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. 

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.

Other Systems or Organs Affected:

The adrenal glands interact with many other organs and glands in the body such as the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the kidneys. The adrenals work with the hypothalamus in the brain to regulate hormones. The hypothalamus produces corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol. The pituitary gland, also part of the brain, regulates cortisol production in response to signals from the hypothalamus. The adrenal glands work with the kidneys to help control blood pressure by reabsorbing water and sodium into the blood. It also plays a role in releasing aldosterone to help the sympathetic nervous system regulate the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline. The adrenals glands and the thyroid gland are both part of the endocrine system, they both produce hormones that regulate the body’s cells and organs. The two glands communicate with each other. 

Fun Adrenal 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 optimal health:

The adrenal glands need blood flow, essential fatty acids, L-tyrosine, and several vitamins and minerals to function properly including Vitamin C, magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamin D, and Zinc.

 

Nutrition Support:

Essential Fatty Acids	Iodine Rich Foods	Turkey	Organic Whole Grains	Vitamins: C, & All B's
High-Quality Protein	Fatty Cold-Water Fish	Asparagus	Magnesium	Potassium
Organ Meats	Avocados	Sea Salt	Selenium	L-Tyrosine
Leafy Greens	Oysters	Pumpkin Seeds	Zinc	Iodine

 

Lifestyle Support:

• Find movement you enjoy doing
• Eat whole foods
• Get plenty of sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Make time for meditation
• Practice deep breathing
• Limit caffeine and sugar intake
• Eat magnesium-rich foods
• Take Epsom salt and magnesium baths
• Manage stress levels 
• Mind your gut health
• Get plenty of healthy fats

Recipe: Adrenal Cocktail 

Adrenal cocktails are nutrient-rich beverages designed to support adrenal gland function and combat fatigue. Typically made with a combination of vitamin C, potassium, and natural sodium with sources like orange juice, coconut water, and Celtic sea salt. These drinks help replenish essential nutrients depleted by stress. By balancing electrolytes and supporting adrenal health, adrenal cocktails can enhance energy levels, improve hydration, and promote overall well-being, making them a popular choice for those seeking natural ways to boost vitality.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1 pinch Celtic sea salt
• 1/2 inch knob of ginger

Directions:

Grate the ginger, combine ginger, juice, coconut water and salt. Mix well until incorporated. You can also add to a mason jar and shake with lid on, or blend everything together.

Herbal Friends of the Adrenal Glands:

Ashwagandha	Eleuthero Root	Cordyceps	Fo-Ti	Ginkgo Biloba
Ginseng	Schisandra Fruit	Maca	Wild Yam	Gotu Kola
Rhodiola	Suma Root	Valerian	Licorice	Hawthorne Berry
Holy Basil	Astragalus	Codonopsis Root	Roobios	Lobelia

  

Companion RidgeCrest Products:

• AdrenaLove®
• DreamOn™ Zen
• SereniZen®
• SereniZen® Gummies 
• Kidney Aid™
• ThyroNourish™

Supporting Supplements: 

• Vitamin C
• B Vitamin complex
• Magnesium Complex
• Potassium 
• Vitamin D
• L-Tyrosine
• L-Theanine 
• Biotin
• Reishi Mushroom
• L-Serine
• High-quality fish oil

Related Blogs:

• The Pituitary Gland 
• Benefits of Juicing
• Facts About Licorice
• Get Some Sleep
• Hormones
• Work-Life Balance
• Gut-Brain Connection
• Rest is Best
• How Does Daylight Savings Affect Health
• Anxiety 5-4-3-2-1
• Miraculous Microbiome

 

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