Adrenal Gland and Hormone Action

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Adrenal Gland and Hormone Action

An important function of the adrenal glands is to help the body handle

stress. The body’s metabolic response to stress triggers the production of

adrenal

hormones. In order to prepare the body to handle physical, emotional or

mental stress:

* Adrenal hormones speed up the metabolism rate in order to assist the

body in coping with stress

* Adrenal hormones pump more blood to the muscles and brain, making

the heart beat faster.

* Adrenal hormones increase respiration and blood pressure for extra

energy.

* Adrenal hormones increase the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates

and fats resulting in more energy for the body to utilize.

* Adrenal hormones activate blood clotting mechanisms to prepare for

possible physical injury.

This adrenal action is called the " fight or flight " response which is the

body’s reaction to a perceived threat. It is believed to be a carry over from

ancient times when human beings had to deal with danger by either staying and

fighting or running away.

The body produces adrenaline which speeds up the metabolism rate in order to

handle stress properly. Once the stress is over, the process quiets down and

the adrenals function normally again. Modern situations rarely require this

" flight or fight " physical reaction, however, stress factors like anxiety,

fear, overwork, chemical additives and preservatives in the diet, lack of

sleep, exposure to environmental toxins and over-indulgence of alcohol,

caffeine,

drugs and smoking can cause adrenal exhaustion.

When stress continues over prolonged periods of time, the adrenal glands use

up the body’s energy and nutrient reserves and may shrink in size.

Overproduction of adrenal hormones caused by prolonged stress can weaken the

immune

system and inhibit the production of white blood cells that protect the body

against foreign invasions. Adrenal exhaustion can manifest itself in chronic

fatigue and illness, often the result of nutrient deficiencies caused by

continued stress.*

Stress management is vital during this stage. A well-balanced diet, vitamin

and herbal support, exercise and relaxation techniques, all play an important

role in maintaining proper functioning of the adrenal glands.*

Nutrients to Cleanse, Nourish and Support Adrenal Gland

The following nutritional supplements act to improve and promote adrenal

gland activity.*

Vitamin C is utilized by the adrenal glands and prolonged stress can cause

a depletion of Vitamin C in the tissues. Vitamin C is a necessary nutrient

for the manufacture of hormones by the adrenal glands.*

It plays a critical role in the body’s immune system response to stressful

situations by increasing the body’s white blood cells.* White blood cells

protect the body from foreign substances by producing anti-bodies and T-cells.

Ester C is absorbed faster into the blood stream and excreted more slowly than

regular vitamin C supplements.

Amla extract, also know as Indian Gooseberry, is a rich source of natural

vitamin C. Amla fruit juice contains nearly 20 times as much vitamin C as

orange juice and a single fruit is equivalent to eating one to two oranges.

Enhances the vitality of cell tissue, the immune response, capillary integrity

and

may assist with rebuilding body tissue.*

Ashwaganda extract, an ayurvedic " vitalizer. " Ayurvedic medicine is the

ancient medical system of India. The term " vitalizer " belongs to a particular

group of rejuvenating herbs, for both men and women, that are considered

highly beneficial in having regulating and energizing effects on the body.*

They

are similar to adaptogens in that they help the body maintain vitality by

resisting the effects of stress. Ashwaganda helps maintain proper nourishment

and

support of the tissues, primarily muscle and bone, as well as supporting

proper function of the adrenal glands.*

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family and is a powerful

newly-discovered antioxidant that helps protect against more types of free

radicals

than any other antioxidant.* It is highly bioavailable because it binds to a

lipid (fat) molecule and enters the bloodstream more readily than other

antioxidants. Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble nutrient that is able to cross the

blood-brain barrier, which enhances its effectiveness. The natural form of

Astaxanthin is derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and is at

least 10

times more effective as an antioxidant than beta-carotene. Astaxanthin

supports the adrenal glands by alleviating oxidative stress and enhancing

strength

and endurance. The mitochondria is the site of the cell’s energy production

and metabolic activity. The advanced pharmaceutical technology behind

Astaxanthin provides an excellent delivery system for nutrients to penetrate

the

mitochondria of the cell, which promotes a cleansing and therapeutic action at

the cellular level. Astaxanthin enhances the actions of Vitamin C and E in the

body. Astaxanthin is 100-500 times more effective than vitamin E with

inhibiting lipid peroxidation, which is the destruction of fatty acids and

proteins

in cell membranes that can cause oxidative damage. *Cumulative, oxidative

damage to lipids in cell membranes may increase the risk of age-related health

conditions. Results from clinical studies testing the safety of Astaxanthin

have shown no known toxicity. astaZANTHINTM brand Astaxanthin is a highly

concentrated natural extract from H.pluvialis micro algae.

Astragalus Root is recognized as an adaptogen that can be used to restore

energy and balance to the immune system.* Adaptogens help the body maintain

vitality by resisting the effects of stress. They are used synergistically with

other tonifying herbs to enhance strength and promote energy.* In Chinese

medicine, astragalus root is classified as a tonic that supports the immune

system and promotes resistance to stress.* The polysaccharides in astragalus

are

the chemical compounds that have immune enhancing activity.*

B vitamins are necessary for a healthy nervous system and for the

metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.* Stress, alcohol, tobacco,

excessive

sugar and caffeine and stress can decrease the levels of B vitamins in the

body. B vitamins are essential for nerve tissue and help in the formation of

normal red blood cells and antibodies.* Antibodies are a special blood protein

that are synthesized by the body in response to the invasion of potentially

dangerous foreign substances.B1, B2 B6 and B12 are particularly important for

healthy adrenal function.

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is necessary for the absorption of B

vitamins and the healthy function of the adrenals.* Zinc is an essential

nutrient for the manufacture of hormones by the adrenal glands, especially

during times of stress.* Zinc plays an important role in maintaining a strong

immune system.*

Ginger is an excellent digestive aid * and enhances the synergy of other

herbs.* It is excellent for the circulatory system and helps improve stamina

during times of stress. *

Korean Ginseng is an adaptogen that enhances adrenal gland function.*

Adaptogens help the body maintain vitality by resisting the effects of stress.

They are used synergistically with other tonifying herbs to enhance strength

and

promote energy.* In Chinese medicine, Korean Ginseng is considered a tonic

that protects the body against physical and mental fatigue and promotes

resistance to stress.*

Piper Nigrum (black pepper) is recognized, in the botanical classification

of herbs, as a mild herbal stimulant, that when combined with other herbs,

helps to increase, circulation, warm the body and restore vitality.* In

Ayurvedic medicine, black pepper is one of the first things to take as it

stimulates

the body’s defense mechanism.*

Adrenal Gland Function

The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. They are responsible

for many vital bodily functions including:

* Adrenal Glands manufacture adrenal hormones, adrenaline and

nor-adrenaline, during stress.

* Adrenal Glands produce 28 different hormones.

* Adrenal Glands assist with the digestion of carbohydrates and fats.

* Adrenal Glands regulate minerals and maintain water balance in the

body

* Adrenal Glands work with the thyroid gland to provide and sustain

energy levels.

No information in this letter should be construed as medical advice.

This information is for educational purposes only.

Jeff el

10360 Pine Lakes Blvd

North Fort Myers, Fl 33903

http://www.msprotocols.com/