Adrenal health is key to stress management

By Sharon L Hagemann, ND, DO, CH

Stress is often at the root of heart disease, insomnia, chronic fatigue, headaches, hypoglycemia, hair loss and arthritis.

Adrenal health is critical in stress management. The adrenals are small glands that rest on top of the kidneys. They are comprised of two parts: the medulla, which secretes adrenaline and norepinephrine to help the body cope with stress by increasing metabolism; the cortex, which is responsible for maintaining body balance, regulating sugar metabolism and a complex array of steroid hormones, including cortisone, DHEA, aldosterone, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Adrenal function is often impaired by long-term cortico-steroid drug use, because these drugs cause the adrenals to shrink in size.

Stress directly depletes the adrenal glands, and sufferers become less and less able to respond to and handle stress. In extreme cases, the adrenals cannot raise blood sugar levels when necessary, resulting in hypoglycemia.

One way to check for adrenal exhaustion is to take your blood pressure. Lie down and rest for five minutes; then take a blood pressure reading. Your systolic pressure should be below 120, and the diastolic pressure would be below 80.

Stand up, and immediately take another reading. If your blood pressure now drops below normal, it is likely that your adrenals are functioning poorly.

To nourish and activate the adrenals, herbs like licorice and Siberian Ginseng work well, because they specifically stimulate the glands.

Consider also, the following daily dosages of key adrenal nutrients: 3,000 mg of vitamin C, 500 mg of pantothenic acid, 100 mg. of B-6, 30 mg. of zinc and 500 mg of magnesium.

A healthy diet is essential to adrenal health. Eat small, frequent meals, low in sugars and fats. Include cold-water fish, brown rice, legumes, and whole grains. Include more potassium-rich foods such as sea vegetables, potatoes, fish, and avocados. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and excess caffeine, fats, red meats, and highly processed foods.

Massage therapy is highly effective in improving adrenal functioning to clear the adrenal pathways. Moderate exercise, such as a daily walk, is also beneficial.

Adaptogenic herbs are primary supporters of adrenal function. They regulate body chemistry, and supply energy to the body by normalizing, rather than over-stimulating. Adaptogenic herbs are helpful in preventing stress-related ailments while increasing stamina and endurance. Ginsengs of all kinds are potent adrenal tonics and quickly enhance the body’s response to stress, including mental performance, and restoring normal vitality. The best results are obtained over a period of approximately one month, followed by a two-week rest period, when using the ginsengs for anti-stress effects.