Adrenal Glands - Their function and importance
 by Dr. Gordie
If you read last month’s article you may remember I talked briefly about the autonomic nervous system. I touched on the importance of calming down and allowing the parasympathetic to become active and turning down the "sympathetic" to allow the body to properly digest its food and recuperate. Today I'd like to cover more on this, particularly in relationship to the adrenal glands and how they affect your health and relate to many common problems today, from bursitis to postpartem depression.
The adrenal glands are two little glands that sit right on top of the renal kidney. They are the dominant force in the nervous sympathetic, or "fight or flight," system. You’ve probably heard of the powerful hormone adrenaline (epinepherine) and some of its effects. Many athletes talk about experiencing "adrenaline" rushes during competitive sports. And then there are the “super feat” stories told about some petite woman who lifted a car off her husband when the car jack slipped etc. These superhuman feats are attributable to adrenaline and, to some degree, it's cousin "noradrenaline" (aka norepinepherine). Adrenalin is also used medically, especially in emergency situations like heart failure or bee stings in patients who are severely allergic to the venom.
While this hormone is extremely important it is not the only one produced by these powerful little glands. Cortisol, which gets its name from where it is produced, the adrenal cortex, is chemically related to the familiar compound, Cortisone, a commonly used drug that is effective for controlling inflammation. Cortisone can be used topically for skin conditions and taken internally for systemic conditions (ie: whole body conditions), and inflamed tissues such as is common in shoulder injuries. The Cortisol produced in the adrenal glands works as an anti-inflammatory chemical. It is also important for the regulation of blood sugar. During times of fasting, or when you sleep, the body’s blood sugar becomes low. Cortisol is released to mobilize energy and bring the blood sugar back to normal.
Aldosterone, another adrenal gland hormone, helps regulate water balance with the kidneys.
|
|
Strangely enough, it is a hormone that promotes inflammation. Inflammation is not a bad thing. In certain conditions it is required to allow healing of injured or diseased tissue. It only becomes a problem when it becomes excessive. Inflammation that goes unchecked and ends up as a disease process with "itis" in the name (think arthritis, colitis) involves the adrenals. This is not to say that the adrenals caused the condition. But when these situations do not resolve quickly, it may be due to an imbalance of adrenal physiology. Adrenal insufficiencies often result in loose ligaments and inability for the body’s skeletal system to stay in alignment. This is particularly related to the alignment of the pelvis, which affects the low back, knees and feet.
The adrenals also produce a small amount of male and female sex hormone, namely testosterone(male) and estrogen/progesterone( female). The adrenals are of special consideration for women, because if their adrenals are out of balance or fatigued they will be unable to pick up the slack of female hormone production. It is my opinion that when the adrenals are functioning properly, menopause should produce few, if any, of the common symptoms reported.
Which brings to mind the recent media frenzy over postpartum depression. There are a lot of ideas and remedies being touted lately. Even Tom Cruise is in on the act, prescribing vitamins for women suffering from the “baby blues.” But something you read little about is the recent evidence showing that during the third trimester of pregnancy, if the mother’s adrenals are not up to the task, she may begin pulling from the fetus’ adrenals. The moment the umbilical chord is cut, the mother is now without the needed adrenal support and this may result in postpartum depression and other difficulties.
A debilitating disease that occurs in one of every eight women after delivery, postpartum depression usually occurs within three months after delivery. Symptoms include:
-
Depressed mood and often severe anxiety
-
Difficulty sleeping
-
Fatigue, decreased energy
-
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
-
Disinterest in life
-
Loss of appetite and weight loss
-
Physical agitation (most commonly) or psychomotor slowing
-
Inability to concentrate
-
Suicidal thoughts
|
|
|
Women most considered at risk are those who have had postpartum depression before, or who suffer from mood disorders or depression, or who are undergoing stressful life events. Treatment usually includes antidepressants, hormone therapy and psychotherapy, or, if you’re good friends with Tom Cruise, vitamins. In severe cases of postpartum psychosis, hospitalization may be necessary.
As you can see, it is really important to understand the kinds of things that can adversely affect the adrenals, namely anything that puts the body into the stress reaction of "fight or flight." Also, since the brain and nervous system don't know the differences between real and imagined stress, strong emotionalism can also trigger the same problems. Physical damage will also call the adrenals into action. Structural misalignment, chemical exposure, excessive heat or cold, and poor diet are all influences in adrenal stress. Excessive sugar and starch intake is one of the most common factors I find in clinical practice.
Continued on page 2
|
|
