Body Systems

The Adrenal Glands

By Shae Brackett, LMT Customer Service & Social Media

The Adrenal Glands
01

Meet The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are small triangular-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of each kidney in the upper abdomen. They are a crucial part of our body that produce hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone. They play an essential role in metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, stress response, heart rate, the sleep-wake cycle, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and hormone regulation. 

02

Anatomy & Function

The glands consist of two parts, the outer adrenal cortex and the inner adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces hormones that control salt balance in the blood, sugar balance, and sex hormones. The Adrenal medulla produces and releases adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which are responsible for the “fight or flight” response. 

The adrenal glands produce these hormones in response to the pituitary gland in the brain, which reacts to signals from the hypothalamus in the brain. This is referred to as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. The hormones produced by the adrenal glands are made from cholesterol that comes from LDL and HDL in the blood. 


Adrenaline helps fuel quick reaction responses during stressful situations. Cortisol influences how quickly the body metabolizes proteins, fats, and sugars. The adrenal glands can influence our daily lives from energy levels to emotional resilience, and more.
01

Meet The Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands are small triangular-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of each kidney in the upper abdomen. They are a crucial part of our body that produce hormones, such as cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone. They play an essential role in metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, stress response, heart rate, the sleep-wake cycle, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, and hormone regulation. 

02

Anatomy & Function

The glands consist of two parts, the outer adrenal cortex and the inner adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces hormones that control salt balance in the blood, sugar balance, and sex hormones. The Adrenal medulla produces and releases adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which are responsible for the “fight or flight” response. 

The adrenal glands produce these hormones in response to the pituitary gland in the brain, which reacts to signals from the hypothalamus in the brain. This is referred to as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. The hormones produced by the adrenal glands are made from cholesterol that comes from LDL and HDL in the blood. 


Adrenaline helps fuel quick reaction responses during stressful situations. Cortisol influences how quickly the body metabolizes proteins, fats, and sugars. The adrenal glands can influence our daily lives from energy levels to emotional resilience, and more.

Supporting Systems and Interactions

The human body is a marvel of interconnected systems, each playing a vital role in maintaining balance, health, and vitality. While we often think of the body's organs and processes in isolation, the truth is that no part functions alone. Every system relies on and influences others in a delicate dance of cooperation.

When one system is compromised, others often compensate or respond, illustrating how deeply intertwined all functions are. The body, then, is not just a collection of parts, but an integrated whole, where every aspect plays a crucial role in maintaining the flow of life, energy, and healing. Understanding this interconnectedness allows us to approach health holistically, nurturing not just individual parts, but the whole person.

I Am Energized & Focused

Fun & Interesting Facts

  • Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and are about the size and shape of a fortune cookie
  • Adrenal glands make many of our hormones
  • Adrenal glands play an important role in your body’s fight-or-flight response
  • Adrenal glands help to regulate your immune system, metabolism, as well as salt and water balance
  • While rare the adrenal glands can be insufficient or overactive 

What is necessary for the optimal health of this system? 

Achieving and maintaining a balanced, healthy life requires a holistic approach that recognizes the complex interplay between nutrition, lifestyle, the use of herbs and supplements. Each of these elements plays a unique yet interconnected role in supporting the body's intricate systems.

Together, nutrition, lifestyle, and herbal support create a synergistic approach to health. They nurture the body as a whole, and support the body’s natural ability to heal, adapt, and flourish. Understanding the role each of these elements plays allows us to make more informed choices that contribute to lasting well-being.

Supporting Recipe

Adrenal Mocktail

This refreshing adrenal mocktail is packed with essential nutrients to nourish your body and support stress resilience. Fresh orange juice provides vitamin C, a crucial antioxidant for adrenal health, while coconut water replenishes electrolytes like potassium and magnesium to maintain hydration and balance stress responses. A pinch of salt helps regulate sodium levels, which can deplete, and fresh ginger supports circulation and inflammatory response. This simple yet powerful blend helps restore energy, balance minerals, and keep your adrenals functioning optimally—perfect for a morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up!

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About The Author

Shae Brackett, our Customer Service Director and Social Media Manager, has been with RidgeCrest since 2016. Shae is a licensed massage therapist, and guides the customer care team, is our culture caretaker, and serves as our creative oracle across social media, blogs, and meditations. She describes herself as creative, thoughtful, nature-loving, compassionate, and nurturing. Her favorite herbs are Ginger and Lavender, and she proudly recommends SereniZen® (formerly Anxiety Free), PhysiQOL™, SinusClear®, and Belly Be Happy®.

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We acknowledge that we operate on the ancestral lands of the Shoshone, Goshute, and Ute peoples. We recognize their deep connection to this land and honor their history, culture, and ongoing presence. We are committed to learning from and respecting the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations.