The Adrenal Gland
The adrenal glands are glands in our bodies which are primarily responsible for releasing hormones associated with the stress levels in our bodies, specifically cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are directly responsible for the energy levels in our bodies. For example, if the adrenal glands secrete high levels of adrenaline then our bodies are either in the middle of or are preparing for some form of violent muscular action, during which the heart and lungs accelerate, the various sphincters of the body tighten, the dilation of blood vessels in the muscles occurs, and individuals can also undergo tunnel vision or some form of hot flash associated with the rush of adrenaline through the system. Adrenaline is most commonly associated with some form of excessive excitement that our bodies are subjected to, whether riding a roller coaster, being involved in a car accident, skydiving, bungee jumping, or enduring in live combat. These are all examples of moments when the body secretes high levels of adrenaline.
In contrast are the moments when our body releases high levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that our bodies only secrete during moments of stress. It is considered one of the most detrimental hormones in our bodies if it is present in excess because of the potential harm that it can do to our systems. Cortisol directly affects the functional ability of the kidneys, weakens the activity of the immune system, and has been shown to decrease bone formation in high levels, thus favoring the development of osteoporosis over the long-term life expectancy of an individual. High levels of cortisol also increase blood pressure, damage cells in the hippocampus, which is the region of the brain that is our learning center, and has been linked to obesity because it directly affects the body's efficiency when burning fat. Between these two hormones, the adrenal glands control our body at the most basic, chemical level.
Adrenal Fatigue
Adrenal fatigue is a term used primarily by practitioners of alternative medicine. They believe that adrenal fatigue is a form of health disorder in which the adrenal glands are supposedly exhausted and unable to produce adequate quantities of hormones within our bodies, specifically cortisol. While high levels of cortisol are detrimental, normal levels are required for certain functions of the body. In any case, the label of adrenal fatigue is applied to a wide variety of nonspecific medically-unexplained symptoms, which does not have any basis in scientific fact. Even so, the concept itself has given rise to a group of practitioners who perform alternative medicine, as well as an entire industry of dietary supplements which supposedly treat the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.
The belief is that if your adrenal glands are not operating properly they are unable to meet your body's needs. There are a wide variety of symptoms that can appear, ranging from excessive fatigue and exhaustion, salty and sweet food cravings, difficulty in concentrating, poor digestion, food allergies, or extreme sensitivities to heat and cold, just to name a few. Adrenal glands control the level of blood sugar by monitoring whether or not they need to release extra hormones into the system. This concept dates back to an old theory called the “fight or flight” system, which is where the body literally adjusts the levels of hormones dependent upon whether or not we need more energy. While it used to be used for the days when we were hunters and gatherers and needed to run from dinosaurs or predators, our glands now use it for far more mundane purposes, such as when we find ourselves in the middle of a traffic jam and experience a moment of road rage. However, being constantly under stress eventually takes a toll on the glands themselves, and they can either become damaged and release insufficient levels of hormones, or they can stop producing hormones. This is the concept of adrenal fatigue.
Treating Adrenal Fatigue
There are a variety of methods you can use to combat adrenal fatigue. First and most importantly, ensure that you obtain sufficient sleep and proper rest. Without rest, stress levels will continue to rise, which means that you are continually placing high demands upon your adrenal glands. Additionally, you have to start monitoring your stress levels. It is physically impossible to escape or develop an immunity to stress; it is a fact of life. However, steps can be taken to control our reactions to the stress that we encounter. Exercise, meditation, dancing, hobbies, listening to music, reading – these are but a few options to pursue.
In addition, there are supplements which can combat adrenal fatigue. Working with a naturopath or chiropractor to target appropriate supplements is a wise course of action. A healthy exercise routine is also considered key, because exercise naturally regulates the levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Since there are so many different avenues to pursue, simply start small by getting an extra hour or two of sleep every night and begin to incorporate an exercise regimen into your schedule. Remember, change is gradual, so it may be necessary to wait several weeks to determine the effects your new lifestyle is having.
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