Adrenal Stress

 
Adrenal disorders are probably the most common functional disorders found today.

Adrenal Disorders

  We live in a society in which we are culturally inclined to eat a diet high in refined carbohydrates, synthetic sweeteners, artificially flavored foods, foods with numerous synthetic additives, and foods loaded with compounds to alter normal physiology such as partially hydrogenated fats found in boxed and bagged foods.  A poor diet that places tremendous stress on the body, compounded with a society which places greater demands on deadlines and social pressures, has led to an epidemic of adrenal related disorders.

The Adrenal Response To Stress

  The adrenal glands adapt to stress (chemical, emotional, physical) by going through three stages.  The first stage is called the alarm reaction.  This stage is the body’s initial response to stress.  The adrenal glands go into a hyper functional state to increase cortisol levels to adapt to the demands of stress.

  The second stage is called the resistance stage and occurs if stress is prolonged.  Note:  it is now understood that some people may remain in the resistance state with elevated cortisol for their entire life.

  The final stage of adaption to stress is called the exhaustion stage. The exhaustion stage represents a point in which the adrenals can no longer adapt to stress and are exhausted.

  All three stages can be identified with a salivary profile.

(Salivary Hormone Profiles Listed on Page 2.)

The Circadian Release of Cortisol

 Cortisol is secreted in a specific pattern during a 24-hour period.  This is why salivary tests that incorporate a collection sample in the morning, noon, afternoon, and bedtime are so useful in tracking adrenal function.  Any alterations in this pattern indicate adrenal stress syndrome.

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Adrenal & Blood Sugar Disorders

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¨ Fatigue (most common symptom)

¨ Headaches with physical or mental stress

¨ Weak immune system

¨ Allergies

¨ Slow starter in the morning

¨ Gastric Ulcer

¨ Afternoon headaches

¨ Fullness or bloated feeling

¨ Crave sweets, caffeine, cigarettes

¨ Blurred vision, unstable behavior

¨ Get shaky or lightheaded if meals are missed or delayed (reactive hypoglycemia)

¨ Irritable before meals (reactive hypoglycemia)

¨ Eating relieves fatigue (reactive hypoglycemia)

¨ Cannot stay asleep (adrenal hypo function)

¨ Cannot fall asleep (adrenal hyper function)

Cortisol Imbalance Signs & Symptoms