The Adrenal Glands: Two Organs in One

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The free ebook at the link at the bottom has a list of

symptoms as well as explains the connection between low thyroid and adrenal

fatigue -plus more.

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Shan

The Adrenal Glands: Two Organs in One

 

http://drhotzeblog.netymology.com/2006/06/28/the-adrenal-glands-two-organs-in-on\

e/

 

The two adrenal glands, which derive their name from their location in the

body (“ad†means near; “renal†means kidney), are key players in your

body’s

response to stress. Situated on top of the kidneys, these pyramid-shaped

organs, the size of walnuts, are actually two endocrine glands in one: an inner

medulla, which orchestrates your short-term stress response, and an outer

cortex,

which mediates your adaptation to chronic stress. The primary hormone of the

medulla is epinephrine, also called adrenalin. This powerful, short-acting

hormone is secreted in response to the four E’s: exercise, excitement,

embarrassment, and emergency. The flood of adrenaline that is unleashed in these

situations causes a number of dramatic physical changes throughout your body:

your

heart beats more rapidly and forcefully; your pupils dilate; and blood is

shunted

toward your skeletal muscles, heart, and brain. Glycogen in your liver is

converted into glucose to be used for quick energy. You may break out into a

cold

sweat and begin breathing more rapidly. In short, your body is mobilized for

action. This is why adrenaline is known as the “fight or flight†hormone.

 

Adrenaline’s effects are dramatic and unmistakable, but because this hormone

does not linger in your body, its effects are also relatively short-lived. On

the other hand, cortisol, the stress hormone produced by the outer cortex, has

more prolonged effects on your body. If adrenaline is like the whip that

drives the horse faster and faster, cortisol is like the rider’s boot, digging

into the flank, keeping the horse going even when it’s ready to quit.

 

The primary function of cortisol is to promote gluconeogenesis, the

conversion of fats and proteins to sugar (glucose). Gluconeogenesis is an

essential

component of your body’s adaptation to chronic stress, ensuring that your

vital

organs, especially your brain, heart, and skeletal muscles, have enough energy

to meet the increasing workload. In addition, cortisol assists adrenaline in

stimulating the cardiovascular system, increasing the heart rate and pumping

capacity and temporarily raising blood pressure. Cortisol also decreases

inflammation, which is why this hormone and its counterfeit derivatives have

been

used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, arthritis, and

skin disorders.

 

Due to its metabolic effects, high levels of cortisol can be extremely

damaging. People with chronically elevated levels of cortisol may have high

blood

sugar and insulin levels and high blood pressure; they may gain weight,

especially around the abdomen; and they have a greater risk of heart disease.

However,

just because high levels of cortisol are harmful doesn’t mean that low levels

are healthy. As with all hormones, balance is the key.

 

For a FREE e-Book written by Dr. Hotze on Adrenal Fatigue Click Here.

http://drhotze.metacanvas.com/EN/free_ebooks/410.html