The Endocrine System consists of several glands that regulate and produce hormones.  This system alone controls the way your body functions.  It’s responsible for your metabolism, maintaining tissue and organ health, sexual functions and even your mood.  The Adrenal Glands, which are the small organs located on top of the kidneys, specifically affect the metabolism and how your body responds to stress.  The Adrenal Gland basically influences the way the body exudes it’s energy and releases hormones when the body is under stress.  The gland is made up of two distinct parts that consists of the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla.  The adrenal cortex is responsible for most of bodily functions, while the adrenal medulla releases the adrenaline hormone that reacts to stress.  The adrenal medulla is a nonessential part, meaning it’s not vital to life.  Cortisol and Aldosterone are two of many hormones produced by the Adrenal Gland.  Cortisol alone plays a major role in metabolism, helping the body convert macronutrients like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy.  Aldosterone is another important hormone that balances the body’s salt and water levels, helping to regulate the blood pressure and cardiovascular function.  When you experience an issue with the Adrenal Glands, it’s in regards to the production of these vital hormones. 

The signs and symptoms affiliated with Adrenal Gland problems can vary based on the issue.  Some of the symptoms can be seen in a person who is in good health or with a more serious condition.  There are several Adrenal Gland disorders, which is why the signs can vary.  There are a few symptoms that most of the Adrenal Gland disorders have in common.  Below are some of the signs that could indicate an Adrenal Gland issue.

• Energy shifts (high or low levels of energy spurts that are consistent or come and go)
• Blood Pressure (high or low levels can denote an issue)
• Weight Fluctuations (especially in abdomen and thigh area)
• Excessive salt and sugar cravings
• Sleeping issues (inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, sleeping and still experiencing exhaustion)
• Delay in Immune System (longer time for your body to respond or heal from infections, viruses and trauma)
• Low sexual libido
• Overwhelmed by stress (extreme case of not being able to cope with the conditions of being stressed)
• Mental Obscurity (racing thoughts, unclear mind frame, inability to stay focused)
• Severe vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea
• Anxiety or Mild Depression
• Increased PMS or Menopausal symptoms
• Hair loss or thinning
• Muscle weakness or tension
• Inflammation

The cause for most Adrenal Gland problems comes from a deficiency or overproduction of hormones.  In other cases Adrenal Gland problems can occur from the other endocrine glands that are affected from various things.  While some causes can be avoided, other factors that contribute to Adrenal Gland problems are out of our control.  Because there are several Adrenal Gland disorders, the cause for each ailment can vary as body parts and functions are affected differently.   In general, there are certain causes that relate to all Adrenal Gland problems.

• Hormonal Imbalance (overproduction or lack of production)
• Other Endocrine Gland Issue (other glands that are not functioning properly or tumors on the glands)
• Mutation of certain genes
• Auto Immune disorder or disease
• Adrenal Dysgensis (glands that don’t develop adequately)
• High use of Steroids
• Certain Health Ailments (Thyroid issues, Diabetes, Tuberculosis, HIV, infections or viruses)
• Certain Medications
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Toxic Metals and Chemicals 

• There should always be a diet intervention when you’re addressing hormonal issues and problems regarding the Adrenal Gland.  Certain diets consist of foods that have hormones in it or the foods have an affect the health of hormones.  It’s best to avoid foods like caffeine, sugar, dairy, processed foods and certain meats.  These foods can affect the health of your hormones and Adrenal Gland.  Caffeine and sugar specifically elevates the cortisol levels.   Some of these foods also contribute to inflammation in the body, which does not help when it comes to reconditioning the body. 
• Consuming foods that help balance hormones is best.  The body benefits most when it’s receiving food regularly, following a healthy eating pattern. Eating breakfast and consuming food regularly is vital as it helps to recondition the body by keeping it fueled.  Consuming foods that contain essential fats and omega 3’s, in addition to staying hydrated can improve Adrenal Gland issues.
• Decreasing the amount of stress in your life helps improve your overall wellbeing.  When you’re stressed, it causes your immune system to change almost instantly and affects your hormonal levels.  Hormones are very sensitive to stress.  Keeping your stress levels down helps your endocrine system carry out its normal function.  Because the Adrenal Gland specifically reacts to stress and releases the hormone, it’s significant to find ways to eliminate stress.  Things like exercising, meditation, laughing, having fun and breathing exercises are all great activities that help reduce stress.
• Sleeping a sufficient amount of time and making it a priority can repair the body from any Adrenal Gland issue.  Not getting enough rest can trigger negative brain activity.  A healthy sleep pattern can help the body heal.  Sleeping not only helps level your body out, but it also provides the body with the energy you need.  Studies show that going to bed after 11pm triggers a second cortisol surge.
• Exercises like walking, swimming, mild jogging, and other light cardio activities help to balance the hormones out.  When your body is in workout mode, your circulation and heart rate increases, helping your body release hormones throughout the entire body.  Intense workouts can sometimes trigger more hormonal issues, however, heavy lifting can be beneficial.  It’s important to find a median when exercising, but making it a priority is important. 
• Having fun and incorporating laughter into your everyday life can help improve your immune system and the health of your Adrenal Glands.  It’s an overlooked natural remedy that is fairly simple, yet it can help improve a person’s well being.  Having fun and enjoying laughter helps relieve physical and mental stress, which relaxes the body.  Laughter alone decreases the amount of stress hormones released and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.  

• Avocado
• Coconut Oil
• Almonds
• Seaweed
• Kelp
• Cherries
• Apple
• Adaptogen (herbs that help with balancing hormone
• Maca
• Mushrooms
• Flaxseeds
• All leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, Swiss chard,  collards
• Pumpkin seeds
• Brazil nuts
• Chia Seeds