The Amazing Adrenals

If you are feeling a bit out of sorts or even downright tired, it could be more than "Spring Fever," it could be your adrenal glands, which are small triangular glands that sit atop your kidneys and produce hormones necessary for good health and energy.

The outer part of the adrenals, called the the cortex, produces the  natural steroid hormones  cortisol, testosterone and aldosterone. The inner portion of the adrenals is called the medulla and produces  epinephrine and norepinephrine,  more usually called adrenaline and noradrenaline. When your body and mind experience stress, the adrenals can become overtaxed, causing fatigue, insomnia and listlessness. You feel fuzzy, unable to remember things and generally have no get up and go. You might crave salty or sweet foods or have a lack of appetite.  Conversely, you might find yourself overeating. It all depends on which hormone is lacking in your system. 

When the adrenals produce too much or too little hormone, you can become ill. Some of the disorders caused by adrenal malfunction are Addison's disease, Cushing syndrome, hypoglycemia , hirsutism, a hump behind the shoulders and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. Of course, you need to be diagnosed properly with a blood test to ascertain the levels of hormone in the blood and also the urine, but to be on the safe side, a little common sense supplementation can do wonders for your exhausted adrenals. 

Adding sea salt is a good thing to do for your adrenals. Now I'm not saying a boat load, but a pinch here and there. Of course not if you're on a salt restricted diet for high blood pressure. Avoid bananas, because they contain both high fructose and potassium, which affect the adrenals negatively. In fact, easy on fruit altogether.

Dolores S. Downey gives seminars on balancing body chemistry with nutrition and uses this tasty soup to restore adrenal function.

16 oz green beans

1 cup chopped celery

1 zucchini, sliced

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup tomato juice, (I like V8)

1 cup spring water

2 tbs of RAW honey

1 tsp paprika

1 cup chicken broth. If you are vegan you may use a vegetable broth, just watch the potassium.

Combine and cook for one hour and season to taste with pepper. I would also add a supplement of co Q 10 daily and a good multi nutrient such as Earth Source.  You can also take a supplement called "Enada," which boosts energy without side effects. Rest,proper exercise and pure water are also essential to restore your adrenals.  Take care of them and you will be rewarded with vitality for your lifetime. 

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES OF THE WEEK 

MIMULUS:  Shy, nervous? Are you fearful of things or of people? If you're shy or bashful, Mimulus will help you overcome these feelings and get you into the swing. 

MUSTARD:  Not just for hot dogs, Mustard is the remedy for "dark cloud depression."  If you suffer from unhappiness and you don't know why, Mustard can help to lift you back into the light. 

TIP OF THE WEEK:  To keep regular without chemicals, try a cup of hot lemonade upon arising each day.  Use the juice of one fresh lemon in a cup of pure water. Add stevia or raw honey to taste. 

If you would like an appointment with Dr. Kleine, call us at 631.472 .8139