Fatigued: Why Your Adrenal Glands May Be to Blame

The adrenal glands are walnut-sized organs located on top of both kidneys. Although these small
glands measure just half an inch by three inches, they play an enormous role in the body by
regulating over 5 hormones. !mproper functioning of the adrenal glands, something commonly
overlooked by doctors, can lead to a host of health issues, including blood sugar problems and
reduced energy, stamina, and se" drive.
The Fight-or-Flight Response
The most important function of the adrenal glands is helping the body deal with stress through
the regulation of the hormones cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone #$%&A', and adrenaline.
Adrenaline triggers the (fight or flight) response, rapidly preparing the body to take action in a
stressful or threatening situation, while cortisol and $%&A help refuel the body and bring it back
into balance.
Ancient Bodies Modern !n"ironments
To a large e"tent, the human body is still designed for an ancient world where threats like
predators and feuds with rival tribes were the norm, not the constant stressors of modern life.
*ush hour traffic, career and family demands, long checkout lines, and a constant barrage of
marketing and advertising messages all serve to keep people in a near-constant state of low to
moderate-level stress. Abundant processed food and environmental pollutants further ta" the
body. These constant stressors can lead to adrenal insu##iciency that can cause a variety of
symptoms, including+
,uscle weakness
Abdominal pains
-omiting
.atigue
/idney failure
%ypoglycemia #low blood sugar'
0eight loss
1hanges in mood2personality2depression
3ow blood pressure
%eadaches, especially in the afternoon
,any people suffer from adrenal fatigue and don4t know it.
Anatomy o# the Adrenal Glands
&ach adrenal gland is divided into two different parts+ the adrenal corte$ and the adrenal
medulla
5
.
The adrenal corte" is essential for life and produces both glucocorticoids and
mineralocorticoids, which together help regulate the conversion of fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates into energy, help regulate blood pressure and cardiovascular function, help
regulate immune response, and help maintain the right balance of salts and water in the body.
The adrenal corte" releases se" hormones as well, although not to the e"tent of the ovaries and
testes.
The adrenal medulla helps the body deal with physical and emotional stress, and contributes to
the fight-or-flight response. Additionally, the adrenal medulla secretes epinephrine and
norepinephrine
%auses o# Adrenal Gland &isorders
6eople with adrenal disorders have adrenal glands that produce either too much or not enough
hormones. 1ommon causes of adrenal gland disorders include infection, a problem with the
pituitary gland #which helps regulate the adrenal glands', certain medications, tumors,
autoimmune disorders that attack the adrenal glands, and genetic mutations.
7eyond conditions like these, alone, thousands of people may be suffering from adrenal
insufficiency, simply from the stressors of everyday life and environmental to"ins like pesticides,
heavy metals, food chemicals, and air pollutants.
Gi"e Your Adrenal Glands a Boost
8everal supplements may be effective at boosting adrenal function, including pantothenic acid
#-itamin 75', a key nutrient that may help increase levels of the important stress hormones
cortisol and progesterone
9
. 'icorice root may help slow down the body4s breakdown of cortisol
and aldosterone #a hormone that balances blood pressure', and balance fluid levels and
electrolytes. 'i"er concentrate, a natural deto"ifier, is a source of 7 vitamins, protein, iron, and
enzymes that may also help boost adrenal function and restore healthy blood sugar levels, among
many other functions. These and other supplements are all contained in Advanced Adrenal
.actor by Advanced 7ionutritionals.