Adrenals

[Guest guest]

Adrenals

JoAnn Guest

Jun 07, 2004 16:53 PDT

 

 

http://www.herbsfirst.com/NewsLetters/0600adrenals.html

 

As we go through life enjoying a good functioning body, we oft times

forget that each little part of the human system is built in for a

specific reason. Of course we know we would be in severe trouble if the

heart, kidneys, lungs and other commonly known organs were not doing an

efficient job.

 

These organs are quite well known by all, but there are also numerous

" other little workers " that people are not quite so familiar with, and

yet they are very essential. One of these organs is called the adrenal

glands.

 

These glands are small, but so important to mankind for if they are

ignored and allowed to deteriorate, we are in much trouble. This has

been portrayed plainly by one of our best " Sounding boards " , or the

" opinion " of doctors who are working with people having adrenal

problems.

 

In our monthly seminars with doctors, we are asked repeatedly - " What

can be done for malfunctioning adrenal glands? " A larger and larger

number of their patients are suffering from this problem.

 

Because of so many requests for an aid to the adrenals, we formulated a

group of herbs

 

consisting of mullein and lobelia, Siberian Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Hawthorn

berries, cayenne and ginger. Later in this article this formula will be

explained in more detail, but here I wish it noted that two of the

important herbs recommended are mullein and lobelia.

 

They are a natural pair to use in repair and rejuvenation of the

glandular system. Also, the balance of each additional herb added.

 

This formula for the adrenal glands has done much good, but it is, as we

have explained frequently before, working on the effect. In addition to

this, we must go to the cause--watch the diet, the liquid intake,

remembering to use deep breathing exercises, and above all, keep a

positive and good mental outlook on life.

 

 

THE HUMAN ADRENAL GLANDS

 

The adrenal glands, seated on top of each kidney, are part of the

endocrine system, that is: the internally secreting or ductless glands

which release their secretions directly into the blood stream. The

adrenals, often referred to as the suprarenal, are the Creator's most

intricate chemical factories. " It would take acres of chemical plant " to

synthetically manufacture " the 50 odd hormones or hormone-like

substances " produced by the adrenal glands. (Ratcliff, 1975, p. 69)

 

Not only do these hormones control all the oxidation processes of the

human body through the anterior pituitary body, but they regulate

growth, mental balance, sexual development and maintenance, and a host

of other phenomena which we shall describe forthwith.

 

The adrenals, the pituitary, and the thyroid are functionally united

comprising the adrenal system. THE ADRENALS ARE ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO

LIFE, so please try to avoid the knife of some frivolous surgeon on

them. We will now go into more detail on the adrenals and their

operations; including information on their regeneration and preservation

through drugless therapy.

 

 

ANATOMY

 

" There are two adrenal glands, one at the upper pole of each kidney. The

right gland is situated between the liver and the diaphragm and in close

proximity to the inferior vena cava.

 

The left adrenal has behind it the kidney and the left crus of the

diaphragm where as in front there is the stomach and the pancreas. Each

gland has a hilum on the medial side from which the adrenal vein

emerges. The right vein joins the inferior vena cava directly but the

left drains into the left renal vein. e arteries supplying the adrenal

are very numerous and they anastomose in the capsule of the gland.

 

The arteries arise from the phrenic (superior suprarenal artery), from

the aorta (middle suprarenal artery) and from the renal artery (inferior

suprarenal artery).

 

The adrenal glands removed at surgery and cleaned of fat, together weigh

8 to 10 grams. Those removed as postmortem frequently weigh more because

hypertrophy has occurred during the terminal illness.

 

Each gland consists of two portions, an outer cortex which on section

appears bright yellow, and an inner medulla which is brown. The whole

gland is only 4 to 6 mm thick. In development and function the cortex

and medulla are like separate glands: the former is essential to life

whereas the latter is not.

Almost all the nerves to the gland end in the medulla and influence the

secretion of its pressor amines. " (Mills, 1964 p. 3)

 

The adrenals are two different glands encapsulated as one: the cortex

and the medulla. The medulla consists of cords of secretory and nerve

(ganglion) cells.

 

Fibers of the greater splanchnic nerve (sympathetic division of the

autonomic nervous system) stimulate the metabolic rate and the

breakdown/mobilization of starch (glycogen) and lipids (fatty acids),

resulting in more available energy.

 

They elicit the " fight or flight " reaction in response to life

threatening situations: increased nervous system activity, dilated

pupils, increased blood supply to skeletal muscle, blood shunted away

from skin and gastrointestinal tract to more critical areas, increased

respiration rate, and increased heart rate and force of contractions.

 

The adrenal cortex is organized into three regions: the zona glomerulose

(secreting hormones dealing with fluid/electrolyte balance, such as

aldosterone and other mineralocorticoid); and the zona fasciculate and

retiicultariis (secreting hormones influencing carbohydrate metabolism,

such as cortisol and other glucocorticoid; and low levels of sex

hormones).

 

ACTH from the anterior lobe of the pituitary stimulates secretion of the

glucocorticoid. Aldosterone is secreted in response to certain enzymes

in the blood (renin-angiotensin system). All these hormones play roles

involving all aspects of protein, carbohydrate, electrolyte, and water

metabolism ... (Kapit and Elson, 1977)

 

The adrenal cortex is formed during fetal development from the same

tissue that becomes the gonads and secretes the steroidal hormones.

(Moore, 1979)

 

 

HORMONES OF THE ADRENAL CORTEX

 

CORTISOL: " Cortisol (or Hydrocortisone) is secreted by the zona

fasciculate of the cortex and its rate of secretion is controlled by the

pituitary hormone A.C.T.H. " (Mills, 1964, p. 3 A.C.T.H. is secreted by

the anterior lobe of the pituitary, and is a polypeptide composed of 39

amino acids.

 

A.C.T.H. stands for adrenocorticotrophic hormone or corticotrophin. The

regulator or corticotrophin, known as C.R.F. or corticotrophin releasing

factor, is secreted by the hypothalamus.

 

The pituitary hormone stimulates the adrenal to produce cortisol, Then

when the level of cortisol rises in the blood it acts upon the pituitary

to decrease the production of A.C.T.H.; except in conditions of stress,

including severe infections, accidents, operations, emotional outrages,

depleting drugs

(and this includes the processed junk foods, salt, and preservatives)

the plasma cortisol rises to high levels to enable the organism to cope

with the induced tension or imbalance.

 

In fact, stress itself has been known to cause an increased release of

corticotrophin.

 

Corticotrophin has been synthesized in the laboratory. It is similar to,

but not exactly the same as the A.C.T.H. produced in the healthy human

body. However, it is used in various ailments, because it does, in fact,

relieve some of the symptoms of adrenal hormone imbalance.

 

It cannot, however go to the cause of adrenal exhaustion and is fraught

with possible hideous side effects. We will discuss some of them

shortly, but first we will talk on Cortisol and its effects.

 

Cortisol is indispensable in the following functions of the body:

 

Excretion of water - Within four hours, the body should excrete 75% of

an ingested load of water. If more than the amount is retained, or

excreted very slowly over a period of many hours, there is an adrenal

deficiency, and a need for cortisol, or a similar hormone.

 

Sodium-Potassium metabolism -

 

Cortisol usually regulates sodium retention and potassium excretion, but

if artificial cortisol is administered, the sudden mobilization of the

retained water in the unbalanced body is usually accompanied by quick

depletion of potassium as well as sodium.

 

A further increased dose of cortisol continues to deplete the potassium,

especially if it is administered in large amounts; an associated side

effect is extra-cellular alkalosis, a raised plasma bicarbonate level.

 

Glucose metabolism -

 

Cortisol is responsible for glycogenesis, that is, the conversion of

protein to glucose in the liver. If cortisol is given to a normal person

intravenously, the liver begins to trap amino acids at an increased

rate, and the blood sugar level begins to rise after two hours.

 

In people with adrenal imbalance where the cortisol secretion is very

high, or with those individuals who are on cortisone treatments for some

other malady, there is an interference with the peripheral action of

insulin, that is, the intra-arterial insulin has much less effect upon

the glucose uptake by peripheral tissues. " The prolonged administration

of cortisone or similar steroids may lead to the development of diabetes

which is RESISTANT TO INSULIN and in which ketosis is not usually

severe.

 

It is important, however, that patients who require large doses of

steroids for therapeutic purposes and who develop severe diabetes should

be treated with insulin or else irreversible diabetes may be found to

persist after the withdrawal of the steroid. " (Mills, 1964, p. 49) Now

the poor victim not only has adrenal exhaustion, but the treatment with

inorganic drugs also may serve to throw his pancreas into a state of

disrepair as well!

 

Protein Metabolism -

 

An increase of nitrogen loss through the urine can occur with cortisol

administration. This is associated with gluconeogenesis and the trapping

of amino acids at a rapid rate by the liver. In extreme adrenal

malfunction, Cushing's Disease, and the use of large doses of cortisone

or prednisone, the results are loss of muscle mass, decrease in

thickness of the skin, and osteoporosis, which is the loss of the ossein

network in the bone.

 

Calcium and Phosphorus metabolism -

 

Because of the osteoporosis, decalcification of the skeleton* occurs

with an overproduction of cortisol in the adrenal gland. In addition,

phosphorus is not reabsorbed by the body, but excreted in the urine.

Massive doses of Vitamin D have no effect upon the decalcification

syndrome. *(Decalcification also discussed by Morton A. Meyers, M.D.,

1963)

 

Fat Metabolism - Along with a stimulation of the appetite from cortisol

overproduction, the amount of fat deposits in the body are more than

normal. This may be, in part, due to the conversion of the excess

glucose formed from protein trapping to fat.

 

Uric Acid Metabolism - Cortisone will lower the uric acid level in the

blood plasma, and excrete the uric acid in increased amounts in the

urine. In acute attacks of gout, relief is obtained from the steroids

only when very little rise in uric acid excretion occurs.

 

Blood Cells - Although there have not been any long-term experiments, it

would appear that steroids of the cortisol type tend to stimulate red

blood cell production.

 

Blood Pressure - Cortisol is essential to the maintenance of normal

blood pressure. In cases of overproduction of cortisol, or the

administration (long term) of corticosteroids, hypertension may develop.

In the case of adrenal deficiency, low blood pressure is one of the

common symptoms.

 

Response to inflammation - Inflammatory states, be they from trauma,

infection, or other disorders, are depressed or inhibited by the

presence of cortisol. Cortisol often helps the dissolution of fibrous

tissue (which may enclose an organism such as tuberculosis). On the

other hand, an excess of cortisol affects cell mitosis which can

interfere with the healing of wounds/or fractures.

 

Suppression of Allergic Reactions -The skin may produce a rash as a

reaction to a foreign protein. Additional symptoms may be local edema

and bronco-spasm. Both cortisol and adrenalin will suppress these

reactions to an extent.

 

Peptic ulceration - Gastric secretion is stimulated by cortisol. It has

been observed that people who are being treated with synthetic cortisol

for arthritis and who are simultaneously ingesting aspirin, may be

contributing to their own delinquency, as the excess cortisol may delay

healing of the ulcers. The steroid in high concentration in the stomach

(without food) may lead to the development of ulcers. Ulcers of the

colon have been reported in patients being treated with synthetic ACTH.

 

Gonadal Function - Absence of menstruation, or irregular bleeding have

been noted in the instance of long-term artificial corticosteroid

therapy. Cortisol regulates the ovular cycles in females, and in males,

an overdose of cortisol may lead to the atrophy of the testosterone

secreting cells of the testis, and also adversely affect the seminal

vessels.

 

Bleeding and Bruising - In Cushing's Syndrome, an overproduction of

Cortisol by the adrenal gland in addition to dysfunction of the

pituitary, and possibly an adrenal tumor or disorder of the hypothalamus

and the central nervous system, the sufferers bruise easily.

 

Mental changes - Hallucinations and delusions may be observed either

with overproduction or underproduction of cortisol. Overdosage with

cortisol may produce initial euphoria or difficulty in sleeping. Severe

depression has been noted in people who have been on corticosteroid

therapy for some time. Withdrawal of steroids alone will not usually

cure the depression, and the person must be given antidepressant drugs

with their attendant side effects.

 

Withstanding Stress - During stress or trauma, cortisol is absolutely

essential for a person to be able to withstand the circumstances. In

Adrenalectomy and Addison's Disease, artificial cortisol is necessary

when a person undergoes trauma or stress, or often all of the symptoms

of adrenal depletion will occur. (Mills, 1964, p. 46-57)

 

In the light of the above information, doesn't it make more sense to

care for and maintain healthy adrenals? And that's only half of it.

Let's go into the symptoms of Addison's Disease or adrenal

insufficiency, and see if we don't agree that a majority of folks around

us are suffering from adrenal exhaustion in one form or another.

 

 

ADDISON'S DISEASE

 

In 1855, Thomas Addison described a disorder of the suprarenal capsules,

or the adrenal glands. He had the dubious honor of having the disease

bear his name to this day in history. Herewith shall be presented a

capsulation of the symptoms of chronic adrenal deficiency according to

Ivor H. Mills, M.A., Ph.D., M.D., and F.R.C.P. and one of Great

Britain's experts on adrenal function:

 

" The adrenal in this disease suffers from destruction by tuberculosis or

progressive atrophy or, very rarely, destruction by secondary carcinoma

[cancer] ... most common presenting symptom is tiredness. . . " worn out "

but healthy people... loss of weight ... slowly and is not usually

gross. . . gastrointestinal upset is not uncommon ... severity depends

upon the degree of steroid deficiency... may have no such symptoms of

gastrointestinal upset until he gets acute infection ... anorexia,

vomiting and occasional diarrhoea... vague abdominal pain ...

steatorrhoea [increase fecal fat excretion] to the extent of 30 gm. fat

per day, without diarrhea...

 

Pigmentation is a striking feature of the patient with advanced

Addison's disease ... widespread on trunk, face, arms, and extends to

the creases of the hands and the mucous membranes of the mouth ... tan

of a previous summer did not fade during the winter ... even in Negroes.

.. palmar pigmentation has increased... tendency for the blood pressure

to be low .... vascular reflex responses to the fall in pressure are

impaired. The periphery (hands, nose, ears) of such a patient may be

warm when the systolic pressure has fallen below 100 mm Hg whereas a

person with normal adrenals would usually show peripheral constriction

with a fall in arterial pressure .... Hypoglycemia... does occasionally

occur... They may suffer hypoglycemic symptoms some hours after a large

carbohydrate meal but usually their anorexia prevents them from

consuming sufficient carbohydrate to do this ...

 

In women of child-bearing age, some disturbance of the menstrual rhythm

is occasionally seen .... loss of pubic and axillary hair is a very

useful physical sign ... Impotence is rare but loss of interest in

sexual activity is not uncommon ... Nocturia (night urination) is common

in patients with chronic adrenal deficiency, because of the impairment

of their handling of a water load .... mild neurotic traits to gross

psychosis ... depression, schizophrenia, and hallucinations .... severe

headache ... resemble/s/ patients with raised intra cranial pressure,

but the blood pressure remains low and the pulse rate does not slow ....

An X-Ray of the chest may reveal the small heart frequently seen in

chronic adrenal deficiency .... A straight X-ray of the abdomen may

reveal calcification above the kidneys if the adrenals have been

destroyed by tuberculosis ... sodium and chloride are low or in the

lower half of the normal range.... blood urea frequently raised... a low

fasting blood sugar.... Low adrenal steroid excretion... [ACTH test is

usually used to confirm adrenal deficiency: if no increase of steroid

hormone is noted in the urine after two to four days of intravenous

administration of ACTH, then adrenal deficiency is suspected rather than

other diseases such as Steatorrhoea, Crohn's disease (regional ileitis),

Cirrhosis of the liver, Slat losing renal disease, Leukemia, Anorexia

nervosa, and chronic thyrotoxicosis.] " (Mills, 1964, pp. 88-100)

 

The special requirements of pregnancy, surgery, diabetes, and

hypoparathyroidism complicate Addison's disease even more. In addition

to Addison's disease there is hypopituitarism which is a deficiency of

pituitary thyroid stimulating hormone, and can result in loss of

pigmentation, and also in water intoxication because of the prevention

of the steady drain of sodium into the urine. This may exhibit itself as

confusion and disorientation, epileptic fits, hypothermia, and even

coma. There is also depressed thyroid function: sensitivity to cold,

slowness in mental and physical activities, loss of sexual libido,

absence of menstruation in women and impotence in men. " In children,

arrest of growth hormone occurs. " (Mills, 1964, p. 133)

 

 

ALDOSTERONE

 

Aldosterone is secreted by the zona glomerulosa of the cortex of the

adrenal gland, and is the main mineralocorticoid. Aldersterone has a

similar electrolytic effect as cortisol. (Mills, 1964 p.

 

In Hypopituitarism, there is less secretion of aldosterone than in the

normal person. Some other symptoms of this ailment are anemia and

tiredness. Also the victim can be very thin. There is decreased body

hair. The true disease may go undiagnosed for years, while the person is

given various inorganic iron compounds for the treatment of anemia.

 

An increased of secretion of aldosterone occurs after hemorrhage, on a

low salt diet, when a person is loaded with potassium salts, during

pregnancy, and during the first few days of A.C.T.H. administration.

(Mills, 1964, p. 140) For an abnormal excessive increase of aldosterone

and its accompanying syndrome, an adrenalectomy (removal of part of the

adrenal gland which bears the aldosterone secreting tumor) is advised by

the standard practitioners.

 

 

ANDROGENS

 

The androgens, which are three substances produced by the adrenals are

the " main precursors of the urinary-17-ketosteroid. The other tissues

contributing to these urinary steroids are the testes and the ovaries.

(Mills, 1964, p. 79) These androgens affect puberty changes, the

sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, the nitrogen balance in the body,

and the fusion of the ends of the long bones in forming the adult

skeleton.

 

Androgen plays and important role in the fetal sexual development. Any

imbalance in this important hormone group could display disastrous

results in the form of genital abnormalities at birth, development of

hirsutism (excess facial and body hair) in the female accompanied by

deepening of the voice and loss of female fat distribution often

associated with ovarian tumors. Adrenal tumors may also be responsible

for feminization of males, with fat deposits on the hips of males and

changes in the function of the reproductive organs.

 

 

OBSERVATIONS

 

As we have observed, the proper functioning of the adrenals are quite a

blessing as the complications of adrenal hormone imbalance hormone

insufficiency, as well as synthesized hormone therapy are extremely

risky.

 

We note, too, that it is of the utmost importance to maintain the health

of several other interrelated organs or systems such as the pituitary,

the thyroid, the nervous system, the kidneys, the pancreas ... we could

go on indefinitely, but it will suffice to say that instead of provoking

the aforementioned syndromes of exhausted adrenals or use of synthetic

(and this includes animal gland extracts, as they are also a crutch and

they are not the same as human hormones) steroid therapy, we can rebuild

the adrenal tissues through cleansing, mucusless diet, and non-toxic,

wholesome herbs. For example, licorice root contains a cortisone-like

substance which actually feeds the adrenals. During the 1950's

successful medical experiments were done with licorice root. As one

looks through the more modern medical literature the idea seems to have

been given up in favor of more " sophisticated " inorganic drugs. The

body, being the wonderful computer that it is, can select what it needs

in the amount it needs for regaining normalcy in adrenal function.

 

According to Le Sassier, " The body has certain organs that store

energy--especially the liver, spleen, and adrenal system... When any one

of them becomes to weak, it borrows on other organs and interrelates

these imbalances perfectly so the system does not, on the whole, suffer

too much. it really pays to do several things when the system is weak:

sleep, stay warm, and eat lightly but of nourishing things, preferably

with complete amino acid balances. Remember, when the body does not

sleep at night the nervous system, lungs, adrenals, and liver all

suffer. In order to avoid this we must first understand the healthy

immune reaction--what I call atunement.... Overuse of stimulants, coffee

and others weaken the adrenals. A good way to tell how much vitality is

present in the adrenals and the kidneys is to look under eyes. Those

dark circles are sometimes called adrenal ruts.

 

 

REBUILDING GLANDS

 

To rebuild weak glands, B vitamins, sarsaparilla, licorice, and ginseng

can be used. These contain plant ingredients that support adrenal

functions. These can be made into a formula such as this:

 

1 part sarsaparilla

 

1/2 part licorice

 

1 part ginseng

 

1 part astragalus (or burdock root)

 

Two cups a day for about a week and a good conscious diet .... Unless

the system is seriously depleted or seriously diseased it is not

necessary to fill yourself with hundreds of vitamins. Let your system

develop its own natural resistance to disease. (LeSassier in Salat and

Copperfield, 1979, pp. 51-53)

 

 

HERBAL AIDS

 

Because licorice root acts as desoxycorticosterone when administered

orally, and sodium retention are present along with some potassium loss

(in experiments done in the Netherlands on human subjects) there may

exist a slight caution in administering large amounts of the herb to

those persons suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure. In

these cases, we must seek to remove the causes high blood pressure

through diet, including herbs. Herbs and foods high in potassium, elder

for example, or grape juice, would be indicated here.

 

The Adrenal Formula which we recommend consists of:

 

Mullein and lobelia: the perfect glandular foods

 

Siberian Ginseng: Successfully used in the Soviet Union to ease stress

in everyday situations and tend endurance to athletes under great strain

during training

 

Gotu Kola: Known to stimulate the brain and relieve fatigue when given

in small amounts. Wonderful for the functioning of the pituitary in

disorders of the adrenal system when used in conjunction with other

herbs.

 

Hawthorn Berries: A celebrated cardiac tonic for many centuries. Under

conditions of stress, the heart often " works overtime. " Hawthorn berries

can help in treatment of high or low blood pressure, tachycardia, and

arrhythmia. It is also anti-spasmodic, sedative, and soothing to nerves,

especially in nervous insomnia.

 

Cayenne: Nature's finest stimulant; source of calcium and vitamin A.

Aids in circulation of blood which brings oxygen and other nutriments to

cells in need of repair.

 

Ginger: A stimulant and a 'lead sheep' herb, bringing the other herbs in

the formula into the abdominal area. Ginger differs from cayenne as a

stimulant, in that the cayenne stimulates the heart, arteries, veins and

then the capillaries. Ginger starts its stimulating effect in the

capillary, flushing out the " constipated " capillary, driving these

wastes into the veins for disposal.

 

This formula may be taken as capsules or as a tea. It may safely be

given to a person suffering from hypertension. For those who wish to

rebuild the adrenals and do not have the sodium retention problem,

Licorice root can be used as a supplement the above formula in tablets,

capsules, extract, or as a tea. The suggested dosage is one #0 capsule

daily - six days each week.

 

Relaxation, meditation, recreation, or some form of stress reducing

activity will certainly help the cause of exhausted adrenals. We should

wish to eliminate hate, anger, fear, and other negative emotions as they

take their toll on the physical body. Listening to relaxing music has

proven to be wonderful in easing hostile attitudes.

 

Used by permission - Dr. Christopher's Newsletters - Volume 2 Number 3

 

www.herbsfirst.com

 

--

 

DISCLAIMER

 

The information provided here is for educational purposes only, and

should not be used to diagnose and treat diseases. If you have a serious

health problem, we recommend that you consult a competent health

practitioner.

 

After each product is a list of what it has been used to aid. We are not

claiming that the product will cure any of these diseases or that we

created them to cure these disorders. We are merely reporting that

people have used the product to aid these conditions.

 

Finally, we wish to caution you that the information on this web site is

for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified health

practitioner before deciding on any course of treatment, especially for

serious or life-threatening illnesses.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

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. However, we make no guarantees nor can we assume any responsibility

for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or

process discussed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Messenger