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In the video below, Dr. Osborne discusses what you need to understand to naturally improve adrenal function. The full transcript is available below if you prefer reading. A short summary of both are found below.
Access the video transcript here.
They are two little walnut shaped organs on the top of either kidney.
They have a couple of main functions. Part of your adrenal gland (the cortex) produces cortisol. Cortisol helps to mobilize and generate energy from fats, sugars, and protein. Cortisol also helps battle inflammation and acts as an immune suppressant. Cortisol is also the hormone that wakes your brain up from sleep every morning. That’s why low morning cortisol levels makes a person feel completely exhausted – even after a full night of sleep.
The adrenal glands also produce the mineralocorticoid aldosterone. This hormone helps regulate blood pressure by helping the kidneys retain water and sodium.
Both cortisol and aldosterone are collectively referred to as corticosteroids. Both of them are made from the precursor cholesterol.
Other vital hormones produced by the adrenal glands are the catecholamines. You’ve probably heard of adrenaline and noradrenaline. Also referred to as epinephrine or norepinephrine. These hormones are responsible for the fight of flight response. This is also sometimes referred to as the acute stress response. When this system is activated, blood and energy are driven to the muscles and brain to prepare for immediate action. Blood is shunted away from the GI tract, as digestion is not a bodily priority during periods of acute stress.
Many people are in a chronic state of acute stress. This can lead to poor digestion, nervous energy, anxiety, shaky hands, lowered libido, and brain fog. The modern lifestyle is conducive to creating the chronic stress response, along with these symptoms. Most modern stresses come from a combination of the following: chemical exposure in the environment or foods, food allergies, overeating, chronic drug use (caffeine is a drug, but also including prescription medications), emotional, job, and relationship stress, lack of rest, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, and lack of regular sunshine.
Adrenal burnout and adrenal fatigue are terms used to describe a fundamental reduction in the adrenal glands ability to meet the needs of the body. All organs in our body have a reserve or a gas tank. They can only do so much. If we abuse them, they will last and adapt only to help us to the extent of that abuse. Adrenal fatigue sets in when chronically acute episodes of stress are persistent to the point that the glands can no longer keep up with the demand.
The following list is not comprehensive, but it is a where you should start. Natural help for adrenal fatigue starts with simple changes and common sense. Many of these factors are simple to identify and change. In the case of adrenal fatigue, small changes can yield big results.
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The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Peter Osborne, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Peter Osborne and his community. Peter Osborne encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.
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One Response
Very helpful. Having a long slow recovery from chronic adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism. Glad to find Dr Osbourne’s website. On a true gluten grain dairy and soya free diet. Eliminating stress and taking supportive supplements. Going it alone as can’t find a doctor who can help. Thanks only real information l have found here. Susan.