The glandular system is a communication network that regulates basic drives and emotions, promotes growth and sexual identity, controls body temperature, assists in the repair of broken tissue and helps generate energy. The glandular system communicates using chemical substances called hormones, which stimulate reactions that may last from a few hours to several days. The human body has two types of glands, exocrine and endocrine. Exocrine glands secrete fluids through a duct or a tube, usually to an outside surface. Examples are tear glands, salivary glands, and sweat glands. Endocrine glands are “ductless glands” which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. The blood carries them to target tissues or organs where they stimulate some kind of action. The glandular system consists of the following major endocrine glands: • Pineal • Hypothalamus • Pituitary • Thyroid • Thymus • Adrenals • Pancreas • Gonads

Problems with the glandular system can affect us in all kinds of way. Possible indicators of glandular system concerns include:

• Feeling as tired when you wake up as when you went to bed
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble staying asleep
• Coarse or blemished skin
• Feeling irritable
• Feeling tired after eating
• Trouble focusing
• Problems maintaining weight
• Problems maintaining ideal body temperature
• Feeling depressed or anxious

Conditions that may result from problems with the glandular system are:

• Hormone imbalances
• Weak adrenal glands
• Thyroid imbalance
• Diabetes
• Hypoglycemia
• Hyperglycemia
• Emotional stress
• Reproductive trouble
We will focus on three of the main glands found in the glandular system: the adrenals, the thyroid, and the pituitary.

I have included short questionnaires to help ascertain whether or not you might have a glandular problem or deficiency of some sort. In addition we will discuss solutions to glandular problems, and products you can take to help maintain your health and well-being.

How's Your Adrenal Gland Holding Up?
Check any of the following that apply:
____ Constant Fatigue
____ Low Blood Pressure
____ Hard, pebble-like stools or constipation
____ Unusually low sex drive
____ Cravings for salt or salty foods
____ Mood swings, especially anxiety, panic or phobia
____ Feeling colder than those around you
____ Problems with memory, focus or concentration
____ Chronic pain in the lower neck and upper back
____ Nervousness
____ Inability to concentrate and/or confusion
____ Drinking caffeinatated beverages on a daily basis
____ Extreme sensitivity to odors and/or noises
____ Lack of the sensation of fullness after eating
____Aches and pains of limbs, unrelated to exertion
____ Vulnerability to food/ allergic reactions

If you checked four or more items on this list, it may be time to consider using a formula to build the adrenal glands. If six or more items are checked, your adrenal health is likely poor and now is the time to support it.

The adrenal glands play an important role in the body, producing about 50 different hormones that impact our development and growth, affect our ability to deal with stress, and help regulate kidney function. In fact, if you break down the word adrenal, you have ad-, meaning “on top,” and renal, referring to “kidney.” The adrenal glands are small, thumb-shaped organs that sit on top of the kidneys.

The adrenal glands are comprised of two separate glands, the medulla and the cortex. The medulla, or inner part of the adrenal glands, produces the hormone adrenaline, which regulates the “fight or flight” response in the body; the body’s reaction to stressful events. It also produces DHEA, the hormone that is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone.

The cortex, or the outer portion of the adrenal glands, produces several hormones that affect blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and growth. The cortex also produces cortisol, sometimes called the “stress hormone,” since people produce greater levels of it under significant stress. Here are a few things that this “stress hormone” does that are very positive.

Cortisol: • Helps to reduce inflammation
• Is able to make sure needed sodium is not lost
• Can be helpful in increasing short-term memory
• Helps the liver remove toxins from the body

When cortisol is fairly regulated and not produced in high amounts, it is of benefit to the body. However, for people with high levels of stress, the presence of extra amounts of hormones can be very problematic. It is possible for excess cortisol to:
• Raise blood pressure
• Lower bone density
• Reduce immune response
• Have a potential effect on blood serum levels of glucose.
• Reduce levels of serotonin, which helps provide a sense of well-being and calm
• Contribute to weight gain

HEALTHY ADRENAL GLANDS

In a healthy individual, these effects tend not to adversely affect health. But it is crucial that we learn to control stress in our lives, and do all possible to support glandular health. Clearly, the adrenal glands play a crucial role in many different aspects of our physical health. That is why we must support and nourish them so they can do their work effectively. The adrenal glands can be weakened by stress, whether it be environmental, physiological or physical. They can also become exhausted by the consumption of excess sugar.

Many people will not even recognize that they have a problem with their adrenals because of their use of stimulants such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, cigarettes and sugar. Or they may think they are doing fine since, even if they wake up tired, by the end of the day they get bursts of energy that carry them through the evening. In either case, these individuals are experiencing adrenal fatigue. Having to depend on stimulants or not having steady levels of energy throughout the day show the adrenal glands are lacking.