Adrenal glands are located on the upper pole of each kidney, and play an important role in helping the body deal with our high stress lifestyles. At the same time, the adrenal glands are also the organs in the body that are the most susceptible to the negative consequences of stress. As the adrenals wear down and the health of the body declines, healing becomes more and more difficult. There are two main areas of the adrenals: the cortex produces sex hormones, stress hormones and other hormones responsible for water and sugar balance, while the medulla produces the stress hormones adrenaline and nor adrenaline.

Signs of low adrenal function include lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings and blood sugar imbalance. As dysfunction of the adrenals becomes more serious there is a danger of fainting, diarrhoea, depression, moodiness, feeling cold, discolouration of the skin, swelling and loss of body hair. There are several different botanicals, vitamins, and glandulars that can be used to successfully restore the adrenal glands to health and support mood enhancement:

Adaptogenic botanicals like licorice, ashwaganda, ginseng, schizandra, wild oat, and macca are often used to support the optimal function of the adrenals. B complex vitamins are crucial for cellular metabolism and energy production, and the adrenal glands have a high demand for the B vitamins because they are so active in the metabolic process. Vitamin C is also a highly utilized source which the adrenal glands need in order to produce stress hormones like cortisol in healthy amounts. Adrenal demand for vitamin B and C is greatly increased during periods of high stress. If either is deficient during stressful times the body is not able to function at optimal standards.

Minerals play a substantial role in meeting the high demand the adrenal glands require in order to produce energy and hormones. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals required by the adrenal glands, but is also one of the most deficient. Other minerals such as zinc, selenium and copper are also important minerals for energy production. Glandular extracts are an essential source of raw materials and nutrients necessary in the regeneration of the adrenal glands, and can significantly increase the speed of recovery.