| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Adrenal Disorders Information The adrenal glands, also known as the suprarenal glands, are triangular-shaped glands that sit above the kidneys. These glands are responsible for hormone production and regulation. If the adrenal glands are impaired, several autoimmune disorders can occur, including Addisons disease, Cushings syndrome (a rare disorder caused by excessive production of cortisol) and virilization (the development of extreme masculine characteristics in women). - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Adrenal Disorders There are two main divisions in the adrenal glands: 1) Adrenal Cortex, the outer portion, produces cortisone. It functions in the metabolism of carbohydrates and in the regulation of blood sugar. It also secretes a sex hormone similar to the testes. An underactive adrenal cortex is known as Addisons disease; an overactive adrenal cortex is known as Cushings syndrome. 2) Adrenal Medulla, the inner portion, produces epinephrine (or adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Adrenaline is produced when the body is in a high stress condition. Factors that can lead to impaired adrenal function include poor nutritional habits, smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress, depression, caffeine and high stress foods (such as fatty, fried and/or processed foods; sugar and red meat). Chronic stress, cortisone therapy for nonendocrine diseases (such as arthritis and asthma), pituitary diseases and tuberculosis can also affect adrenal function. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Adrenal Disorders Symptoms of reduced adrenal function include weakness, lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, allegies and blood sugar disorders. People suffering from adrenal disorders often complain of being cold. See our section on Addisons Disease for more information. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Adrenal Disorders Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables. Eat salmon and/or tuna at least three times a week. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. Do not consume fats, fried foods, ham, pork, processed foods, red meats, sugar, soda and white flour. Get regular, moderate exercise and avoid stress as much as possible. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Vitamin B Complex provides all the B vitamins needed for adrenal function. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is vital for proper adrenal gland function. Coenzyme A reduces stress and aids proper adrenal gland function. L-Tyrosine aids adrenal gland function and lessens stress on the glands. Chlorophyll cleanses the bloodstream. Coenzyme Q10 carries oxygen to all glands. Multivitamin and Mineral Complex provides all needed nutrients for proper adrenal gland function. SAMe helps reduce stress and depression. Astragalus improved adrenal gland function and reduces stress. Echinacea protects tissues from bacteria infection. Milk Thistle aids liver function. Kava Kava, St. Johns Wort and Valerian reduce stress. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |