Your two adrenal glands measure about 3 in. across and they sit in your lower back, on top of your kidneys. These glands secrete essential reproductive hormones and regulate body functions such as blood pressure levels. They also produce stress hormones that kick in when danger is perceived. An essential part of your endocrine system, adrenal function can be supported by a good nutritional base.
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands activate the fight-or-flight response that occurs when you feel stressed or under threat. They accomplish this by secreting hormones such as cortisone, cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine. Your body responds by raising your blood pressure and heart rate, cranking up energy supplies and slowing the reproductive and digestive systems. In modern life, explains the Mayo Clinic, the stress response can be triggered often, which can increase your chances of developing cardiac disease, eczema, depression and insomnia. A sound nutritional regimen that sustains your adrenal glands may equip you to better withstand frequent encounters with stress.
Nutrition
Adrenal glands can be weakened by poor nutrition. In addition, a fast-paced and stressful lifestyle can overwork the adrenal glands of children and adults. When you are under stress, your body requires more nutrients, according to physician and nutritional consultant Lawrence Wilson. Good nutrients to strengthen the adrenal glands are vitamins A, C, and E, which have antioxidant properties. B complex vitamins, including riboflavin, thiamine and niacin, tend to become depleted when you are facing stress. Wilson also recommends consuming sufficient amounts of trace elements such as manganese, iodine, selenium, chromium and zinc. Trace elements are tiny amounts of chemicals required for optimum health.
Stimulants and Salt
Caffeine-laden beverages, including coffee and black tea, can be hard on your adrenal glands, notes physician Marcelle Pick writing on the Women to Women web site. Other beverages that deplete the adrenal glands include sports drinks and alcohol. Substitute drinks that nourish your adrenals, such as eleuthero tea, also known as Siberian ginseng. Other herb teas have relaxing qualities that can substitute for alcohol, such as valerian and chamomile. Low blood pressure can be a symptom of adrenal imbalance. A symptom of low blood pressure is dizziness when standing up suddenly. In this case, salt may be a good thing, since it can raise blood pressure according to Pick.
Adaptogenic Herbs
Medical herbalist David Hoffman, author of the 2007 book “Herbal Prescriptions after 50,” recommends adaptogenic herbs to nourish the endocrine system, including the adrenal glands. Adaptogens are mild herbs that balance the body and provide general immune support. Good choices include ginseng and eleuthero. Bitter herbs, including dandelion and gentian, can also benefit the adrenal glands.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Stress
- “Herbal Prescriptions after 50”; David Hoffman; 2007
- Women to Women; Adrenal Health; Marcelle Pick, M.D.; April 2011
- Drlwilson.com; Adrenal Burnout Syndrome; Lawrence Wilson, M.D.; January 2011
