General Adrenal Disorders Information
The adrenal glands, also known as the suprarenal glands, are triangular-shaped glands that sit above the kidneys. These glands are responsible for hormone production and regulation. If the adrenal glands are impaired, several autoimmune disorders can occur, including Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome (a rare disorder caused by excessive production of cortisol) and virilization (the development of extreme masculine characteristics in women).
Possible Causes of Adrenal Disorders
There are two main divisions in the adrenal glands:
1) Adrenal Cortex, the outer portion, produces cortisone. It functions in the metabolism of carbohydrates and in the regulation of blood sugar. It also secretes a sex hormone similar to the testes. An underactive adrenal cortex is known as Addison's disease; an overactive adrenal cortex is known as Cushing's syndrome.
2) Adrenal Medulla, the inner portion, produces epinephrine (or adrenaline) and norepinephrine. Adrenaline is produced when the body is in a high stress condition.
Factors that can lead to impaired adrenal function include poor nutritional habits, smoking, alcohol, drugs, stress, depression, caffeine and high stress foods (such as fatty, fried and/or processed foods; sugar and red meat). Chronic stress, cortisone therapy for nonendocrine diseases (such as arthritis and asthma), pituitary diseases and tuberculosis can also affect adrenal function.
Possible Symptoms of Adrenal Disorders
Symptoms of reduced adrenal function include weakness, lethargy, dizziness, headaches, memory problems, food cravings, allegies and blood sugar disorders. People suffering from adrenal disorders often complain of being cold. See our section on Addison’s Disease for more information.
Possible Lifestyle Changes for Adrenal Disorders
Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables. Eat salmon and/or tuna at least three times a week. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. Do not consume fats, fried foods, ham, pork, processed foods, red meats, sugar, soda and white flour. Get regular, moderate exercise and avoid stress as much as possible.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Vitamin B Complex provides all the B vitamins needed for adrenal function.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids is vital for proper adrenal gland function.
Coenzyme A reduces stress and aids proper adrenal gland function.
L-Tyrosine aids adrenal gland function and lessens stress on the glands.
Chlorophyll cleanses the bloodstream.
Coenzyme Q10 carries oxygen to all glands.
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex provides all needed nutrients for proper adrenal gland function.
SAMe helps reduce stress and depression.
Astragalus improved adrenal gland function and reduces stress.
Echinacea protects tissues from bacteria infection.
Milk Thistle aids liver function.
Kava Kava, St. John’s Wort and Valerian reduce stress.
General Age Spots / Liver Spots Information
Age spots are flat brown areas that appear on the body as it ages. Age spots, also called liver spots, can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen on the face, neck and hands. Age spots are harmless, but they can be a signal of a more serious, underlying health problem.
Possible Causes of Age Spots / Liver Spots
Age spots stem from a buildup of wastes in the body. These darkened cells can be a sign of free radical damage that may also affect internal structures, including the heart muscle and retina. Age spots can also be traced to poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, poor liver function, and, most commonly, excessive sun damage.
Possible Symptoms of Age Spots / Liver Spots
Age spots are flat brown areas of skin that appear most commonly on the face, hands and neck. They vary in size and shape, often appearing as dots, spots and scales in the areas that are often exposed to sunlight.
Possible Lifestyle Changes for Age Spots / Liver Spots
Limit exposure to the sun and wear a sunscreen daily. Eat a high protein diet made up of 50% raw fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, seeds and nuts. Avoid all animal protein foods for 30 days. Avoid caffeine, fried foods, red meat, junk foods, sugar and tobacco products.
Beneficial Supplements
Vitamin C repairs damaged tissues.
Vitamin E fights cellular aging by protecting cell membranes.
Coenzyme A supports immune system function.
Grape Seed Extract helps prevent age spots.
L-Carnitine breaks up fat in the bloodstream.
Burdock, Milk Thistle and Red Clover cleanse the bloodstream.
Ginkgo Biloba improves circulation.
Emu Oil helps fight age spots.
General Aging Information
Aging is the natural process of growing older. Aging is not an illness, but increasing age can take its toll on the body, making it more vulnerable to disease and injury. Growing older is inevitable, but there are steps one can take to slow the aging process and prolong life.
Possible Causes of Aging
The human body is made up of millions of cells. These cells are constantly producing new cells to replace old ones that have died or suffered damage, but after the cells divide between 20 to 30 times, cell division slows and eventually stops. When cells stop dividing, they change form and release proteins that damage bodily tissues, which results in aging.
Although some natural decline is inevitable, lifestyle choices, genetics and environmental factors also have a dramatic effect on the aging process. Many people speed aging by making lifestyle choices that work against their health, like smoking, lack of exercise, poor diet, excessive alcohol use and failure to protect skin from the sun. Stress levels also play a key role in longevity, as does attitude. Experts also point to free radical damage as a major contributor to the aging process.
Possible Symptoms of Aging
Symptoms of aging include graying hair, weak joints, wrinkled skin, limited flexibility, weak bones, memory loss, weakened eyesight and diminished immunity. Diminished appetite, sleep disturbances, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, heart palpatations, indigestion and weight gain are also common.
Possible Lifestyle Changes for Aging
Protect skin from the sun by using a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) everyday. Smokers should quit immediately. Smoking speeds bone and lung deterioration and increases facial lines and wrinkles. Engage in weight-bearing exercise, like walking and weight training to build and maintain bone and muscle mass. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables everyday. Avoid fatty foods, salt, caffeine, red meat, white flour, white sugar, chemical food additives, drugs, pesticides and tap water. Learn to manage stress and keep a positive attitude. Do not use harsh, drying soaps on the skin.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) rebuilds muscle mass and reduces the amount of fat tissue.
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) helps increase alertness and enhances mental focus.
Alpha-lipoic Acid aids proper blood sugar balance and liver function.
Coenzyme Q10 aids circulation and protects the heart.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) improves cellular oxygenation.
Glutathione is a free radical scavenger and elevates mood.
Multivitamin and Mineral Complex provides all necessary nutrients.
Vitamin B Complex fights depression.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids enhances the immune system.
Vitamin E fights cellular aging by protecting cell membranes.
Calcium and Magnesium prevents bone loss.
Astragalus and Echinacea help boost the immune system.
Bilberry and Ginseng improve energy, brain function and circulation.
Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful antioxidant that enhances brain function.
Garlic helps immune function and protects the heart.