Get to know your Adrenal Glands

There are two functional parts of the adrenal glands. The outer cortex, which produces three major classes of hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids (regulate blood pressure) and androgens (testosterone, androstenedione and DHEA). And the inner medulla, which produces the catecholamines epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, the hormones responsible for the fight or flight response.

Cortisol’s Role in Adrenal Fatigue

Cortisol, one of the glucocorticoids produced by the adrenals, is one of the main stress mediating hormones produced by the body. It acts to maintain the blood glucose levels necessary for normal brain and physical functions, has potent anti-inflammatory effects and at very high levels, can suppress immune function. During a normal day, cortisol levels spike between 7:00 and 8:00 am and gradually decreased throughout the day, reaching their lowest level between midnight and 4:00 am.

Normally, adrenal glands increase their production of cortisol when the body is under stress. Over time, if that stress continues or increases, cortisol levels continue to be elevated initially. At these prolonged high levels of cortisol, the body produces more glucose, leading to an increased risk of insulin resistance, diabetes, weight gain, high blood pressure, and depressed immune function. Eventually, the adrenal glands can become “fatigued”, resulting in a drop in cortisol production or an abnormal production pattern. Low cortisol levels can also cause weight gain, inflammation, inability to handle emotional stress and severe fatigue.

Watch our video to learn more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvnGUCkQ4MY

Young Naturopathic Wellness Center

The Young Naturopathic Wellness Center was founded to provide patients with appropriate diagnoses and effective, individualized treatment and education to help them achieve wellness.
To achieve your own wellness, call 408.761.6781 today to schedule your appointment. For more information about the Young Naturopathic Center for Wellness, visit http://www.drreneeyoung.com/ and http://www.youngwellnesscenter.com