Stress

The adrenal glands lie just above the kidneys and are composed of two distinct parts, the adrenal medulla and the adrenal cortex. The adrenal medulla (the inner core) is functionally related to the sympathetic nervous system and secretes the hormones epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenalin). These hormones stimulate many body processes related to the fight or flight response. They also serve to maintain normal nervous control over many involuntary body functions, such as heart rate, respiration, digestion and blood vessel tone.

The adrenal cortex (the outer core) secretes an entirely different group of hormones called corticosteroids. These are all formed from cholesterol. They exert a profound effect on the metabolism of glucose, reduce inflammation and allergic response and affect proper mineral balance. The primary sex hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). While some of the body's basic control mechanisms are geared toward counteracting the everyday stresses of life, the adrenals may become 'exhausted' as a result of constant demands placed upon them. An individual with adrenal exhaustion may experience surges in energy, feel 'stressed out', tired and have a reduced resistance to allergies and infection, and experience digestion disturbances.

Nutritional supplements may assist in supporting the adrenal system through times of stress and fatigue. B vitamins are water soluble molecules that are not stored by the body. They are needed daily to support many bodily functions. Deficiencies of one or more of the B vitamins are common, especially during times of fasting or weight-loss or as a result of diets that include substantial amounts of refined and processed food, sugar or alcohol. As a group these essential nutrients are normally named the B complex vitamins as they are commonly found together in foods. They have similar coenzyme functions and several individual "Bs" are required to be present for each vitamin to work effectively. Small quantities of certain B vitamins can also be made in the body, primarily in the large intestine. Bacteria, yeast, fungi and moulds are all capable of producing B vitamins. The overuse of antibiotics may prevent this function. The B vitamins could be described as catalytic spark plugs of the body; they function as coenzymes to catalyse many biochemical reactions. B vitamins help provide energy by acting with enzymes to convert carbohydrates to glucose and are also important in fat and protein/amino acid metabolism. The B vitamin group is very important for the normal functioning of the nervous system and is often helpful in promoting a relaxation or energy effect for people who are stressed and/or fatigued. The health of the skin, hair, eyes and liver is influenced by the B vitamins, as is that of the mucosal linings, especially in and around the mouth. The general muscle tone of the gastrointestinal tract is also enhanced with proper levels of B vitamins that, in turn, allows the bowel to function more efficiently. Symptoms of Vitamin B deficiency include: fatigue, irritability, nervousness, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, sore (burning) mouth or tongue and cracks at the corners of the mouth.

Magnesium is critical to many cellular functions (including energy production, protein formation and cellular replication). In its primary function as an enzyme activator, magnesium participates in more than 300 enzymatic reactions in the body. Approximately 60% of the magnesium in the body is bone. The tissues with the highest magnesium concentration are those that are the most metabolically active (brain, heart, liver and kidney). Two groups most prone to magnesium deficiency are the elderly and women (especially during the premenstrual phase). Deficiency is often secondary to factors that reduce absorption or increase secretion of magnesium, such as high calcium intake, alcohol, surgery, diuretics, liver disease, kidney disease and oral contraceptive use. Deficiency signs and symptoms include fatigue, mental confusion, irritability, weakness, heart disturbances, problems in nerve conduction and muscle contraction, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, insomnia and a predisposition to stress. A noticeable recurring contraction of an eyelid muscle or large muscle cramping which is not caused by peripheral vascular disease, anxiety or insomnia are indications that magnesium may be deficient.

Testing Magnesium Levels. Low magnesium levels may go unnoticed because serum magnesium testing often returns false negative results. Most of the body’s magnesium store lies within cells, not in the serum (the non-cellular portion of the blood). A low magnesium level in the serum reflects end-stage deficiency. A more sensitive test of magnesium status is the level of magnesium within the red blood cell (erythrocyte magnesium level). Magnesium, calcium, potassium and other minerals frequently interact and some minerals may reduce the absorption of magnesium. Vitamin B6 works together with magnesium in many enzyme systems and increases the intracellular accumulation of magnesium. A high calcium intake and a high intake of dairy foods fortified with Vitamin D result in decreased magnesium absorption. There are many drugs that may deplete magnesium levels in the body, particularly many diuretics, insulin and digoxin.