Adrenal Support for Stress

We’ve previously discussed apoptogenic herbs to combat stress, however today we’re specifically talking about holistic support for adrenal glands, especially for those persons susceptible to a high level of daily stress.

Stress is a constant for most, tempting to say all, Americans. Stress in every and all forms, including that caused by caffeine and stimulant over-use, has potential to over-work the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are two very small organs that are essential for human function and survival.

Adrenal glands react to a stress perceived by the body, or emotions, and releases the stress hormone, cortisol into the blood stream. Cortisol, an important hormone, regulates blood pressure, cardiovascular function, and metabolism, making it very important to daily function. The downfall of cortisol occurs when the body finds itself under constant stress. While under constant stress, the body continues to release cortisol at a rapid rate, causing weight gain and adverse side effects. Those constantly under emotional and/or physical stress may find themselves subject to symptoms of heavy cortisol levels such as extra weight around the midsection, fatigue, increased anxiety and bone thinning.

The adrenal glands are also responsible for releasing adrenaline, estrogen, and testosterone and for signaling the pancreases to regulate blood sugar levels. In an instance of acute, or constant stress our “fight or flight system” kicks on, causing adrenals to release the above-mentioned hormones and functions. While this is needed when running for one’s life, or protecting one’s self from harm, an over whelming amount of American’s have hyperactive emotional and physical responses to stress daily. Hormones and reactions wreak havoc on the human body over time. When adrenal glands are over used they grow accustomed to firing at anything that the body, or mind, may perceive as threatening. Something as mildly annoying as sitting in traffic can spin into an outright mental and emotional crisis for someone with over active adrenals. 

Knowing the effects of the adrenal glands and cortisol on human function, it is important to fight adrenal exhaustion and support the adrenals nutritionally and regularly. Certain herbs and vitamins are known to specifically enhance adrenal gland functions, we’ve listed them below.

B Vitamins: Important when the body is under stress. Support nerve and adrenal functions and are used up very quickly when the body is under stress.

Pantothenic acid: Essential for adrenal health as it is used to stimulate the production adrenal hormones.

Vitamin C: Naturally found in the adrenal glands, a deficiency weakens the function of the glands. Supports the immune system, nourishes adrenal glands, and supports adrenal function and manufactures nerve transmitting substances.

Apoptogenic Herbs
Rhodiola, Schizandra, and ashwagandha help support the adrenal system ad help the body better adapt to stress. They also improve energy levels.

These vitamins and herbs can be found at your local health food store and slowly introduced to one’s diet. Be sure to check side effects of any herbal supplements with the use of pharmaceuticals.