Although they form part of the HPA axis (a complex set of relationships and signals between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenals), the adrenal glands themselves are situated far away from the brain— just above the kidneys. (The word “adrenal” is Latin for near the kidneys.)
These important glands secrete aldosterone, which is integral to the proper functioning of the kidneys, but they also play an important role in many of the body’s systems.
When we are stressed, the hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary to “message” the adrenal glands, which instantly release stress hormones. The most significant of these are adrenaline and cortisol.
The purpose of these stress hormones is to help us in times of true emergency (the fight or flight response), but their constant secretion can exert a profoundly negative effect on the body. Over time, the adrenals themselves become stressed, leading to a range of symptoms collectively known as adrenal exhaustion.
While the symptoms of adrenal exhaustion vary from person to person, they most commonly involve the inability to sleep, fatigue, lack of energy in the mornings and/or afternoons, increase in energy in the late evenings, irritability, cravings for sweet foods, weight gain and a weakened immune response.
Purica VITALITY Adrenal Support formula contains a combination of natural ingredients recognized for their ability to calm and restore balance within overworked adrenal glands.
BenefitsPrimary benefits of Purica VITALITY Adrenal Support:
Helps the body to better handle stress
Reduces tension and disharmony
Reduces cortisol production
Reduces inflammation
Improves cardiovascular health
Increases DHEA and sports endurance
Stimulates the immune system
A rich source of antioxidants
The power of adaptogens
Certain substances, known as adaptogens, have the power to balance the various systems within the body, and to reduce the impact of stress. Adaptogens can be especially helpful for adrenal fatigue.
Adaptogens that help support the adrenals include the mushrooms Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) and the Ayurvedic herb, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
Actions & Uses
Ingredients and their actions
Chaga
Chaga, a nutrient-rich powerhouse of over 200 potent phytonutrients, is very helpful for balancing the stress response. Antioxidants in Chaga provide further support for the immune system and have been shown in numerous studies to prevent cellular mutations that can contribute to disease.
Cordyceps
The Cordyceps mushroom is known for its ability to improve energy, decrease stress and improve physical performance. It further enhances the immune response and possesses antioxidant properties.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has been used for many centuries to reduce stress and its impact on the body. A 2008 study showed that participants taking 500 mg a day of Sensoril® optimized Ashwagandha had cortisol levels nearly 30 per cent lower than subjects who took a placebo, as well as significantly higher DHEA levels.