The adrenal glands produce hormones and neurotransmitters that communicate with all parts of the body and brain. These glands, located at the top of the kidneys, are necessary for survival. Unfortunately, when out of balance, they can also cause premature aging and can contribute to being fat, flabby, flaky, foggy, fatigued and forgetful.

There are many hormones responsible for optimal bodily function. Cortisol is the stress hormone. Producing too much makes a person wired and tired, while too little leaves you burned out, exhausted, depleted and in pain. Additionally, an excess can break down muscle, bone and collagen,  affect the brain and raise blood pressure, blood sugar, lipids and increase fat.

The OHEA hormone modulates your immune system by decreasing inflammation, building lean muscle mass and bone and improving mood with its anti-depressant effect.

Pregnenolone is a hormone that enhances and preserves memory and decreases inflammation. It is known as the “mother hormone” because it is the precursor of all the other steroid hormones: estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and aldosterone.

Aldosterone is responsible for fluid and salt balance and maintains blood pressure. If you have too much, blood pressure can become high, while too little can have the opposite effect.

Cytokines communicate with and modulate your immune system and can promote or decrease inflammation.

The adrenals are also responsible for neurotransmitters. Adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine cause thefight or flee response. Angiotensin II constricts blood vessels and stimulates the release of aldosterone to maintain blood pressure. Dopamine makes you feel pleasure and satisfaction. GABA calms the brain down and glutamate stimulates the brain and nervous system.

These glands affect and control just about every part of the body. When balanced, illness is kept at bay and you can be slim, sharp, strong and supercharged. When they are off kilter, you may develop inflammation, which is the root cause of most illnesses, premature aging, fatigue and create symptoms of menopause, andropause and PMS. What you eat, drink, how much you sleep and exercise, the toxins you are exposed to and how you manage stress can affect all of these. Learn how to keep your adrenals healthy and live a healthy life with strength, vigor and mental clarity.

Lorraine Maita, MD is an award winning holistic, functional and anti-aging physician and author, specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy, weight loss, executive health and treating chronic illness. Dr. Miata has offices in Summit and Basking Ridge. For more information, visit HowToLiveYounger.com. 

Dr. Maita will be joined by clinical herbalist Cheryl Karcher for a discussion on hormones and adrenals in March at Valley Integrative Pharmacy. See ad on page 3 for details.