07 Nov Nutrients Needed For Your Adrenals
Did you know you need specific nutrients to support your adrenals? Nowadays, our society is bombarded with a lifestyle that is constantly stressing us out. On top of living busy lifestyles, the majority of people eat junk….fast food, relying on convenience store items, which can be processed and have very low nutrient density. It’s really affecting our adrenal gland!
The combination of the two can really break you. Our adrenals NEED certain nutrients to work correctly. Actually, any organ or process in our body is fueled by nutrition. Not JUST macronutrients (carbs, protein, fats), but actual micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).
What do our adrenals do?
Our adrenal glands are right above our kidney and produce hormones, like cortisol, testosterone, aldosterone, DHEA, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Many of these hormones are essential in our day to day life from balancing salt and water, potassium, influencing metabolism, and more.
What do your adrenals need?
- Vitamin C – Vitamin C is involved with the adrenal metabolism. It’s so important to get enough Vitamin C because it helps manufacture steroid hormones in the adrenals, like cortisol. As we are more stressed and increase cortisol production, our body uses more vitamin C. We can easily become depleted with vitamin C throughout the body, which can cause our immune system to not function properly and our adrenals can’t produce essential hormones.
- B Vitamins – B vitamins are usually known for their ability to make help make energy. Pantothenic acid (B5) and B6 are really important for the adrenals. (Honestly, all the B vitamins are needed throughout the adrenal process, but B5 and B6 stand out for additional supplementation if you are struggling with a burn out of your adrenals). B5 turns into acetyl CoA, which helps your body use glucose for energy. Your adrenals need extra energy because it takes a lot to produce adrenal hormones. B6 is a coenzyme in many pathways for the adrenal metabolism.
- Magnesium – Magnesium is another nutrient that acts in a big way with making energy for the adrenal glands. It’s a cofactor in making certain enzymes in the adrenal glands to produce hormones. Magnesium works together with the vitamins C + B.
- Selenium supports and protects them. Studies showing that when we’re deficient in selenium, this can cause adrenal problems.
- Vitamin E – While this vitamin isn’t directly related to adrenals, vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that can reduce the amount of free radicals that are made in the adrenal gland production. If free radicals aren’t under control, the whole process is slowed down. Vitamin E and vitamin C can work hand in hand in making each other more efficient.
Are you making sure your adrenal glands are getting nourished to work properly?
P.S. Work 1:1 with me to make sure your diet is on point for proper body functioning, hormonal imbalance issues, and overall health!
