Adrenal Glands: What large role these little glands play in your well-being

You’ve likely heard what a harsh effect stress can have on your well-being.

It can increase inflammation, increase cortisol, raise blood pressure, inhibit adequate digestion, and many more.

So if we are trying to avoid the bad effects of chronic stress, why not talk about the source of the production of many hormones involved in regulating these stress responses in the body: the adrenal glands.

Ever heard of adrenaline?

Adrenaline is released from our adrenal glands when we enter the “fight or flight” mode.

This is when the sympathetic nervous system goes into high gear.

A common example is if you were out in the woods, and a bear started chasing you, your sympathetic nervous system would go into full force.You wouldn’t think, “Hmmm, you know, this is a GREAT time to rest and digest this fabulous picnic I packed.”

You would however think, “RUN,” and your bodily functions, from your heart beat to your pupils would adjust accordingly. And we should be thankful for it!

The problem with stress lies when we are constantly in this fight or flight mode.

We can’t maintain it for long. But we often demand it of our bodies.

Incessant to do lists, demands on our time, neglecting nutritional needs, poor quality sleep, and any form of perceived stress can place us in this fight or flight response.

What’s the result?

A lot. But one in particular is a need to nourish your fight or flight headquarters: the adrenal glands.

Why should you care about their well-being?

Here are a few imperative functions of the adrenal glands:

1. They produce aldosterone which plays a key role in sodium retention and regulation of your blood pressure
   
2. They produce cortisol which plays a key role in blood sugar balance, energy, and weight gain to name a few
   
3. They produce hormones such as testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Ever had high blood pressure?

Ever been concerned with excess cravings?

Every had hormonal concerns?

You’d likely benefit from nourishing your adrenal glands.

How do you do that?

Stress management.

Mineral support.

Rest.

In order to support your adrenal glands, it’s important to follow the chain of command.

Your adrenal glands are involved in what is called the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis).

It all starts in the brain. When your body, or specifically your hypothalamus senses stress, it sends a message to the pituitary gland. Which then sends a message to the adrenal glands.

So in reality, nourishing your adrenals is two-fold. You must tell the conductor (your hypothalamus) all is well. We are safe.

In a world that is obsessed with on the go and more, more, more, taking time for yourself goes beyond self care.

Taking time for yourself can nourish functions in your body that are compromised due to excess.

This is a common issue I find on Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (and one I saw on mine). Maybe your body isn’t functioning optimally due to a signal your adrenals, or hypothalamus and pituitary, are trying to tell you.

Want to hear my specific plan to address adrenal fatigue and improving your HPA axis function? Concerned about your own stress response? Apply to work with me by clicking here.

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