Definition
Adrenaline is to the group of catecholamine
neuro hormons.
Noradrenaline
is secreted by the Adrenaline gland; meaning it is
made of adrenaline
The adrenal glands are a pair of triangle shaped
organs that rest on top of the kidneys. The glands are made up of two
parts, the cortex or outer section, which produces cortisone, and the
medulla or center section, which secretes adrenaline.
In addition to producing cortisone, the adrenal
cortex (outer ring of gland) also helps to maintain the salt and water
balance in the body, and is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates
and the regulation of blood sugar.
The adrenal medulla (the inner part of the gland)
produces adrenaline, also known as the hormone epinephrine, when the
body is under stress. This hormone speeds up the metabolism and produces
other changes within the body that assist in coping with danger.
The adrenal help wake us up in the morning by
producing cortisol which suppress the sleep hormone melatonin. The
adrenal help control our blood sugar. They make hormones, which help
raise our blood sugar under times of stress so that we can have energy.
The adrenals control sodium, potassium and chlorides in our body, which
adjust our fluid balance. They do this by working with the kidneys. The
adrenals work closely with our thyroid gland to keep are metabolism
high. The adrenals act like the fuel pump and the thyroid like the spark
plugs. This keeps the fuel we consume for our food being combusted into
energy.
When we have stress, whether physical or emotional,
adrenal hormones help provide energy for us to get through the stress.
The adrenals need vitamins, minerals and amino acids in order to make
the hormones and to repair and keep themselves healthy. Vitamin C, B5,
B6, iron, manganese, sodium and potassium act as stimulants to the
adrenals. Vitamin B12, B2, Calcium, magnesium, copper, vitamin D can
regulate the adrenals by slowing them down if they are going to fast or
by suppressing them below normal. It takes more then the RDA or the
amounts found common it foods to do this.
Fats like butter, oil, lard nuts, seeds etc slow
down the adrenals. Proteins and sodium tend to speed them up!
Hans
Selye from McGill University says Stress
is a nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it.
Regardless of the stressor the reaction is the same. This is known as General
Adaptation Syndrome, which has 3 stages: 1. the alarm reaction
or adrenaline adaption
Here aldosterone secretion increases and sodium is retained. This occurs
in response to a new stress! Body is programmed for homeostasis (a
balanced state) When a stressor is presented body goes into flight or
fight mode Blood pressure increases, respiration rate increases; muscles
tense; digestion is inhibited; heart rate increases; blood flow increase
to extremities; adrenaline is secreted; perspiration increases In ancient
times stressor would present and disappear; now stressor may not be as
serious but may be seen in many places resulting in prolonged stress
reactions Stress may be real or imagined
2. the resistance phase or adrenaline maladaption
Glucocorticoid steroids are released to balance aldosterone. These
increase potassium to balance sodium. This occurs as the stress continues
and the body tries to adapt to it. Body signs of stress disappear;
resistance rises; neural glandular systems become hyperactive; person
remains in constant state of over stimulation If all is ok the resistance
stage shuts off the body goes back to normal. But if the stress continues
we eventually go into the exhaustion stage.
3. the exhaustion stage
Body exhausts itself and physical signs of stress reappear; now these may
become irreversible unless correct nutrition is used to bring the adrenals
glands back; example high blood pressure. This is what is called
“Chronic fatigue Syndrome"
Stress Effects on the Adrenaline
Gland - Cortisol Production Next
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