Adrenal Support Vitamins and Foods

What Are Adrenal Support Vitamins?

There is a pair of adrenal glands in the human body. While they form an important component of the endocrine system, the proper working of this gland needs adrenal support vitamins and foods. Shaped like mushroom tops, each of these glands is located on top of each of the kidneys.

Adrenal Glands Function:

The main adrenal glands function is to maintain the homeostatic balance of the body in times of stress through the release of various hormones and neurotransmitters. Meanwhile, they help in dealing with both physical as well as emotional stress by regulating the function of all the other glands, tissues and organs. In short, these small adrenal glands play a consequential role in the body.

It is, therefore, extremely important to maintain the health of these glands. Discussed below is information about various adrenal support vitamins essential for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands.

Adrenal Support Vitamins List

In the absence of adrenal support vitamins, the suprarenal glands will be unable to produce the required level of adrenal hormones. Here is the list of that assist in the healthy working of these organs.

Vitamin C

This powerful antioxidant does not only boost the body’s immunity, but also helps the adrenal glands in performing their function. The significance of this compound, as an adrenal support vitamin, is explained below.

Dealing with Stress

The adrenal glands contain the highest concentration of vitamin C as compared to all the other glands and organs of the body. They release the vitamin into the blood stream to be used by different cells and tissues in order to deal with various types of stress. Therefore, a deficiency of vitamin C can lead to an inability of the adrenal glands to help the body in fighting stress.

Synthesis of Cortisol

An important hormone released by the suprarenal glands is cortisol. By nature, it is a glucocorticoid which regulates the body’s metabolism and controls the blood pressure. Also, it affects an individual’s emotions. Therefore, the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands is very important for the well-being of every individual. So, vitamin C plays a significant role in the production of this hormone.

Synthesis of Catecholamine

Catecholamine is a group of important neurotransmitters and hormones produced by the adrenal glands. These include adrenaline, epinephrine and dopamine which play a part in dealing with stress in various ways. Meanwhile, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of catecholamine. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for the functioning of the adrenal glands.

You can consume high contents of vitamin C through the following sources.

• Citrus fruits
• Bell Peppers
• Guavas
• Fresh Berries
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Chili Peppers
• Kale
• Kiwi
• Papaya

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant which protects the cells in the adrenal glands from damage by free radicals. Junk food, microwave radiations, various cancer causing agents as well as environmental pollution cause the body to produce free radicals. Actually, they are unstable molecules and can damage cells.

Vitamin E helps different enzymatic reactions taking place in the adrenal glands which neutralize these harmful molecules. Therefore, this vitamin is essential to protect the adrenal glands, so that they can keep performing their assigned function.

An adult individual requires 22.4 IU of vitamin E on daily basis. High sources of the vitamin are listed below.

• Eggs
• Olive Oil
• Spinach
• Sunflower seeds
• Kale
• Almonds
• Avocado
• Peanuts
• Swiss Chard
• Asparagus

Vitamin B3

Also known as Niacin, vitamin B3 is one of the most important adrenal support vitamins. Most importantly, it helps the adrenal glands in the synthesis of different sex-related hormones as well as other hormones required for dealing with stress. The required amount of niacin for adult females is 14 micrograms and for adult males is 16 micrograms.

However, an excess can lead to minor side effects. Therefore, unless an individual is facing a severe deficiency of niacin, they should use natural sources of the vitamin instead of going for supplements.

Listed below are some good natural sources of vitamin B3.

• Salmon
• Beef liver
• Sunflower Seeds
• Tuna
• Beets
• Peanuts
• Egg Yolk
• Chicken
• Sardines
• Turkey

Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 also has another name, i.e. pantothenic acid. Moreover, you may call it an anti-stress vitamin. Concerning its importance, it is required for the synthesis of several stress control and sex-related hormones that the adrenal glands produce. Therefore, a deficiency of the vitamin can impair the adrenal function. Adults should consume 5 milligrams of pantothenic acid on daily basis.

Vitamin B5 can be obtained from the following natural sources.

• Milk
• Egg Yolk
• Salmon
• Lobster
• Whole Grains
• Chicken
• Fresh vegetables
• Peanuts
• Nuts
• Turkey

Vitamin B6 and B12

B6 and B12 are important adrenal support vitamins. The former, i.e. vitamin B6, has a role in the synthesis of various adrenal hormones while the latter plays an important part in the production of energy as well as the repair of damaged cells. Both of the vitamins are, therefore, essential for the health and proper functioning of the adrenal glands.

Good sources of these vitamins are listed below.

• Sea Food
• Dairy Products
• Fresh vegetables and fruits
• Meat
• Fortified cereals

Summing up, the adrenal glands require all of the above mentioned adrenal support vitamins in order to function properly and avoid issues like adrenal fatigue. In fact, these vitamins help in the production of adrenal hormones and of repair cells. Furthermore, they maintain the overall health of the adrenal glands.