There doesn’t seem to be a lot of information available about the adrenal gland and the adrenal system. The adrenal glands sit on the top of our kidneys and regulate a whole host of bodily functions. The most recognizable are those associated with the “flight or fight” system. When we are startled, our bodies produce a stimulating hormone – adrenaline – that courses rapidly through our system to prepare us to either fend off an invasion or run from it. The adrenal system is responsible for producing and releasing this important hormone. Without adrenaline, it is possible that the human race would have become extinct a long time ago.
What Do These Glands Do? Our adrenal glands produce other hormones, but the adrenaline is still one of the more important. We may never need to run from a saber-toothed tiger or defend ourselves in battle. However, every day presents its own set of potential attacks. Someone cuts us off in traffic and we’re instantly ready to “do battle” – that’s adrenaline. We may be nervous about a presentation we need to make. We know that we won’t run from the podium but we’re ready to do it, just because the adrenaline released by our adrenals makes us ready.
What is Cortisol? The adrenal glands also produce cortisol – a natural anti-inflammatory agent that helps relieve our everyday aches and pains. Cortisol is yet another hormone produced in the adrenal glands from other hormone precursors – all the way back to the most important (pro) hormone – cholesterol.
Like most things, using the adrenal system too much for too many years can cause it to malfunction, producing less and less of the important hormones we need. This is referred to as adrenal distress or adrenal fatigue. Sometimes it can be treated with supplements and removal of stress. Sometimes the adrenals are just burned out – and can’t be restarted. That’s referred to as adrenal exhaustion.
Our adrenal glands are important. Moreover, they can be harmed if we aren’t careful. Our job here is to offer help in dealing with adrenal problems. One great resource we call upon often is a book by James L. Wilson titled, “Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st-Century Stress Syndrome.” The book is clear and easy to read. It is full of great suggestions for maintaining our adrenal health. We think that everyone ought to read this book and do what it suggests. A healthy adrenal system makes life more enjoyable.
Check your local library for a copy. If you can’t find it you can order from Amazon. The cover price is $14.95 (USD). Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st-Century Stress Syndrome by James L. Wilson.