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The Best Way to Strengthen Adrenal Glands

The purpose of your adrenal glands is to help you deal with stress, and it is important to keep them functioning effectively. Because the symptoms of adrenal gland dysfunction are varied, so are the treatments, from herbal teas to walking daily.

  1. What are the Adrenal Glands?

    • You can find your adrenal glands, which are prune-sized and triangular, on top of your kidneys. The adrenal glands are part of the endocrine system. Their job is to produce hormones and respond to stress. The cortex and the medulla are the two parts of the adrenal system. The cortex produces cortisol, the hormone necessary to control inflammation. The level of cortisol in your body affects how you react to allergies and autoimmune diseases. The medulla produces the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine. These hormones set off your fight or flight response.

    Signs of Adrenal Fatigue

    • Low-blood pressure, low-body temperature and a constant feeling of tiredness, along with muscle weakness, are signs of adrenal fatigue. Other signs could be depression, headaches and environmental sensitivities.

    Causes of Adrenal Fatigue

    • A constant state of stress, along with a poor diet that is full of sugar, processed carbohydrates or too much caffeine, alcohol, drugs or cigarettes, can accelerate adrenal gland fatigue.

    Strengthening Your Adrenals With Herbs

    • Strengthening your adrenals is a process. Vitamin C is food for your adrenals, as they use this vitamin more than any other gland. Licorice root tea strengthens the adrenals, as do wild yam, Siberian ginseng and sarsaparilla. Black currant is considered a balancer for your adrenals. There are also adrenal gland extracts in capsules that you can take daily.

    Homeopathic Remedies

    • Naturm muraticum, or salt, helps the body use salt. It is a remedy for chronic fatigue. Argentum nitricum, silver nitrate, is best for those who are always in a hurry. If you are craving sweets, this remedy helps. Berberis vulgaris is for aching muscles. Your practitioner will prescribe the dosage specific to you in a tincture form.

    Foods to Help With Adrenal Function

    • Anything that is high in potassium will increase adrenal functions. Some examples are seaweed, cauliflower, wheat germ, almonds, parsley, avocados, sunflower seeds and raisins.

    Exercise

    • Exercise is another way to strengthen your adrenal glands. The most beneficial forms of exercise are walking, martial arts and yoga. Meditation and visualization are also helpful for stress management.

    Word of Caution

    • Although some doctors might prescribe steroid treatment for adrenal fatigue, the National Institutes of Health has said that this can cause more adrenal fatigue.

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