Adrenal Tests

weiter lesen… »

weiter lesen… »

weiter lesen… »

Adrenal Force is a specially designed combination of lyophilized gland concentrates, vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutrients designed to give maximum support to a gland which endures continual assault in today’s high stress society. Adrenal dysfunction is considered the number one problem they encounter in their patients by many holistic practitioners. Adrenal stress can manifest as many different responses. Allergies are one of the most widely felt consequences. Others include; Low back pain, headaches, sluggishness, both low and high blood pressure, hypoiglycaemia, night blindness, irritability, restlessness and poor sleep, exhaustion, etc to name just a few things seen in adrenal insufficiency. Each Capsule Supplies: Lyophilized Adrenal- 100 mg Lyophilized Pituitary- 10 mg Lyophilized Hypothalamus- 5 mg Siberian Ginseng (Stand. Ext. 0.8% Eleuthrosides)- 85 mg Panax Ginseng (Stand. Ext. 8% Ginsenosides)- 35 mg L-Tyrosine- 30 mg L-Methionine- 25 mg Vitamin B1- 15 mg Vitamin B2- 15 mg Niacinamide- 40 mg Pantothenic Acid- 50 mg Choline (bitartrate)- 15 mg Vitamin B6- 30 mg Vitamin C- 50 mg Citrus Bioflavonoid Complex- 13 mg Magnesium (Chelate)- 60 mg Potassium (Chelate)- 100 mg THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE

weiter lesen… »

weiter lesen… »

The adrenal gland consists of two distinct endocrine glands; the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. They are under separate regulation and produce different hormones. The adrenal cortex produces the steroid hormones cortisol, aldosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Cortisol affects metabolism and generally results in the release of stored fuels. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen and its concentration decreases as we age. A high level of DHEA may help slow down the ageing process. The adrenal medulla functions as part of the sympathetic nervous system and secretes primarily epinephrine. A deficiency of steroid production by the adrenal cortex is known as adrenal insufficiency and sub-clinical levels of this can be induced by prolonged periods of stress. Pharmax Adrenal Support is designed along with Pharmax DHEA 10mg to support adrenal function, especially in periods of stress or as we age. Siberian and Panax ginseng are adaptogens, providing tonic qualities. The ginsengs guard against the effect of chronic cortisol supplementation. Ginsengs help regulate output, and improve the tone and function of the adrenal glands. Glycyrrhizin in licorice lowers the effect of excessive cortisol output by binding to mineral corticoid receptors and decreasing the conversion of active cortisol to inactive cortisone. Pantothenic acid is specifically required by the adrenal gland and deficiency results in adrenal insufficiency Beta-carotene and lycopene are the predominant carotenoids found in the adrenal gland and have a major responsibility in protecting against free radical damage. Tyrosine helps relieve the feelings of depression often accompanying adrenal insufficiency. Supplement Facts Serving Size: 1 capsule Servings Per Container: 60 Amount Per Serving: Vitamin B5 (as calcium pantothenate) 50 mg L-tyrosine 150 mg Eleutherococccus senticosus root standardized extract 125 mg (providing 1 mg eleutherosides) Korean panax ginseng root standardized extract

weiter lesen… »

Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, is a water-soluble B vitamin. Vitamin B2 was first noticed in 1879 as a green pigment found in milk. It is not stored in the human body for any period, and it is therefore important to include a regular dietary source of this vitamin.

Benefits of Vitamin B2:

* Riboflavin plays an important role in certain metabolic reactions of the body, particularly the conversion of carbohydrates (into sugar) and amino acids, which is burned to produce fuel necessary to carry out various activities.

* Vitamin B2 also plays an important role in maintaining muscle tone along the lining of the digestive tract, and promoting the physical condition of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver.

* Riboflavin is an important nutrient in the prevention of headache and some visual disturbances, particularly cataracts.

* It also helps keep mucous membranes (such as those lining the mouth) healthy.

* Needed to process amino acids and fats, activate Vitamin B6 and folic acid,

* Essential for normal tissue respiration.

* B2 is an excellent antioxidant, and works by neutralizing damaging particles in the body (free radicals). These particles, which occur naturally in the body, not only damage cell membranes, but also intermingle with genetic material, and contribute to the development of a number of serious illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. Riboflavin has the potential to neutralize free radicals, and may reduce or even help prevent some of the harm.

* In the treatment of anaemia, adding Vitamin B2 to iron supplements has shown to increase its effectiveness.

Deficiency of Vitamin B2 –

Unlike other B vitamins, riboflavin is not found in many dietary sources. Riboflavin deficiency is medically termed as pellagra. The most common cause of riboflavin deficiency is dietary insufficiency, which occurs in those who do not consume rich dietary sources of the vitamin.

Symptoms of riboflavin deficiency include:

« fatigue,

« stunted growth,

« sensitivity to light,

« digestive problems,

« cracks around the corners of the mouth,

« eye tiredness

« dull or oily hair, an oily skin, premature wrinkles on the face and arms, and split nails.

« malfunctioning of the adrenal glands.

« soreness of the lips, mouth and tongue.

« the tongue may turn magenta (glossitis),

« seborrheic dermatitis (particularly affecting the scrotum, around the nose and in the area between

the nose and the lips).

« conjunctivitis and watering of eyes

« anaemia

Sources of Vitamin B2 –

The best dietary sources of riboflavin include yeast, almonds, organ meats such as liver, whole grains, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, mushroom, oily fish, soyabeans, dairy products such as milk and yogurt, eggs, and spinach.

Flours and breakfast cereals are often fortified with riboflavin.

Extra doses of this vitamin might be required if a person is a regular alcoholic, dependent on antibiotics, birth control pills or doing some strenuous exercise.

If a person is under a lot of stress or on a counted-calorie diet, vitamin B2 is also of importance.

Who is likely to be deficient?

Vitamin B2 deficiency exclusively is not quite common. Deficiency of the vitamin can occur in the elderly subsisting mostly on tea, coffee, bread, biscuits. Riboflavin deficiency also occurs in those with chronic liver disease, chronic alcoholics.

It usually occurs in association with deficiencies of other B vitamins in mostly those people who have a protein and calorie deficiency. Chronic disorders, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes mellitus increase the risk of Vitamin B2 deficiency.

Also, the deficiency may be more likely in people with cataracts, chronic fatigue syndrome, or sickle cell anaemia.

What is the recommended dosage?

The ideal level of intake is not really known.

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is about 1.1 milligrams of riboflavin daily for women and men should have 1.7 milligrams daily. The amounts found in many multivitamin supplements (20–25 mg) is sufficient for most people.

Women who are pregnant, require an additional 0.3 mg per day and lactating mothers require an additional 0.5 mg per day.

Absorption of Vitamin B2 is best when it is taken with meals.

Riboflavin in excess does not appear to cause any serious side effect. Possible reactions to very high doses may include itching, numbness, burning or prickling sensations, and sensitivity to light. A normal yellow discolouration of the urine is seen with an increased intake of vitamin B2 - but this is quite normal and harmless.

Storage of Vitamin B2 –

While riboflavin is not destroyed by heat, it can be lost in water when foods are boiled or soaked. Riboflavin is destroyed by light; therefore, items should be stored away from light to protect their riboflavin content.

If you want to get the maximum B2 vitamin possible from food, refrigerate fresh fruits and veggies and keep milk and grains away from strong light. Vitamins> are easily destroyed and washed out during cooking of food at high temperatures. If taking vitamin B2 supplements, store them at room temperature in a dry place that is free from moisture.

Anyone in recovery desires several things. You want to remain free of the drug you had been using and you want to alleviate the negative physical and emotional conditions that were created by that addiction. Hopefully, you also want to lead a healthier life in general. In order to move along a new path in life in which you are becoming and staying healthier, you must not only stay free of your previous substance abuse, but you should live in a more wholesome manner, one that is not just, not unhealthy, but one that actively promotes good health. One important way to do this is to detoxify your body and keep it free of all harmful, toxic substances. To do this, you ought to eliminate certain habits to avoid these other substances, in addition to remaining free of the drug you were abusing. For this reason, knowledge of the effects of various foods and chemicals is essential to being able to find and stay on the path that leads you to better and better health.

Sometimes sociological conditions and peer influences can distort ones view of the real situation. A good example of this was cigarette smoking. Older movies are a good indication of the social norms at the time. Not only did most people start smoking in social situations, but the person who did not smoke was considered not really as much a part of the social group. Of course, now most people are fully aware that not only is nicotine very addicting, but the intake of the toxic smoke is extremely harmful and unwise, and it is morally wrong to make those around you inhale toxic second hand smoke. Today, things are different and it is the person who wants to smoke, who is a bit of an outsider, and who often finds themselves literally outside, when they have to smoke in another location, like outside a restaurant or even outside an apartment where they are a visitor.

Today, caffeine is an accepted drug, just like nicotine was many years ago. In fact, caffeine is the most widely used drug in the world. Some may feel that it is probably not as harmful as the toxic smoke that went along with nicotine addiction and cigarette smoking. Nevertheless, there is no doubt, that caffeine is very harmful to the health of a person. In the Western world, 8 out of 10 adults consume caffeine in some form. Presently many Americans are hooked on caffeine. Ninety percent consume it in one form or another every single day. Over half of them consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine every day. It is in coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and a variety of other things, and is our nation’s most popular drug.

Caffeine occurs naturally in many plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cocoa nuts. Caffeine is really a biological poison used by plants as a defense against being harmed and injured by the other forms of life in their environment. The caffeine gives seeds and leaves a bitter taste, which discourages their consumption by insects and animals. If predators continue to eat a caffeine-containing plant, the caffeine can cause central nervous system disruptions and even lethal side effects. Most of them learn to leave the plant alone.
Though it is widely known that caffeine is an addictive and unhealthy drug, it is widely consumed and as much a part of American contemporary life as smoking was years ago. With the spread of and popularity of coffee bars, coffee, one of the main sources of caffeine in people’s diet, is more popular than ever. (Tea and hot chocolate, also consumed at these coffee bars contain significant caffeine, but not as much.) Around one third of all coffee drinkers say they can’t do without it and are clearly addicted. Tolerance for caffeine for anyone drinking coffee can develop rapidly and lead to the desire to increase ones consumption. Someone used to drinking six or seven cups of strong coffee a day will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms on waking and then every two to three hours after the last coffee drink. If you are seeking optimum health, however, you should severely curtail your coffee consumption, and eventually stop consuming it at all. It is a drug and the last thing any of us needs is another addiction.

When most people think of caffeine they immediately think of coffee, and yet much of the caffeine that is ingested does not come from coffee at all. In fact, people who do not drink coffee may be ingesting quite a great deal of caffeine regularly. The fact is, caffeine is an addictive additive in most commercial sodas.
Caffeine has many effects on the body and brain. For example, as your body becomes fatigued, adenosine is made in the brain, and binds to adenosine receptors. This causes drowsiness by slowing nerve cell activity. The result is that you will want to stop and rest. You will want to go to sleep. This is healthy, for you need the rest. The adenosine also causes blood vessels to dilate in the brain, so more oxygen can reach the brain during sleep.

When caffeine is ingested and goes into the stomach, it quickly travels to the brain. Once there it binds to the adenosine nerve receptors. But instead of cellular activity slowing, this results in it speeding up. The cell can no longer bind with adenosine, because the caffeine is linked up with all of its available receptors. The usual effect of adenosine is blocked in this way and the cell begins accelerating its activity. In addition to this, because adenosine is shut out, the brain’s blood vessels begin to constrict. The increased neuron firing in the brain stimulates the pituitary gland. The pituitary signals the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline (epinephrine), the “fight or flight” hormone.Unfortunately, when the adrenaline wears off, you feel fatigued and that drives you to get more caffeine. As you go through this cycle many times through the day, you will find yourself becoming more and more irritable.

Caffeine raises the blood pressure and increases the levels of various stress hormones, and for those very sensitive to it or consuming large quantities, it can cause heart palpitations and nervousness. If sustained by regular coffee drinking over a lifetime, these increases in blood pressure and heart rate will elevate the risk of stroke and heart disease. Heavy coffee drinkers, those having five or more cups per day, were two to three times more likely to have coronary heart disease than were nondrinkers.

Caffeine at a high level can eventually lead to exhaustion of the adrenal glands. Caffeine is a chemical stimulant that increases blood levels of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. The adrenal hormones regulate stress response, blood pressure, blood sugar, mineral levels, immune activity, inflammation, and cell growth and repair. Long term caffeine consumption contributes to adrenal insufficiency, in which over 150 hormones produced by the adrenals or metabolized from adrenal hormones no longer function adequately.
Caffeine causes the body to produce greater amounts of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. These elevated levels can last for hours having a negative effect on serotonin and dopamine production. Anxiety will increase and even depression can result from these changes.

People sometimes feel sharper after their cup of coffee, however the increased cortisol will lead to restricted blood to the brain and eventually causes poorer mental performance.

People who chronically stimulate their adrenal glands to overproduce cortisol alter their daily pattern of cortisol concentrations so that cortisol is low in the morning when they wake up instead of high. So they reach for a cup of coffee to artificially spike their cortisol levels up again. These same people experience huge cortisol surges at meals causing them to overeat. They have higher body fat, lower muscle mass, and reduced metabolism, so they burn fewer calories. They don’t sleep well at night because elevated cortisol levels keep them from entering the deep, rebuild and repair stage of sleep the body needs for recuperation. High levels of cortisol will also compromise your immune system and interfere with your body’s ability to fight off pathogens.

Be aware that if you frequently drink coffee or have other sources of caffeine, including ,especially, the many popular caffeinated sodas ,and find that at end of the day you are regularly stressed out and exhausted, even depressed and worried, it could very well be the result of the caffeine generating large amounts of cortisol in your body.

In the end, those seeking the healthiest life should avoid the caffeine to be found in many popular beverages. You should avoid caffeinated coffee, and even Decaf, which is not totally caffeine free, and get in the habit of reading the ingredients on the labels of all sodas and drinks, and choose only the ones which are free of caffeine. Fortunately, for those in successful recovery from alcohol, which had caused hangovers and interfered with the important REM sleep, the powerful need for caffeine in the form of coffee in the morning no longer exists.