Understanding & Healing The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are two triangular-shaped (endocrine glands) that reside on top of both kidneys. Endocrine glands secrete their products, such as hormones directly into the blood rather than through a duct. The adrenal glands produce neurotransmitters which are essential for brain and nerve function, and cortical-type steroids or hormones which all assist in the control of your metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, carbohydrate utilization, regulation of electrolytes, mediation of the inflammatory process, your response to stress and other vital functions.

So let's dig a little deeper -

The adrenal medulla is part of the adrenal gland. It is located at the center of the gland, being surrounded by the adrenal cortex.

The adrenal cortex is the outer portion of the adrenal gland and secretes steroid hormones; steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol. Without these hormones, your body would have a hard time regulating fluid and electrolyte balance and sustaining homeostasis. This is because the adrenal cortex secretes three major groups of steroid hormones that are collectively referred to as corticosteroids.

The adrenal medulla, the interior part of an adrenal gland, is responsible for the synthesis of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), but it also has other secretory functions such as the production of dopamine.

So now that we know why the adrenal glands are so vitally important, let's look quickly at some of the dis-eases of the adrenals:

Addisons disease - when the adrenal cortex fails to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.

Cushing's syndrome - when there is an overproduction of the hormone cortisol.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia - low levels of cortisol and problems such as low levels of aldosterone (which maintains a balance of water and salt). 

Adrenal fatigue or Chronic fatigue - is a term applied to a combination of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, sleep disturbances, nervousness, and digestive problems.

There are many herbal remedies, tinctures, and glandular that can assist the adrenals when you are experiencing issues. Some of the most common are Licorice root, Maca root, Siberian ginseng, Rhodiola, and Ashwagandha along with Curcumin which is an ingredient found in Turmeric.

Of course, Diet Is Critical as well as cleaning up your environment. Sleep longer and better hours by making your bedroom your little healing spa or sanctuary. Eliminate all electronics and add some potted plants to increase the oxygen levels. Make the room as dark as possible because light tells your brain that it’s time to wake up.

It’s also extremely important to get good, healthy carbs, into your diet each and every day. Make sure you eat lots of fruits and some veggies such as pears, blueberries, bananas, red-skinned apples, lemon, leafy greens, and beets. Eliminate caffeine, and that panicked feeling, by swapping out that latte for a smoothie!  Also, make time to move your body gently to get that lymphatic system pumping, which can promote detoxification.