How to Support Adrenal Function

Adrenal glands are endocrine, or hormone secreting, glands that are located on top of kidneys. They are composed of two distinct sections, each producing its own set of hormones. People often are unaware of the vital role these two small organs play in the body.

The cortex produces the hormones cortisol and corticosterone, which together contribute to the regulation of metabolism, inflammatory response, and immune activity. Cortex is also the site of production aldosterone and various androgens, which function in electrolyte and water balance, blood pressure, and have steroidal effects, respectively. The medulla synthesizes epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), which modulate the stress reaction. (Klauer KM, 2008)

A number of factors can negatively impact the adrenals, including adrenal hyperplasia, pituitary adenoma, cytotoxic agents, enzyme inhibitors, continuous corticosteroid use, autoimmune disease, and disruption in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. It may also be a result of prolonged, excessive stress, some experts suggest. Malfunctioning adrenals may manifest as chronic fatigue syndrome, insomnia, weight loss or weight gain, menstrual irregularities, intestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions, depressed immunity, and mood disorders. Of course, these indicators may have causes unrelated to adrenal function. (Klauer KM, 2008; Murray M, Pizzorno JE, 2006; Speiser PW, 2009)

Physicians may assess adrenal function by measuring morning cortisol and DHEA levels, as well via dexamethasone suppression test. (Klauer KM, 2008; Murray M, Pizzorno JE, 2006; Speiser PW, 2009)

One can see the paramount importance of adrenals even from this brief overview. Their proper function is essential to health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views a disturbance in adrenals, which are classifies as part of the Kidney organ under the system, as the prime cause of all illness, because they are believed to be the very root of Yin and Yang within the body. (Tierra L, 2003)

This article does not deal with clinical treatment of specific medical conditions, but rather addresses natural means to support normal adrenal function.

Instructions

Diet, fitness, and rest

• 1

  Without proper nutrition, any health-promoting activity will be severely compromised. While, of course, individual considerations may vary, general guidelines to healthy eating are as follow:

  - Avoid junk and processed food at all costs
  - Purchase organic as often as possible
  - Eat regular, portion-controlled meals, especially breakfast
  - Control for food allergies
  - Focus on vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans/legumes, some nuts and seeds
  - limit meat to few times a week
  - Restrict high-sugar, high-fat foods
  - Drink plenty of filtered water and avoid boiling it in plastic kettles

  Those with adrenal-related issues are best to avoid alcohol entirely, as it increases adrenal hormone secretion, disrupts neuronal processes, and interferes with the sleep cycle. Caffeine is a known stimulant, which may also aggravate the glands. Nicotine also should be avoided. Among other things, it directly stimulates cortisol release, which in excess has numerous negative implications. (Murray M, Pizzorno JE, 2006)

• 2

  Regular exercise supports optimal function of every system of the body. Assuming no medical condition prevents it, one hour a day of vigorous activity, 5-6 times a week is adequate for most. You may consider adding a half-hour of yoga to your day. According to The Sivananda Yoga Center, egular yoga practice may be effective for stress reduction, hormonal stabilization and overall health.

• 3

  Insufficient rest equals stress. Ongoing stress may result in adrenal dysfunction. (Murray M, Pizzorno JE, 2006) The body repairs and restores itself during sleep. Different individuals require different amounts of sleep. Only you know how much that is. If possible, establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it even on the weekends.

  Sound nutrition, adequate exercise, and sufficient sleep are often all that's necessary.

Herbal measures

• 4

  American and Chinese ginsengs (Panax quinquefolium and Panax ginseng, respectively), as well Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticocus), according to Murray M. Pizzorno's " Textbook of Natural Medicine," have been shown to support adrenal function and enhance stress tolerance.

• 5

  Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), Suma (Pfaffia paniculata), and Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula), have similar properties to ginseng and are used for many of the same purposes---anti-stress, energy enhancement, tonification, normalization of physiological functions.

• 6

  Research indicates that Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glarba) augments adrenal activity, particularly in those with damage from corticosteroid use. Murray states it is commonly used with Chinese Thoroughwax (Bupleurum falcatum/chinensis), another herb with proven efficacy.

• 7

  If anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, irritability are an issue, calming herbs such as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate), Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), Lemon Balm (Melissa officianalis), Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Kava Kava (Piper methysticum), and Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), also may be considered.

• 8

  Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) may be yet another option, as it has been found to decrease adrenal enlargement and modulate corticosteroid activity, as well as pacify the nervous system and diminish stress response.