Fortifying the Adrenal Glands with Herbs

Feeding the Endrocrine System with the Nutrients They Require

Oct 6, 2009

When not nourished properly the adrenal glands are easily depleted. Providing them with key elements for health helps prevent disorders and keeps the body in balance.

Many people suffer from exhaustion of the adrenal glands. With high stress levels in our lives as well as bad eating habits, we can easily compromise the health of our bodies. Because the adrenal glands are prone to depletion of not nourished properly, it is essential that we feed them with nutrients that help them to help us stay balanced and fit.

What are the Adrenal Glands

Located on top of the kidneys, the adrenal glands are triangular in shape. They consist of an outer area called the 'cortex' and a central area called the 'medulla'. The function of the cortex is to metabolize carbohydrates, control blood sugar, produce hormones key to sexuality, and maintain the water and salt balance in the body. The medulla is responsible for helping the body cope with stress by speeding up the rate of metabolism and providing adrenaline. Additionally, the adrenal glands also are able to produce estrogen when the ovaries cannot.

Symptoms of Adrenal Gland Depletion

When the adrenals function is at a low, you may experience the following symptoms:

Addison's Disease can also occur as a result of depleted adrenal glands, with symptoms that include:

Herbs for Addressing Adrenal Problems

There are several herbs that work specifically with the adrenal glands to ensure their stability. These herbs are also excellent for helping to replenish the adrenals after stressful situations or in cases where symptoms are becoming obvious.

Siberian Ginseng is one of the most powerful herbs for helping the body to cope with stress. Additionally it assists in balancing the metabolism and regulating neurotransmitters, which derive from the Adrenals.

Ginger root is excellent for helping to regulate our cortisol levels, which are in direct relationship to our adrenal glands. Ginger also normalizes our blood pressure and heart rate, stimulates our digestive system, helps with the secretion of enzymes, which are key elements in helping to stabilize depleted adrenals.

Licorice root is recognized for its ability to decrease the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is a strong symptom of depleted adrenal glands due to problems with blood sugar.

There are many additional herbs that can be used in cooking for a direct affect on adrenal gland health. Some of these include:

Using Herbs for Adrenal Care

By including all or some of these herbs into your daily diet and eating them regularly, you will help to strengthen and nourish not only the adrenal glands, but your body in its entirety. According to the Herb Research Foundation, herbs provide us with powerful assistance in preserving and maintaining our physical and mental health. Herbs can make delicious additions to eggs, stews, soups, rice, pasta, potatoes as well as in meat, fish, and chicken dishes. There are thousands of recipes available for using herbs, and as you become accustomed to their tastes, you will begin to use your imagination in your meal creations.

The copyright of the article Fortifying the Adrenal Glands with Herbs in Food Facts is owned by Michele Kadison. Permission to republish Fortifying the Adrenal Glands with Herbs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.