Your adrenal glands are two small organs that sit on top of each kidney.The adrenal glands make different types of hormones you need to stay alive and healthy. Hormones are chemicals that travel in your bloodstream and control how different parts of your body work. The adrenal hormones help regulate several bodily functions including metabolism, blood pressure and your body's response to stress.
Your adrenal glands are responsible for producing and releasing the following essential hormones:
Cortisol: helps control your body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It also suppresses inflammation, regulates your blood pressure, increases blood sugar and helps control your sleep-wake cycle. Cortisol is released whenstressed to help your body get an energy boost!
Aldosterone: plays a central role in regulating blood pressure and the levels of sodium and potassium (electrolytes) in your blood.
DHEA and androgenic steroids: are weak male hormones that don’t have much biologic impact. They are converted into oestrogens in the ovaries and androgens in the testes. Androgens are usually thought of as male hormones, but females naturally produce a small number of androgens too.
Adrenaline and noradrenaline: are known as the “fight or flight” hormones. They can increase your heart rate and force of heart contractions, increase blood flow to your muscles and brain and assist in glucose metabolism. They also control vasoconstriction, which helps maintain blood pressure.
For healthy adrenal function, your naturopathic nutritionist may advise: [1] reduced sugar, caffeine and junk food [2] vitamins B5, B6, and B12 and C. [3] magnesium-rich foods (adapted from my.clevelandclinic.org)
Comments