The body has 2 adrenal glands which are located on top of the kidneys. The main function for these glands is countering stress with the production of several hormones. Physical and mental stress are handled the same way, as these glands do not distinguish between the two. They treat both forms of stress the same way. The adrenals also have an anti-inflammatory action and an immune system protection. They help balance fluids and salt level by controlling minerals, i.e. potassium. They also act as back up organs for the ovaries during menopause. When the adrenals do not function properly, there can be an excess adrenal hormone production as well as a deficiency.
Excessive Adrenal Hormone Production
Excess fat in the midsection and the face can occur as a result of over production. Fat forms in the midsection in and around the abdominal organs and sags downward over the belly. There are many stages of adrenal problems but blood tests rarely show anything until they are well advanced into dangerous stages. A fat pad can develop in the lower neck and upper back area, commonly referred to as a “buffalo hump”. Fat accumulation around the face gives the appearance of a “moon face”. This type of body generally has a large midsection with thin arms and legs. The reason this occurs is that the adrenal stress hormone, cortisol, breaks down leg muscle and turns it into sugar. This is the body’s response to supply quick energy for stressful situations. The sugar, if not completely burned will convert into fat around the abdomen where the vital organs lie.
Cortisol is the hormone that gives us the “flight or fight syndrome”. It can be very destructive on the body’s proteins, especially bone tissue, leading to thinning of the bones, or osteoporosis. It steals these proteins for food. Overactive adrenals release so much sugar from the tissues and even turn muscles into sugar, blocking the fat-burning hormones. In order to burn fat there must be no sugar or limited sugar in the blood. The body cannot burn fat in the presence of sugar or refined carbohydrates. It will always burn sugar before fat. Consuming small amounts of protein in between meals will help prevent the body from eating itself.
Potassium loss occurs causing the body pH to become alkalotic reducing its ability to absorb calcium, causing muscle cramping. Cramps in the calf muscle, especially at night, come from calcium, magnesium and potassium deficiencies. Instead of calcium going into the body it collects on body tissues, causing issues such as early cataracts, tarter on teeth, bone spurs, joint arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. Twitching under or on top of the eyelid can be felt. Because calcium is not absorbed, sleep is difficult, which nullifies fat burning as certain hormones only burn fat during deep sleep cycles.
As you can see adrenal dysfunction can hinder weight loss. Overproduction of adrenal hormones can create many barriers. Adrenal deficiency can also create barriers for weight loss as I will discuss tomorrow.