Health Topics > Immune system > adrenalglandexhaustion

ADRENAL GLAND EXHAUSTION

What are the Adrenal Glands?

The adrenals are two small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. Each adrenal gland consists of two separate parts, an inner part called the adrenal medulla and an outer part called the adrenal cortex. They are responsible for the production of a number of important hormones including; adrenalin, cortisone and aldosterone. These hormones help the body to cope with stress and assist in blood pressure control and regulation of blood sugar levels.

The medulla produces the hormone adrenalin which is sometimes called the "flight or fight " hormone because it stimulates the nervous system, and indeed the entire body, into a state of increased activity so that it may flee from or face danger. This works well under stressful situations, however sometimes the adrenal glands produce high amounts of adrenalin when it is not required, which may lead to anxiety, palpitations, bowel disturbance, and high blood pressure.

The adrenal cortex makes a variety of steroid hormones, the most important ones being cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and several male hormones; such as androstenedione and testosterone. It is interesting to note that the adrenal gland produces all it's steroid hormones from cholesterol .

What are the symptoms of Adrenal Gland exhaustion?

Dizziness, lightheadedness and/or fainting
Low blood pressure
Low blood sugar levels
Brown pigmentation of the skin
Depression, especially in the mornings
Increased aches and pains

What are the causes of Adrenal Gland exhaustion?

Chronic viral infections
Prolonged stress
Heavy smoking and/or alcohol intake
Poor diet
Long term use of some drugs such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone. Long-term use of cortisone-type drugs can be a secondary cause of adrenal failure.
Autoimmune diseases

Adrenal exhaustion is very common in the high paced and time poor lifestyle of the modern world. It's diagnosis is often missed.

Adrenal exhaustion can be temporary or long term. It often follows excessive and continuous stress.

Addison's disease

Addison's disease is a rare condition characterised by failure of the adrenal glands. Symptoms include; skin pigmentation, severe weakness and fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, vomiting and dizziness or fainting from low blood pressure. It is a lifelong disorder and needs hormone replacement. Addison's disease requires long term treatment under the supervision of an endocrinologist. Prescribed drugs may include cortisol, prednisolone, dexamethasone and fludrocortisone. However, the patient with Addison's Disease can still gain benefit by following the advice given below for adrenal exhaustion.

The Adrenals and Menopause

The female hormone oestrogen is actually produced from testosterone. Women require adequate amounts of testosterone to feel strong, energetic and sexual. At the time of the menopause, when the ovaries no longer produce adequate amounts of sex hormones, the adrenal glands take over the role of the ovaries to a significant degree. At this time the adrenal production of sex hormones becomes much more important and I have found that women who have healthy adrenal glands usually feel stronger and have less symptoms during menopause. It is easy to measure the blood levels of all these hormones and if they are found to be abnormally low, they can be replaced.

See my book called "Hormone Replacement - The Real Truth" and "MAGNESIUM The Miracle Mineral You won't believe the DIFFERENCE it makes to your HEALTH!" This is my latest book and discusses Magnesium as being essential for hundreds of chemical reactions that take place in the body every second, with recent findings also indicating that it offers a wide range of important health-promoting benefits. See page 9 for these benefits.

Treatment and general recommendations

Adrenal exhaustion will improve with physical rest, stress management and time.
Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.
Regular therapeutic massage using acupressure points is beneficial.
Regular exercise is essential to improve circulation to the fragile adrenal glands.

If your blood DHEA levels are low or if chronic fatigue symptoms persist: DHEA can produce dramatically beneficial results. DHEA is a natural steroid hormone produced by healthy adrenal glands. It is the ‘mother hormone’ that can be turned into many other hormones. DHEA supplements require a doctor's prescription in Australia and New Zealand.

For more information on the rejuvenating and anti-ageing properties of DHEA, see the Hormone Replacement book above.

Diet

Eat small frequent meals containing first class protein, complex carbohydrates and raw fruits and vegetables. First class protein is obtained from lean meat, poultry and eggs (organic preferred), dairy products, and seafood. First class protein can also be obtained by combining three of the following at one meal - nuts, seeds, grains and legumes.

Follow the eating principles found in my book -- "The Healthy Liver & Bowel Book"
Drink a minimum of two litres of water daily.
Avoid - foods containing refined sugars, deep fried foods, highly processed foods, excess alcohol and excess caffeine.
Include essential fatty acids - a good mixture is flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil and lecithin. Other good sources of healthy fats are raw nuts and seeds, and cold pressed oils such as - coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil.

The Adrenal glands are very fatty organs and to function efficiently they must receive adequate amounts of the above healthy fats from the diet.

Raw Juicing

Raw juices are a powerful healing tool and are vital to repair damaged adrenal glands. They can also improve the function of the liver, bowels and kidneys. This increases the elimination of toxins and waste products from the skin.

Appropriate juice recipes can be found in my book “Raw Juices Can Save Your Life”

Recommended juices:

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" juice on page 68
"Immune Dysfunction" juice on page 103
"Nervous Exhaustion" on page 123
"Rejuvenating Juices" on page 129

Recommended supplements:

Magnesium powder or tablets

Take 2 tablets twice daily or 1 teaspoon daily in water or juice. Magnesium is very calming, and reduces stress because it balances the entire nervous system. It is needed for energy production in the cells of the adrenal glands. It is highly recommended to overcome fatigue.

Selenium tablets

Take 2 tablets twice daily - this should provide 100mcg of selenium daily. Liquid can be used for those who don't like tablets, or for children. In children, daily doses range from 25 to 50 mcg.

A combination of flaxseed oil, primrose oil and lecithin - available in one capsule

Take 2 capsules daily - these are a rich source of essential fatty acids; these are converted in the body to series 1 and 3 prostaglandins, which play a significant role in the biochemical pathways of the adrenal cortex.

Vitamin C powder

Take 1/4 teaspoon daily - Vitamin C is essential to restore and repair damage to the adrenal glands. Doses should be at least 1000mg daily. Vitamin C may be easily taken in an effervescent powder form which is stirred into water or juice for a delicious refreshing drink.