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The information regarding
Stress and Adrenal glands is for informational purposes only and is obtained
from my experiences and research. I am not a medical professional nor is
the intent to project such. If you feel at risk for adrenal fatigue please
seek professional assistance. A good resource book is
Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by
James Wilson.
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, one of
the most under-diagnosed illnesses in the U.S., affects an
estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives.
Often, patients go from doctor to doctor trying to find
out why they feel exhausted and sick. Frequently they’re
told that there is nothing wrong with them or in some cases
can be diagnosed with an illness that is caused by adrenal
fatigue yet the adrenal dysfunction is never addressed.
What are Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are
triangular shape and sit atop the kidneys. These seemingly
small glands pack a mighty punch and are mainly responsible
for regulating the body’s stress response through the
synthesis of corticosteroids and catecholamines, including
cortisol and adrenaline. In other words, they are like a
computer’s main CPU that is in charge of sending out the
signals to the rest of the computer which is your body.
The main task of your adrenal glands is to help the body
cope with stress by increasing production of adrenaline and
other hormones. When healthy, your adrenals can instantly
increase your heart rate and blood pressure, release your
energy stores for immediate use, slow your digestion and
other secondary functions, and sharpen your senses.
Adrenal glands secret hormones, which helps
regulate chemical balance, regulate metabolism and supplements other glands.
The adrenal glands secrets more
than 50 hormones necessary for life, including epinephrine
(adrenaline), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA),
progesterone and testosterone. Since they produce so many
essential hormones, the adrenal glands are responsible for
many of the functions we need to stay alive and healthy,
including:
-
Energy production --
carbohydrate, protein and fat conversion to blood
glucose for energy
-
Fluid and electrolyte
balance
-
Fat storage
-
One hormone in particular,
cortisol, is extremely important for keeping our body
systems in balance, as well as protecting our cells. For
example:
- It controls the strength of the immune system: Too
much cortisol weakens the immune system, setting the
motions for increased susceptibility to infections and
cancer, while too little leads to an overactive immune
system and autoimmune disease.
- It normalizes blood sugar.
- It regulates blood pressure.
Cortisol is the primary hormone that directs immune
function and is involved in virtually all aspects of body function. Both
cortisol and DHEA have genetic influences. When cortisol and DHEA work together
in harmony (maintaining a normal ratio between cortisol and DHEA), the body is
then said to be in a normal state of adaptation to stress. When unable to
maintain this normal state of adaptation the body can now enter into a state of
maladaptation to stress. This is now referred to as a chronic stress response,
i.e. pregnenolone steal/cortisol escape/elevated cortisol to DHEA ratio. The
longer one stays in a state of chronic stress the more compromised all aspects
of body function become. This can ultimately result in hormone, immune and
metabolic systems breakdown. Chart from:
http://backpainescondido.com/DiagramPages/adrenalDiagram.html
Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms
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