Adrenals are part of the endocrine system, which includes hormone-secreting glands that the hypothalamus controls from its location in a small area at the base of the brain. Hormones are chemicals that travel through the bloodstream carrying messages to cells that regulate various bodily functions. Digestion is one function regulated by the hormones that the adrenal glands produce. Adrenal disorders affect the hormonal production of the adrenal glands and can be life threatening, if left untreated.
The Adrenal Cortex
The adrenals are flat, triangular-shaped glands. You have two adrenal glands, one located on top of each kidney. The adrenal cortex is the outer part of an adrenal gland, which produces corticosteroids, hormones that regulate carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism and the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone that regulates fluid and salt balance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
The Adrenal Medulla
The adrenal medulla is the inner part of the gland. This section produces catecholamines, including the hormone adrenaline. Adrenaline slows or stops the process of digestion during stressful situations, decreasing blood flow to the digestive tract and relaxing muscles in the stomach and intestine, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. This is known as the fight or flight response, which prepares your body to fight or run from possible harm. The hormone cortisol, which the adrenals also release, has a similar effect on the digestive process during stress, according to MayoClinic.com.
Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the adrenals to produce insufficient amounts of cortisol. Cortisol helps convert food into energy. Symptoms of Addison's disease include severe fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, darkening of the skin, salt craving, low blood sugar and muscle or joint pains, according to MayoClinic.com. Addison's disease also causes a reduction in aldosterone, the adrenal hormone that helps your body maintain normal blood pressure and fluid balance. Treatment for Addison's disease includes taking medications, such as oral corticosteroids to restore hormonal balance.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal disorder that can develop when the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or adrenals malfunction and cause excess production of cortisol. The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, lists prolonged exposure to elevated levels of cortisol as one cause of Cushing's syndrome. In addition to regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, cortisol aids in balancing the effects of insulin. Insulin is a hormone the pancreas releases during the process of digestion to control the level of glucose or sugar in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetics are at risk of developing Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome causes a loss of muscle mass, redistribution of fat from the extremities the upper body, weakened bones, severe fatigue, high blood pressure, increased thirst and urination. Treatment for this condition can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or cortisol-inhibiting drugs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Endocrinology Health Guide -- The Adrenal Glands, August 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Your Digestive System and How It Works; April 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Stress -- Constant Stress Puts Your Health at Risk
- MayoClinic.com: Addison's Disease
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Cushing's Syndrome
