Guest guest Posted June 8, 2004 Report Share Posted June 8, 2004 Adrenal Weakness The adrenal glands are located just on top of the kidneys. The adrenals are an integral part of the endocrine system. They are responsible for producing several important hormones and are critical to the stress response. They have two parts: the cortex, and the medulla. The cortex is the outer wrapping of the gland. It produces cortisol which is a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone. Cortisol controls inflammation. The level of Cortisol in the body affects allergies, wound healing, asthma, arthritis, and lupus, just to name a few. The medulla, which is the inner part, pours out epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. These hormones speed up the body's metabolism in order to help us to cope with stress. These are the two most important hormones in the body. They govern the fight or flight response (alarm reaction), and are almost a direct extension of the nervous system. How the Adrenal Gland Can Impact Energy The adrenal glands produce their array of hormones in a complex symphony that is orchestrated by two structures in the brain called the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. When stress and poor nutrition lead to altered hormone levels, imbalance in endocrine function can lead to substantial fatigue. The kinds of stressors that tax the adrenal glands include: Physical trauma Chemical toxins Poor diet Excess exercise Lack of sleep Infections Emotional trauma Anxiety, depression Prescription drugs Pregnancy Most people have had the experience where they have felt extremely tired and exhausted and then all of a sudden a new surge of energy comes to their aid. Likewise, when we experience fear and our heart starts racing the adrenal gland is secreting adrenaline and other stress related hormones to come to the rescue and give us the extra boost of energy that we need to get through the emotional stress. When the brain interprets an event as threatening (stressful) the adrenals begin to work. They signal the nervous system to prepare to fight or flee. This signal mobilizes the respiratory and circulatory systems of the body for emergency action. Reserve energy in the body is called upon, and functions are diverted away from normal, homeostatic body function including those of the immune system. Even though the fight or flight response may be over, the resistance reaction allows the body to continue fighting the stressor long after the effects of our alarm system have gone off. When this state of emergency is maintained for unrelieved periods of time, the body's reserves become depleted and the immune system is weakened. Long term over-activation of these hormones can deplete the kidneys and adrenals, severely impairing the ability of the immune system to function. When adrenal function is impaired or weak, a person may suffer from low blood sugar, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and a total feeling of exhaustion. When stress is prolonged the organs begin to weaken and other health related problems can set in such as hypoglycemia. Some of the common causes that contribute to adrenal exhaustion are continued stress, poor diet, over-consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, overuse of caffeine, alcohol, drugs, nicotine, and vitamin B and C deficiencies. Unfortunately, the body reacts the same way to both real and imagined threats. For instance, unrelieved worrying about losing your job can cause the same over-taxing of the adrenals and the resultant suppression of the immune system as actually losing your job. If a person succumbs easily to allergies and infections, feels constantly drained and exhausted, suffers from low blood sugar and blood pressure, then the culprit may well be weak adrenals. For instance, most of the asthma sprays contain adrenal-like hormones that mimic cortisol in the body. One of the most prominent signs of adrenal gland insufficiency is chronic fatigue. In some fatigued patients, thyroid problems overlap adrenal problems. In these cases, the status of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland must be assessed. The appropriate treatment should be undertaken only after this determination is made. Signs and Symptoms Fatigue, Weakness Depression Frustration Premenstrual tension Nervousness Scanty perspiration Inability to concentrate Lightheadedness Sweet cravings Irritability Insomnia Allergies Headaches Treatment for Adrenal Weakness There are many methods that one can use to strengthen the adrenals. Acupuncture, herbs, meditation and relaxation techniques, exercise, and nutrient saturation through diet and supplementation can all help promote the healing process. Adrenal problems that are not serious or life-threatening are often treated with a combination of low doses of cortisol, DHEA, various herbs, and nutrients. Each of these is used under very specific circumstances determined by laboratory tests. When problems of adrenal insufficiency are identified and corrected, the result of treatment can be very rewarding. The positive effect on energy, stamina, and vitality can be substantial. Acupuncture and acupressure can sometimes give the adrenals a good boost. Chiropractic adjustments can also be helpful. The adrenal glands are richly fed by nerves that connect to the spine, and by releasing blockages through these simple and effective techniques, the glands can be stimulated and strengthened. In the kidney meridian often relates in western terms to the adrenals. Those who are susceptible to infections or allergies are often told that they have weak kidney energy, so the acupuncture points along that meridian can stimulate the healing process. Whole Foods Diet is Recommended Buy organically grown produce as much as possible. Avoid consumption of sugar. Refined carbohydrate, caffeine (adrenal stimulants), and alcohol should be avoided. Fasting and detoxification should not be used at the beginning of adrenal strengthening. The diet should be a building and strengthening diet. Eat plenty of fresh and lightly steamed vegetables and their juices as they contain minerals to prevent fatigue. In restoration of the adrenal gland function one should include potassium rich foods and avoid foods high in sodium. This will help to keep the sodium/potassium balance in the body. In the standard American diet, people consume way too much sodium. Researchers recommend a dietary potassium-to-sodium ratio of greater than 5 to 1. Intake of potassium should be about 3 to 5 grams per day. Potassium Content of Selected Foods Milligrams (mg) per 100 grams edible portion (100 grams = 3.5 ounces) Dulse 8,060 Cauliflower 295 Kelp 5,273 Watercress 282 Sunflower seeds 920 Asparagus 278 Wheat germ 827 Red cabbage 268 Almonds 773 Lettuce 264 Raisins 763 Cantaloupe 251 Parsley 727 Lentils, cooked 249 Brazil nuts 715 Tomato 244 Peanuts 674 Sweet potatoes 243 Dates 648 Papayas 234 Figs, dried 640 Eggplant 214 Avocados 604 Green peppers 213 Pecans 603 Beets 208 Yams 600 Peaches 202 Swiss chard 550 Summer squash 202 Soybeans, cooked 540 Oranges 200 Garlic 529 Raspberries 199 Spinach 470 Cherries 191 English walnuts 450 Strawberries 164 Millet 430 Grapefruit juice 162 Beans, cooked 416 Cucumbers 160 Mushrooms 414 Grapes 158 Potato with skin 407 Onions 157 Broccoli 382 Pineapple 146 Kale 378 Bananas 370 Lemon juice 141 Pears 130 Winter squash 369 Organic Eggs 129 Free range Chicken 366 Apples 110 Carrots 341 Watermelon 100 Celery 341 Brown rice, cooked 70 Radishes 322 Source: " Nutritive Value of American Foods in Common Units, " U.S.D.A. Agriculture Handbook No. 456 It is recommended that a person eat small, instead of large meals. According to the Oriental philosophy, foods which nurture deficient kidney energy are as follows: millet barley tofu string bean black bean black non-gmo soybean mung bean mung sprouts kidney bean blackberry mulberry blueberry melons wheat germ organic potato seaweeds spirulina chlorella black sesame seed water chestnut crab clam sardine organic eggs _________________ _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO " Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages is accurate. 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