Adrenal Support: Take the Stress Out of Disease Prevention: Develop a Personalised Health Plan of Action with the Adrenal Support Programme

More and more, were learning that what we used to think of as just stress, is actually the underlying cause of some of the most serious diseases we face today.

There is no sure-fire way to rid your life of stress altogether, but you can determine the effects of stress on your health. And once you identify them, there are ways to fix any systems that arent functioning properly.

These walnut-sized glands have a huge job of helping our bodies cope with stress

Most of us dont give the adrenal glands much thought. But theyre at the centre of how the body works. They affect things like the immune system, blood pressure, heart rate and brain function.

Your body has two adrenal glands, one near the top of each kidney. One part of the gland secretes hormones, such as adrenaline, that help control blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and other activities also regulated by the sympathetic nervous system.

But it is the other part of the adrenals, that provides the best-known function of the adrenal glands, and that is to help the body cope with stress. They do this by secreting corticosteroids (cortisone-like hormones, such as cortisol).

Under stress, the adrenals are called into action to prepare the body to handle the situation, the fight or flight response.

But if stress levels are very high or long lasting, the adrenals become exhausted and unable to support even normal daily functions, called adrenal fatigue. It can lead to serious problems including low energy, insomnia, digestive problems, or even osteoporosis.

Adrenal fatigue also forces the body to try to adapt to low cortisol levels either by overstimulating other body systems or by causing generally poor regulation of important body chemistry. For example, if the adrenals cant make sufficient cortisol (a major inflammation control system) inflammation can become constant, leading to all sorts of conditions like arthritis and heart disease.

However, the symptoms of an adrenal disorder can be tricky to diagnose because theyre often seen as part of common conditions, such as ageing or diseases. Its only been recently that these symptoms and conditions have been clearly identified as being caused or complicated by adrenal fatigue.

Diagnosing the downward adrenal slide

HSI has learned of a programme called Adrenal Support Programme from Lifespan that is reputed to help correct the wear and tear of stress on key body systems. The programme provides a personalised, guided plan of action that combines scientific testing with naturally-based treatments.

When you sign up for the Adrenal Support Programme, you will receive the Adrenal Stress Index (ASI) test. There are two parts to the process.

The first part involves filling out a questionnaire. The questionnaire not only predicts the need for the programme but also allows the programme to address your most important symptoms. The second part in the process is a saliva test. Once your test vials have been posted and have arrived at the lab, the saliva test measures seven different elements in order to pinpoint any problems in your adrenals.

When the test is completed, a copy of your results will be sent directly to you. But you dont have to interpret them on your own. The next phase of the Adrenal Support Programme is a telephone discussion with a consultant who will go over your test results in light of your age, gender, and health history.

Youll receive a personalised programme

Based on your test results and the information gathered during your phone consultation, you will receive a customized treatment programme designed just for you to help get your cortisol levels back into the correct range and restoring normal adrenal responsiveness. This usually includes recommendations for foods to emphasize or avoid and very specific recommendations for nutritional and herbal supplements.

There is usually an improvement in symptoms and a correction of cortisol levels by the end of the first month. It is recommended to get a repeat saliva test at this time to be sure the programme is getting the cortisol to the right levels. The time required to regain better adrenal responsiveness varies, but the typical programme lasts three months.

Personalisation comes at a price

While this sort of individualised health programme isnt cheap, the cost does include the Adrenal Stress Index test, a one hour phone consultation, and printed programme instructions and recommendations. Plus, youll get the support you need to complete the programme.

Beyond the initial test and program cost, theres also the cost of supplements. But you can be confident in the fact that you are taking the right supplements specific for your health. 

If your life has been filled with stress, or you think that your adrenal glands might not be functioning at optimal levels, this programme may be useful in getting control back over your stress and ultimately, your health.