Adrenal System

Adrenal health is associated with the optimal functioning of the adrenal gland and its hormones. Our body has an intricate system to deal with any kind of stress. It is imposed by certain kinds of hormones and other biochemical changes. Ideally, the body desires to be in homeostasis. Adrenal system consists of adrenal gland and its hormones Cortisol, DHEA, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine and aldosterone.

What is Adrenal fatigue ?

Adrenal fatigue refers to hypo or hyper cortisol release after chronic overstimulation of adrenal glands. It can cause severe fatigue and other related conditions. Adrenal health has an impact on almost every system in the body like digestive system, endocrine and immune system. This is the reason why most of the unknown diseases or conditions are known to be because of stress.

Stress can be physical (running a marathon, fighting from chronic illness or any food sensitivity) or emotional (going through a divorce, work or financial stress or being a mother).

Our body is designed to recover from acute stressors and return to balance or previous condition. But if the stressor is there for a long time or in case it becomes chronic, the adrenal gland gets fatigued. The adrenal fatigue doesnt happen at once but occurs in various stages.

Adrenal hormones and their functions

1) Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are part of Catecholamines. They are involved in flight and fight response to deal with acute stressful events like accident or fight. Catecholamines make your heart beat faster, increase reflexes, supply energy to muscles & dilate the pupil. In this process, they shut down the digestive system and immune function for that period.

2) Cortisol

It is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone. Cortisol stimulates gluconeogenesis in the absence of readily available glucose from other sources. This can be muscle tissue, fat deposits or liver glycogen. It also regulates the sleep/wake pattern.

3) DHEA

It works to balance the cortisol and acts as a precursor to sex steroid hormones like estrogen and testosterone. DHEA plays a role in energy production and is important for growth and reproduction.

4) Aldosterone

It regulates the sodium, potassium and water levels in the body, thereby increasing or decreasing blood pressure.

Symptoms or Conditions associated with Adrenal Fatigue

. Hypothyroidism
. Fibromyalgia
. Insomnia
. IBS
. Brain fog
. Poor memory
. Blood sugar imbalances, cravings
. Excess abdominal fat deposition
. Fatigue or lethargy
. Low immunity
. Infertility
. Constipation or sluggish bowel
. Caffeine or sugar addiction

Effects of chronic stress

Under acute stress, the adrenal gland releases cortisol. Cortisol supplies energy in the form of sugar to the vital organs like muscles, lungs and heart to cope with the situation. Cortisol is catabolic and capable of gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is formation of glycogen from soruces other than carbohydrates. It includes muscle tissue, glycogen stored in the liver or muscle and fatty acids.

Cortisol job is to supply sugar to the various organs or systems under any circumstances. But under chronic stress, cortisol and insulin remain elevated. This cause conversion of extra sugar into fat, especially around the abdomen. Cortisol is one of the reasons for central obesity and weight gain. [Study]

Symptoms of Excess Cortisol

• Excess abdominal fat around belly
• Sugar or carbs cravings
• Fluctuating energy levels
• Insulin resistance or High blood sugar
• Sluggish bowel movements
• Insomnia
• Infertility or PCOS
• High blood pressure
• Mood and brain disorders
• Anxiety, nervousness
• Indigestion or GERD
• Atherosclerosis

Cortisol regulates sleep and wake pattern throughout the day.

Excessive caffeine intake, loss of sleep, low calorie-diet and nutritional deficiencies affect this pattern.

Adrenal Imbalance

Adrenal imbalance can be an underlying cause for many diseases and conditions of unknown origin. The adrenal gland releases DHEA, which is a precursor to sex hormone.

DHEA directly affects reproductive health, energy levels, quality of sleep and libido. Balancing the optimal Cortisol to DHEA ratio is very important as we age. A healthier ratio can be a predictor of healthy ageing, immunity from degenerative disease and robust brain health.

How RH+ Helps?

We at RH+ help you restore your adrenal health and bring that energy back. This is done through lifestyle modification, dietary changes and nutraceutical’s support. We will help you regain your energy, vitality and libido back.