Adrenal diseases

The adrenals are two crescent-shaped glands that sit on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. They are divided anatomically and functionally into two main parts: the medulla (middle) and cortex.

The inner part, or adrenal medulla, manufactures epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known commonly as adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones are the “fight or flight” hormones that are released in potentially life-or-death situations. Their release increases one’s heart rate and blood pressure and diverts more blood to brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. This is important when discussing stress.

The adrenal cortex surrounds the adrenal medulla and responds to a different type of stress. This is where the steroid hormones are made. These include cortisone,  cortisol, hydrocortisone, testosterone, estrogen, 17-hydroxy-ketosteroids, DHEA, pregnenolone, aldosterone, androstenedione, progesterone and some other intermediate hormones.

Addison’s disease is a profound chronic adrenal failure caused by damage or disease of the adrenal gland, resulting in a deficiency of cortisol. This disease is sometimes called chronic adrenal insufficiency or hypocortisolism. The most important job of cortisol is to help the body respond to stress.

Addison’s disease is characterized by muscle weakness, reduced blood sugar, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and low blood pressure, which can impact the act of standing, causing dizziness or fainting. Skin changes also are common in Addison’s disease, with areas of hyperpigmentation or dark tanning that are mostly visible on scars, skin folds, toes, lips, mucous membranes, and pressure points, like elbows, knees, and knuckles. The hormone aldosterone, together with kidneys, regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the body. This regulation is critical to many areas of physiological function, including ability to react to stress, maintain fluid balance and regulate blood pressure.

Overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands leads to Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome also results when glucocorticoid drug hormones (such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone) are taken in excess for a prolonged period of time. These steroid hormones are often used to treat inflammatory-related illnesses such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and some allergies.

The overproduction of cortisol in adrenal glands can happen in two ways. A pituitary tumor could be producing too much ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, produced by the pituitary gland), stimulating adrenals to grow and to produce too much cortisol. It is classically called Cushing’s disease.

Cushing’s disease is characterized by central obesity; sparing of the arms and legs (thin extremities); a round, reddish moon face; buffalo hump and a protuberant abdomen. Many people with Cushing’s syndrome experience severe fatigue, weak muscles, ulcers, thin skin, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Irritability, anxiety, and depression are also very common. Women with Cushing’s syndrome will usually have excess hair growth on their face, necks, chests, abdomens and thighs. Their menstrual periods may become irregular or stop. Men may have decreased fertility and desire for sex.

Role of Noni in Dehydroepiamdrosterone (DHEA)

Aging and diseases associated with aging cause a decline in critical hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Pregnenolone is converted into crucial antiaging hormones like Dehydroepiamdrosterone (DHEA), estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. DHEA supplementation helps to partly rectify hormone imbalances caused by age-induced adrenal insufficiency. DHEA is the human sterol. Phytosterols are  precursors of human sterol. Noni contains all the phytosterols. Thus may help enhancing the DHEA level in body. 

DHEA may help to protect against overproduction of cortisol from adrenal glands and enhance immune system. This is an important factor since too much cortisol accelerates aging and causes immune system disorders. Studies show that DHEA deficiency may actually debilitate immune status.

Pantothenic Acid

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) activates adrenal glands. It is a precursor of acetyl CoA (a part of the Krebs’s cycle which produces cellular energy) and acetylcholine (a primary neurotransmitter). Pantothenic acid deficiency results in adrenal insufficiency, which is characterized by fatigue, headache, sleep disturbances, nausea and abdominal discomfort.

Melatonin

Melatonin is secreted by pineal gland and functions to regulate circadian rhythm and induces sleep. Melatonin circadian secretion in patients with pituitary- or adrenal-dependent Cushing’s syndrome was significantly lower compared to health control groups. Melatonin is a hormone secreted naturally by pineal gland. Melatonin is the sleep hormone. Melatonin is secreted mainly at night. Noni helps to secret more melatonin from the pineal gland of our body.

Noni as an immune modulator : Noni acts like an immune modulator. Hence it helps in adrenal diseases by modulating body immune system.

Recommended Dosage

Divine Noni Concentrate

5ml morning and 5ml evening for 3 days. Then

10ml morning and 10ml evening for next 3 days. Then

15ml morning and 15ml evening for next 8 months.