve adrenal gland function.

To achieve full adrenal benefits, be sure to moderate or eliminate consumption of the following harmful substances: corticosteroids, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, fried foods, processed and white sugars and flours and red meat.

Increasing foods containing high amounts of vitamins and minerals, like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, garlic, onions and healthy fats will support the adrenal gland. The essential fatty acids found in fish and fish oil also support the adrenal gland.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR ADRENAL SUPPORT

Nutritional supplements can also help to nourish and support the adrenal glands. Because these glands produce a large number of different hormones, they require several different precursors and cofactors to perform their task efficiently.

Vitamin C and Vitamin B-5 for Adrenaline
The adrenal glands require vitamins C and B-5 (pantothenic acid) to produce optimum levels of adrenaline (epinehphrine) for response to immediate urgent stress. 

B-Complex
In addition to the role of B-5 in the synthesis of adrenaline, the other B vitamins also act as cofactors for the synthesis of other adrenal hormones. They also help promote efficient energy utilization in the body. 

Licorice
The herb Licorice contains hormones similar to those released by the adrenal gland. Because of this, it can help to supplement low adrenal function, and help to give a significant increase in energy levels. 

Adrenal Glandular
Adrenal gland extract (New Zealand source) contains proteins and essential nutrients that can help optimize your adrenal functioning. This extract also contains the active hormones that can supplement for the activity of an under-functioning gland. 

Adaptogenic Herbs
Some herbs are able to help the body more easily adapt to stress, and these herbs are referred to as adaptogens. The ginsengs can act in this way, as can astragalus. Interestingly, in addition to boosting adrenal function, these herbs also help to improve immune functioning.