The Adrenal Glands
by Dr. Gary Farr on 28 June 2003

What are the Adrenal Glands?

What is it?

Adrenal GlandThe adrenal glands which are also called the suprarenal glands, are small, triangular glands located on top of both kidneys. An adrenal gland is made of two parts: the outer region is called the adrenal cortex and the inner region is called the adrenal medulla. Both parts of the adrenal glands -- the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla -- perform very separate functions.

The adrenal glands work interactively with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the following process:

We'll describe each part individually:

The Adrenal Cortex

Anatomy

Adrenal Gland StructureThe outer covering (adrenal cortex) is derived from the fetal mesodermal ridge, a structure that also gives rise to the kidneys so that the juxtaposition of the two organs is not surprising. Within the adrenal cortex are three zones known as the outer (zona glomerulosa), the middle (zona fasciculata), and the inner (zona reticularis). Under the microscope the cells are rather typical endocrine cells; the distinction between zones is made by differing staining characteristics.

Adrenal Cortex Functions

The adrenal cortex, the outer portion of the adrenal gland, secretes hormones that have an effect on the body's metabolism, on chemicals in the blood, and on certain body characteristics. The adrenal cortex secretes corticosteroids and other hormones directly into the bloodstream. The hormones produced by the adrenal cortex include:

  • hydrocortisone hormone - this hormone, also known as cortisol, controls the body's use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
  • corticosterone - this hormone, together with hydrocortisone hormones, suppresses inflammatory reactions in the body and also affects the immune system.

Hormones

Adrenocortical cells synthesize and secrete chemical derivatives (steroids) from cholesterol, the major animal sterol. While cholesterol can be synthesized in many body tissues, further differentiation into steroid hormones takes place only in the adrenal cortex and in its embryological cousins, the ovaries and the testes.

The adrenal cortex is capable of synthesizing all of the steroid hormones produced by the body, including the progestogens and estrogens (see {ovaries} the ovary), androgens (see {testes} the testis), mineralocorticoids (which are secreted from the zona glomerulosa), and glucocorticoids (which are synthesized and released from the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex). Although upwards of 60 steroids are manufactured in the adrenal cortex, only a few members of these three major categories are important in body functioning.

Aldosterone

The biologic effect of aldosterone, the principal mineralocorticoid, is to set in motion a set of reactions at the cell surface of all body tissues in order to enhance the uptake and retention of sodium in all cells and the extrusion of potassium from them. It also has a major impact on kidney function, to retain sodium within the circulation while increasing the excretion of potassium into the urine. At the same time, aldosterone tends to decrease the acidity of body fluids.

Cortisol

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the major human glucocorticoid. It exerts multiple and varied effects. It also serves as a mineralocorticoid but is considerably less effective than aldosterone. Cortisol plays a major role in the body's response to stress. In fasting, for example, it sustains the blood sugar concentration by blocking the egress of glucose into all tissues other than the critically important brain and spinal cord, while it simultaneously increases the breakdown of protein from muscle and other organs and hastens the conversion of newly generated amino acids to glucose to replenish the supply constantly being consumed by the brain.

Cortisol, along with more potent and longer-acting synthetic derivatives like prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone exerts powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Physicians take advantage of these properties in treating patients with serious inflammatory illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis, disseminated lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. If, however, the inflammation has a bacterial or viral origin, the steroids may do more harm than good because the spread of the infection is facilitated while the signs of inflammation are masked (see {immune_system} immune system). Finally, corticosteroids in large doses impair the functioning of the immune system so that the production of harmful antibodies, such as those produced in allergic diseases, may be suppressed. It is important to note that these beneficial effects are offset by serious side effects of large-dose, long-term corticosteroid therapy, effects that closely mimic many of the symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (see below).

Adrenal androgens

Adrenal androgens are not as potent as testosterone, the major steroid secreted by the testis, but a number of them, including androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and its sulfate (DHEAS) may be converted to stronger androgens such as testosterone. Although little androgen is secreted before puberty, the output increases dramatically at puberty so that the adrenal cortex makes a significant contribution, known as the adrenarche, to developmental changes in both sexes.

Regulation of hormone secretion

Circadian rhythm, a graphic depiction of cortisol values over a 24-hour period.

The three classes of corticosteroids (the mineralocorticoids, the glucocorticoids, and the adrenal androgens) are regulated largely by separate mechanisms. Glucocorticoids are regulated by way of the classical hypothalamic-hypophyseal feedback system. Within the family of glucocorticoids, the cortisol level is the one most closely guarded. Furthermore, the ongoing feedback control is modulated by hypothalamic biorhythmic activity illustrated in the case of cortisol in the figure to the left. When the individual is exposed to physical or emotional stress, the self-regulating mechanism is interrupted and plasma cortisol is increased to deal with the stress. Adrenal androgen secretion is controlled primarily by ACTH, although there is evidence that prolactin stimulates the secretion of adrenal androgens as well.

Aldosterone secretion is modulated directly by serum electrolyte levels. Lowered serum sodium concentrations enhance aldosterone secretion, but a far more potent stimulus is a high serum potassium level.

Aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium (and the excretion of potassium) by the distal tubules in the kidney. The reabsorption of sodium results in an increased reabsorption of water which can result in {hypertension1} hypertension. Low blood aldosterone levels are seen in {addisons} Addison's disease and toxemia of pregnancy. Higher levels can be seen in {cushings} Cushing's syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism, malignant hypertension, severe swelling in congestive heart failure, and nephrotic syndrome.

{fre_test_endo_hdr}

The Adrenal Medulla

The Adrenal Medulla

Anatomy

The adrenal medulla is embedded in the centre of the adrenal cortex. It is quite small, making up only about 10 percent of the total adrenal weight.

Functions

The adrenal medulla helps a person in coping with physical and emotional stress. The adrenal medulla secretes the following hormones:

Indeed, the adrenal medulla forms an integral part of the sympathetic nervous system sympathetic nervous system, a major subdivision of the autonomic nervous system (see {nervous_system_autonomic} the autonomic nervous system), and the combined activities have been referred to as the sympathoadrenal system.

Included among the medullary hormones, the catecholamines, are dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, all of which are synthesized in the brain and sympathetic nerve endings. The adrenal medulla differs from most other endocrine glands in that the major stimulus for the release of the catecholamines is by stimulating sympathetic nerve endings to release acetylcholine (ACh), an important neurotransmitter of the peripheral nervous system (nerves and ganglia located outside the central nervous system, or the brain and spinal cord). When stimulated, the medullary cell ejects the chromaffin granules from the cytoplasm into the bloodstream, a process known as exocytosis. Thus, the adrenal medulla is a neurohemal organ.

Catecholamines

The catecholamines are synthesized from the amino acid l-tyrosine. Serial changes in chemical structure are catalyzed by enzymes, leading to the following synthetic sequence: l-tyrosine ® l-dopa (dihydroxyphenylalanine) ® dopamine ® l-norepinephrine (noradrenaline) ® l-epinephrine (adrenaline).

L-dopa is well known for its role in the treatment of {parkinson} parkinsonism, but its biological importance lies in the fact that it is a precursor of dopamine, a neurotransmitter widely distributed in the central nervous system, including the basal ganglia of the brain (groups of nuclei within the cerebral hemispheres that collectively control muscle tone, inhibit movement, and control tremor). It is a deficiency of dopamine in these ganglia that leads to parkinsonism, a deficiency that is at least partially repaired by the administration of l-dopa. Under ordinary circumstances, far more epinephrine than norepinephrine is released from the adrenal medulla; in the catecholamine neurotransmitting function throughout the body, norepinephrine is far more widespread. It is likely that the full complement of hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla is not yet completely known. There is strong evidence to indicate, for example, that enkephalins (neurotransmitters with opiate-like effects) are contained within chromaffin granules and are secreted into the general circulation.

In physiological terms, a major action of the hormones of the adrenal medulla conjoined with the sympathetic nervous system is to initiate a rapid, generalized bodily response described by Walter Cannon as “fight or flight.” This response may be triggered by a fall in blood pressure, pain (including burns), or abrupt emotional upheavals. An injection of epinephrine, in fact, closely mimics the symptoms of an anxiety attack (sweating, tremor, greatly increased heart rate). Metabolic changes also stimulate catecholamine secretions as evidenced by the rapid rise in plasma epinephrine levels when an individual becomes hypoglycemic (has a greatly decreased glucose level). Thus, much of what is called a hypoglycemic reaction is the result of a large epinephrine discharge.

Release of adrenaline and noradrenaline is triggered by nervous stimulation in response to physical or mental stress. The hormones bind to adrenergic receptors - transmembrane proteins in the plasma membrane of many cell types.

Some of the effects are:

The catecholamines increase hormonal secretion and affect the {thyroid} thyroid and {parathyroids} parathyroid, the gonads ({ovaries} ovary and {testes} testis), and the placenta.

Adrenomedullary dysfunction

Isolated loss of the medulla of both adrenals does not occur; such destruction is always accompanied by impairment of the function of the cortex of both adrenals. Any effects that can be attributed to the loss of the medulla are overshadowed by the predominating signs of Addison's disease.

Tumors of the adrenomedullary chromaffin cells, called pheochromocytomas, do occur and may produce striking, largely predictable signs and symptoms that are exaggerations of the physiological actions of the catecholamines. Pheochromocytomas are tumors of the chromaffin cell, usually benign but occasionally malignant.

{hypertension1} High blood pressure is an invariable finding in adrenomedullary hyperfunction. It may be constant, and it may be difficult to distinguish from the common forms of hypertension. In some instances, however, there is a sudden increase in norepinephrine secretion, provoking the sudden explosive onset of a severe headache, excessive sweating, palpitation of the heart, ashen pallor, tremor, and anxiety. These attacks may end abruptly and the patient may appear to be normal following the attack. They may last from minutes to hours and may occur at intervals ranging from, for example, once a month to several per day. In persons in whom tumors secrete an appreciable amount of epinephrine, anxiety may be more marked and the patient may lose weight, be feverish, and show evidence of diabetes mellitus.

{fre_test_endo_hdr}

Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Dysfunction

There are many associated symptoms and consequences of impaired adrenal function:

Due to our modern society with the many physical and emotional stresses, probably half the population possess varying degrees of adrenal malfunction.

Common Causes Of Adrenal Stress
Anger Fear

Worry/anxiety

 Depression
Guilt Overwork/ physical or mental strain
Excessive exercise Sleep deprivation
Light-cycle disruption Surgery
Trauma/injury Chronic inflammation
Chronic infection Chronic pain
Temperature extremes Toxic exposure
Malabsorption Maldigestion
Chronic illness Chronic-severe allergies
Hypogycemia Nutritional deficiencies
{low_met_energy} Low body temperature Weakness
Unexplained hair loss Nervousness
Difficulty building muscle Irritability
{depression} Mental depression Difficulty gaining weight
Apprehension {hypoglycemia} Hypoglycemia
Inability to concentrate Excessive hunger
Tendency towards inflammation Moments of confusion
{heart_burn} Indigestion Poor memory
Feelings of frustration Alternating {diarrhea} diarrhea and {constipation} constipation
{osteoporosis} Osteoporosis Auto-immune hepatitis
Auto-immune diseases Lightheadedness
Palpitations [heart fluttering] Dizziness that occurs upon standing
Poor resistance to infections Low blood pressure
{insomnia} Insomnia {food_allergies} Food and/or inhalant {allergies} allergies
{pms} PMS {hypoglycemia} Craving for sweets
Dry and thin skin {headaches} Headaches
Scanty perspiration Alcohol intolerance
Top

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency:
Lab Values - Common {heart_vital_signs} Low systolic blood pressure
{heart_vital_signs} Low diastolic blood pressure
Symptoms -
Aging		 Loss of interest in activities
Symptoms - Allergy {food_allergies} Allergies to certain foods
Symptoms - Environment Poor tolerance of cold
Poor tolerance of heat
Symptoms - Female Enlarged clitoris
Male characteristics
Symptoms - Food - Beverages Constant/frequent thirst
Symptoms - Food - General Weak appetite
Symptoms - Food - Preferences Craving for salt
Symptoms - Gastrointestinal - General {heart_burn} Meal-related bloating
Symptoms - General {fatigue} Fatigue that worsens during the day
  Major fatigue for over 12/minor fatigue for over 3/major fatigue for over 3 months
  {chronic_fatigue} Constant fatigue
  Fatigue on light exertion
  Slow recovery from colds
  Dizziness when standing up
  Having a CFS diagnosis or history of CFS diagnosis

Counter-indicators:
  Not having constant fatigue
  No fatigue on light exertion
  {chronic_fatigue} Chronic fatigue now resolved
Absence of worsening fatigue
(No) history of fatigability
Symptoms - Hair Balding lower legs
Symptoms - Head - Eyes/Ocular Vision disturbances
(High) sensitivity to bright light
Symptoms - Head - Nose {sinusitis} Allergic rhinitis
Symptoms - Immune System History of infections
Postviral syndrome
Symptoms - Metabolic Low stamina
Low body temperature
Frequent {cold} colds/flus
Being severely affected by flus
Symptoms - Mind - Emotional Adverse reaction to {stress} stress
Inability to work under pressure
History of {depression} depression
Frequent/occasional emotional exhaustion
Symptoms - Muscular Tender muscles
Symptoms - Reproductive - Female Cycle Hot flashes during period
 
  Adrenal estrogen seems to be necessary to avoid hot flashes during normal menses when the ovarian production of estrogen drops. Hot flashes during menses may be a symptom of mild adrenal cortex deficiency.

Irregular menstrual cycles
{menopause} Menopausal arthritis
Unexplained missed periods
Breast soreness during cycle

Symptoms - Reproductive - General Morning sickness
Late/probable/early miscarriage
Difficulty conceiving children
Symptoms - Respiratory (Frequent) sore throats
Symptoms - Skin - Conditions {acne} Acne worse during period
Symptoms - Skin - General Darker/redder skin color
Diminished perspiration
Red palms/fingertips
Symptoms - Sleep Difficulty getting out of bed
 
Top
{fre_test_endo_hdr}

Conditions That Suggest Low Adrenal Function

Due to our modern society with the many physical and emotional stresses, probably half the population possess varying degrees of adrenal malfunction.
 
Conditions that suggest Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency:
Autoimmune   Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
 
  {lupus} Lupus is one of the auto-immune diseases, caused by a hyperactive ("hypervigilant") immune system that attacks a person's own protein as if it were foreign matter. One reason for this is poor adrenal function. Adrenal steroids modulate (slow down) the immune system: when there is not enough of these steroids the immune system goes berserk.

Hyperthyroidism
Chronic Thyroiditis
Crohn's Disease
{colitis} Ulcerative Colitis

Counter-indicators:
  {addisons} Addison's Disease

Circulation Counter-indicators:
  {anemia} Anemia (Iron deficiency)
Diet Sugar Craving
Hormones Low Sex Drive
Low Progesterone or Estrogen Dominance
 
  The inner most layer of an adrenal gland is the zona reticularis which produces small amounts of sex hormones. Specifically, it produces androgen, estrogen and progesterone. Adrenal exhaustion can therefore cause hormone deficiencies.


Hypothyroidism

  The co-existence of thyroid hormone deficiency and glucocorticoid deficiency is not rare. Primary hypothyroidism due to chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is associated with primary adrenocortical insufficiency due to autoimmune adrenalitis. The very cause of central hypothyroidism in many instances will also result in ACTH deficiency and secondary adrenocortical insufficiency. If the two entities co-exist, it is important to replace glucocorticoid before starting thyroxine. Treatment of hypothyroidism in patients with glucocorticoid deficiency may precipitate an adrenal crises because the adrenal gland is incapable to meet the increasing demand for cortisol induced by the rise of the metabolic rate.


Hirsutism (excess facial and/or body hair)


Immunity
  {aids} AIDS / Risk
 
  Adrenal insufficiency is considerably less common than hypogonadism in people with {aids} HIV, but its incidence increases in advanced cases.

  Weakened Immune System

  Adrenal insufficiency can lead to a host of problems, including a weakened immune response, anxiety and panic attacks.

Infections
  Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
  {sinusitis} Sinusitis

Counter-indicators:
  Lyme Disease

Inflammation
  Chronic Inflammation
 
  The adrenal glands produce hydrocortisol, the major natural anti-inflammatory steroid in the body. Without enough circulating cortisol there may be a tendency to become easily inflamed.

Lab Values
  A Low IgM Level

Mental
  {stress} Stress
  Unresolved Grief
  Adrenal fatigue increases the time it takes to recover from illness, injury and trauma, including emotional trauma.

  Anxiety

  Adrenal insufficiency can lead to a host of problems, including a weakened immune response, anxiety and panic attacks.

Metabolic
  {hypoglycemia} Hypoglycemia
  Headaches, Migraine/Tension

Musculo-Skeletal
  {arthritis_rheumatoid} Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nervous System
  Fainting / Syncope

Organ Health
  {condition_diabetes} Diabetes Type II / Risk
  Esophagitis

Respiratory
  {asthma} Asthma

Skin-Hair-Nails
  Dry skin
  Hives
  Cold Hands and Feet
  {acne} Adult Acne

Symptoms - Muscular
  History of/having a {fibromyalgia} fibromyalgia diagnosis

Uro-Genital
  Fibrocystic Breast Disease
 
  [The Safe Uses of Cortisol, William Mck. Jefferies, MD 1996, p.156]


  Erectile Dysfunction (ED, Impotence)
  Dysmenorrhea, Painful Menstruation

  Dysmenorrhea caused by ovarian dysfunction may disappear when low doses of cortisol are used to improve adrenal influence on ovarian function. [The Safe Uses of Cortisol, William Mck. Jefferies, MD 1996, p.157]


  Metrorrhagia

 
Top
{fre_test_endo_hdr}

Risk Factors for Low Adrenal Function

Due to our modern society with the many physical and emotional stresses, probably half the population possess varying degrees of adrenal malfunction.
 
Risk factors for Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency:
Childhood   (Severe) sexual abuse during childhood
 
  Females who have been abused are more sensitive to life's stresses many years after the original abuse event(s). This elevated stress response can lead to adrenal exhaustion.


  Rapid growth but short stature


Hormones
  Hypopituitarism / Empty Sella Syndrome

Lab Values - Chemistries
  Low AM serum cortisol
  Low pm serum cortisol
  Low 24 hr urine cortisol

Counter-indicators:
  Normal/elevated AM serum cortisol
  Elevated serum pm cortisol or elevated/normal pm serum cortisol
  Normal/elevated 24 hr urine cortisol

Supplements and Medications
  History of/long-term/short-term cortisol use
  Antihistamine use
  Prednisone use
 
  Long-term use of prednisone can lead to adrenal suppression, possibly resulting in depression, euphoria, hypertension, nausea, anorexia, high blood sugar levels, or increased susceptibility to infection.


  Using average dose/using low doses/using high doses of cortisol or using somewhat high doses cortisol


Symptoms - Allergy
  History of adult {allergies} allergies

Symptoms - Food - Beverages
{caffeine} (High) coffee consumption
 
  Caffeine raises adrenaline levels and heavy coffee consumption can lead to a state of adrenal gland exhaustion, where the adrenal glands are no longer able to adequately respond to stress by releasing enough adrenaline.

Symptoms - Glandular
  History of {hypoglycemia} hypoglycemia
  History of hyperthyroidism

Symptoms - Head - Nose
  History of {sinusitis} sinusitis

Symptoms - Immune System
  History of postviral syndrome
  History of shingles
  History of chronic thyroiditis

Symptoms - Mind - Emotional
  History of postpartum depression

Symptoms - Muscular
  History of tender muscles

Symptoms - Respiratory
  History of {asthma} asthma

Symptoms - Skin - Conditions
  History of {acne} adolescent acne
  History of {acne} adult acne
 
Top
{fre_test_endo_hdr}

Adrenal Insufficiency Suggests This

Due to our modern society with the many physical and emotional stresses, probably half the population possess varying degrees of adrenal malfunction.

Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency suggests the following may be present:
Hormones   Hypopituitarism / Empty Sella Syndrome

Immunity
  {aids} AIDS / Risk
 
  Adrenal insufficiency is considerably less common than hypogonadism in people with HIV, but its incidence increases in advanced cases.
 
Top

Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency can lead to:
Autoimmune   {lupus} Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
 
  Lupus is one of the auto-immune diseases, caused by a hyperactive ("hypervigilant") immune system that attacks a person's own protein as if it were foreign matter. One reason for this is poor adrenal function. Adrenal steroids modulate (slow down) the immune system: when there is not enough of these steroids the immune system goes berserk.
 
Top

Recommendations for Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency:
Animal-based   Urine Therapy
  Glandular / Live Cell Therapy

Botanical
  Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
 
  If cortisol levels are low, one of the ways to sustain more normal levels is to slow or inhibit its breakdown. This can be accomplished naturally.

The only known readily available inhibitors of the enzyme that deactivates cortisol (11 beta-HSD) are glycyrrhizic acid (found in licorice root extract), progesterone, and flavonoids (in grapefruit). The concept of extending cortisol bioactivity via 11 beta-HSD inhibition is well established, but the manner in which progesterone alters 11 beta-HSD is not currently clear. You could eat 10 to 15 grapefruits or take licorice root extract to sustain cortisol levels. However, licorice root used regularly in large doses can produce high blood pressure, water retention, potassium wasting, and breast enlargement in men. A Naturopathic Doctor should be able to guide you in using licorice root alone or in combination with other adrenal agents.


  Ginseng, Korean - Chinese (Panax ginseng)

  Both Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) are known to exert beneficial effects on adrenal function and enhance resistance to stress.

Ginseng may prove especially effective for the restoration of normal adrenal function and prevention of adrenal atrophy associated with corticosteroid administration. In rats, ginseng has been found to inhibit cortisone-induced adrenal and thymic atrophy. Ginseng could be combined with other botanicals with adrenal enhancing activity in the treatment of adrenal atrophy.

Diet
  {caffeine} Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance
 
  Caffeine raises adrenaline levels and heavy coffee consumption can lead to a state of adrenal gland exhaustion, where the adrenal glands are no longer able to adequately respond to stress by releasing enough adrenaline.

Hormone
  Hydrocortisone

Lab Tests/Rule-Outs
  Test Adrenal Function
 
  Adrenal function can be evaluated in several ways by blood, saliva, and/or urine testing. Your doctor should know the best test to use depending on the suspected severity of the condition.

Mineral
  Increased Salt Consumption
 
  Sea salt should be included in the diet, unless contraindicated for other reasons, as it benefits adrenal gland function. When seasoning foods, use as much salt as tastes good to you.


  {mag_lactate}
  {zinc_liver_chelate}

Nutrient
  TMG (Tri-methyl-glycine)
 
  The adrenal gland uses nutrients such as TMG (betaine), tyrosine, vitamins B5, B6 and C to maintain function and produce its hormones.


  Phosphatidylserine

  When midnight cortisol levels are elevated, supplementation of an additional nutrient is indicated. High midnight cortisol levels denote stress maladaptation - the loss of the negative feedback inhibition whereby the brain and pituitary gland down-regulate inappropriately elevated cortisol. Supplements of phosphatidylserine have been found to result in reduction of midnight cortisol levels. Incorporation of phosphatidylserine into the membranes of brain cells apparently restores sensitivity to cortisol receptors.
Supplements
  {allerplex}
 
  Allerplex is a special combination formula containing a wide variety of nutrients derived from its principle ingredients Of Tillandsia Powder, Allerplex is one of many products Dr. Lee developed to assist the body in defending itself naturally during seasonal allergies such as pollen, grasses and trees.*

{b6_naicinamide}

  B6 - Niacinamide supports protein & fat metabolism and is an adrenal hormone precursor. It contains coenzymes essential to cell respiration, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, and lipid synthesis throughout the body. B6-Niacinamide helps the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, circulatory, and central nervous systems at the cellular level.

{cat_b}

  Cataplex B Contains Important B Complex Vitamins - B1, B3, and B6 The members of the B complex family of vitamins work collectively to metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. They are each singularly responsible for many important physiological processes concerned with both physical and mental health and well-being.

{cat_c}

  Standard Process's Cataplex C is made by removing the water and fiber from raw, whole foods -- alfalfa, mushrooms, bone marrow and buckwheat leaf. This leaves a powder containing the nutrients from these foods. This powder is then put into tablets. Each tablet contains all the C complex factors -- the P factors, vitamin K, vitamin J, enzymes, and many more unknown factors. It is the presence of all these synergistic factors which gives our product its functional potency.*

{drenamin}

  Drenamin was formulated to help maintain the healthy functioning of the adrenal glands by supplying bovine adrenal tissue proteins and bovine adrenal PMG™ extract. These organ tissue proteins provide nutritional "stimulative" support to the corresponding organs in humans, while supplying nutrients such as vitamin and mineral complexes. In addition, the adrenal tissue proteins contain a diverse number of valuable trace elements, and a variety of amino acids.*

{nutrimere}

  This is a very high quality product, made from fresh, raw sea conch, caught around the Bahamas. The meat from the conch is vacuum dried, powdered and put in capsules. This is a whole protein product, as opposed to an extract, so people who need it need more than three a day -- probably six to twelve a day.

{organic_minerals}

  This is an extract of the water-soluble factors from alfalfa and kelp. The water-soluble factors contain all of the alkaline ash minerals, the predominant ones being potassium and magnesium. In our product line Organic Minerals is the best source of potassium. You can get chemical potassium from salts, but this is a much better source of potassium.

{protefood}

  Here is a product for helping people with their protein metabolism. Protefood contains the essential amino acids. There are some 22 amino acids in all, and eight of these are called "essential," although some authorities feel there are ten essential amino acids. At any rate, if you're getting
the essential amino acids in your food, your body can make the others. Also, what amino acids you are getting in your food can only be utilized if the essential amino acids
are all present.

{st_john_wort}

  St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) enjoys a rich and ancient history as a natural tonic to support mood and mental wellbeing. The ancient Greeks, Hippocrates and Discorides, documented its many health giving uses. While St. John's wort and other herbs kept a low profile in the late 19th century, the herb and its supportive effect on emotional balance resurfaced when it was recognized and used in Europe for its mood enhancing properties. Since that time, St. John's wort has been studied in numerous trials in Europe and some here in the United States. It is presently being studied in trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). St. John's wort contains many beneficial substances, including hypericin, pseudohypericin, essential oils, glycosides, resins, rutin, flavonoids, and tannins. St. John's wort can cause skin sensitivity to sun for some people, but appears to be quite safe when taken as directed. The inositol and kelp contained in Standard Process' St. John’s Wort-IMT complement the herb's natural strength and ability to induce a calming effect and promote harmony among the different parts of the nervous system.*

{wh_des_adrenal}

  The adrenal glands are fundamental components of the endocrine system and are involved in innumerable physiological functions throughout the body. Desiccated adrenal contains nutritional components of the bovine adrenal gland for short-term application.

This product will allow the adrenals to rest prior to using adrenal PMG™ for repair. It has been effective in long-standing cases of hypoadrenia; however, we suggest that it be used for only a short period of time (30 days) and not to exceed 3 per day given with food.

 

 
Top
{fre_test_endo_hdr}

Low Metabolic Energy

Low Metabolic Energy

Many people suffer a wide variety of symptoms that have one common denominator: low metabolic energy. This most commonly involves two of the "primary players" in the endocrine system - the adrenal and thyroid glands. An excellent article explaining the relationship of these two important glands and how we can diagnose which organ is causing the problem can be found {low_metabolic} here.

Evaluating Adrenal Gland Function

A good test to indicate the general health of the adrenal glands is called Ragland's test. In a person who has adequately functioning adrenal glands, the systolic blood pressure is about 10 mm. higher when a person is standing than when he is lying down.

Procedure for Testing:

Interpretation of Test:

Prevention and Treatment of Adrenal Dysfunction

I have seen symptoms of adrenal malfunction improve rapidly in as little as 2-3 days. In cases where the adrenals have been exhausted over a long period of time, it can take 2-3 months. The point is, is that those people who have had the worst diets and have abused the adrenals the most will take longer to heal. The dietary changes a person makes is paramount to their speed of recover.

Contact Reflex Analysis Findings

The following reflexes may be active when the the adrenal glands are malfunctioning:

These reflexes should be tested and treated with the proper supplementation.

{fre_test_endo_hdr}
© Copyright 2000-2005, BecomeHealthyNow.com, Inc. All rights reserved.