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Adrenals & The Gut: Blood Sugar, Trauma & The Overload Of Stress

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:18:00 -0800

In many ways, the issue of adrenal fatigue can be thought of as a lack of coordination between various endocrine glands in the HPA axis. In the past I've written about many factors that can influence adrenal fatigue, and its associated lack of HPA axis coordination. What is beoming more evident is the role of intestinal function, glucose regulation and traumatic events on the stress axis of the body.

HPA Axis - Key Regulator of the Stress Response

The HPA axis is comprised of 3 glands: the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenals. Each gland produces various hormones which will tend to affect another gland and the secretion of other hormones. Cortisol, for example, functions in a "negative feedback loop", and as such influences the production of the hormone CRH (corticotrophin releasing hormone) by the hypothalamus.

Numerous factors can contribute to a loss of normal HPA axis coordination. For example, prolonged exercise will result in stimulation of HPA axis hormones, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) and CRH.

Other studies have demonstrated that low glucose levels trigger a stress response, through the stimulation of ACTH and CRF. This is particularly true with exercise. This strongly implies the importance of maintaining excellent blood sugar control if one is going to engage in exercise.

Gut Function & Adrenal Stress

A great amount of research in recent years has focused on the correlation between mood, behavior, depression, anxiety and gut toxicity and GI dysbiosis (See my recent article on this subject with citations). Other studies have found direct correlations between elevated stress hormones in patients with GI issues, such as IBS. This study revealed that upon administration of CRH to IBS patients, there was an exaggerated and high production of ACTH (from the pituitary) and cortisol (from the adrenals). Anyone with a chronic gut issue will likely tell you about the effect that stress has on their gut-related symptoms.

Experiments on rats reveal that past traumatic experiences resulted in a breakdown of the gut mucosal barrier. This signals that many gut issues may be caused by trauma and stressful events early in one's life.

Additionally, last year I discussed the role of the limbic brain on the stress response of the body. In summary, the limbic system processes memories and meaningful experiences. The limbic glands, the amygdala and hippocampus are very rich in cortisol receptors. This implies that traumatic experiences, (take for example PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder) may have an "imprinting" effect on the nervous system, triggering a perpetual stress response.

Studies have focused attention on how serotonin (one of the most important neurotransmitters that regulates mood, sleep and behavior) in the limbic brain is altered in people with PTSD. It is becoming increasingly more evident that many neurotransmitters, such as serotonin are found in the gut. In the case of serotonin, 95% of it is in the gut mucosa.

The correlation is quite clear: people under high levels of adrenal and HPA axis stress may be more likely to develop gut-related issues.

Adrenal Plan: Glucose & Gut Function

The human diet evolved from more of a feast and famine type of diet. Humans traditionally had to go longer periods of time subsisting on minimal amounts of food, and this is evident in the fact that the body has developed approximately 7 mechanisms to raise blood sugar, but only 1 mechanism to lower it.

To raise blood sugar, the body can use glucagon, adrenaline, cortisol, thyroxine, growth hormone, ACTH and somatostatin. The only way the body can lower glucose is through insulin. The primary problem with chronically elevated glucose is that if over-exposed to insulin, the cells become resistant to insulin, leaving high amounts of sugar in the blood. If the body had other ways besides insulin to lower glucose, then the diabetes epidemic would not exist.

The real problem however, lies in the factors that cause glucose to be continuously mobilized into the bloodstream. Diet is a primary one, but so is the chronic stress response.

If a person's HPA axis lacks the necessary coordination, and its intricate communication pathways are aberrant, I would argue that its ability to maintain normal glucose levels may also be impaired. And this is precisely why so many clinicians place so much emphasis upon maintaining sufficient glucose levels when adrenal burnout is present.

Many people whose HPA axis are fatigued report on how they need to eat frequent meals throughout the day to prevent a crash in blood sugar. Remember again that 3 of the primary mechanisms to raise blood sugar are HPA axis hormones, and the fourth (thyroid hormone) is strongly influenced by HPA axis hormones.

When it comes to gut function and the stress response, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the need to address the functionality of the GI mucosal barrier, the gut flora, and any degree of toxicity in the gut which may alter intestinal ecology.

Gut Infections, Immune System & Stress Hormones

Studies have shown how stress hormones such as CRH modify immune signaling and the pathways of inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, it is well documented in the literature that pathogens can incite high levels in systemic inflammation. I think it may be fair to say that the greater the intensity and duration of infections, the more involved stress hormones may become in enhancing the immune-derived inflammation.

What about gut infections and stress hormones? Serious infections such as C. Diff (clostridium difficile) go hand in hand with high levels of CRH. What about a breakdown of the intestinal mucosal barrier due to stress-induced CRH production? Yes, the literature supports this as well.

Its now well documented in the literature that certain strains of probiotics, such as L-reuteri and B-infantis modulate behavior by acting on the enteric gut neurons, which communicate with the brain (see my previous article on this with citations).

It is clear that addressing adrenal issues involves addressing many adjacent pathways and functions.

Michael McEvoy has a private nutritional consulting practice. He works with clients nationally and internationally. Please contact him to learn more about his nutritional consulting services and programs.

Sources:

http://jap.physiology.org/content/85/3/835.full

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16472586

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2095678/#ref36

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17234701

http://jap.physiology.org/content/71/5/1807

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21855859

http://www.pnas.org/content/101/22/8503.short

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1023%2FA%3A1013204612762?LI=true

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165572896001786

Elevated LDL Cholesterol: The Hypothyroid Connection

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 23:00:15 -0700

Thyroid conditions are increasingly common. Some researchers and clinicians would argue that thyroid conditions are an epidemic. When thyroid conditions are present, the thyroid is treated as if the thyroid itself is the core of the problem. But in reality, when thyroid issues exist, it is only one piece of the problem.

What is important to understand is that if thyroid hormone levels are diminished for any number of reasons, there can be a number of added symptoms and related issues that manifest. Since a decrease in thyroid hormone affects every cell of the body, there is not one physiological system of the body that isn't affected by low thyroid hormone. Additionally, if a physician is not aware of the bigger picture, the patient's health may suffer.

Low Thyroid & Elevated LDL Cholesterol

As if the madness regarding the efforts made to lower one's cholesterol wasn't at an all time level of illogical hysteria, there are more logs to throw onto the fire. One often forgotten fact is that the cellular uptake of LDL cholesterol will diminish if there is inadequate thyroid hormone in the cells. Consequently, LDL levels in serum may rise significantly due to poor LDL utilization.

The allopath, with his mind in a symptom-based and number-oriented reality, may be totally unaware of the low thyroid/LDL connection. He will harp and protest and threaten the patient with a statin drug, if the patient is unable to lower their LDL. In a tizzy, the patient tries all of the initial remedies: niacin flushes, garlic, red rice yeast and the silly extraction of cholesterol and fats from the diet. All to no avail. Finally the doctor in all his allopathic furry unleashes the cholesterol-reducing medication. The patient immediately feels horrible, heavy arms and limbs, a terrible weakness making it seem as if he has aged 50 years.

Nowhere along the way does the doctor consider running a thyroid panel. And even if he does run it, he's probably only running the TSH value, and not running the all important Free T3 and Free T4 measurements.

Not only does this patient suffer from an undiagnosed, undetected low thyroid condition, his body is now being depleted of one of the most essential lipids in his body: cholesterol. His cortisol, DHEA and testosterone synthesis plummets, because cholesterol is the backbone of all steroidal hormones. His body's anabolic defenses, needed to stop the free radical cascade in his tissues has lost its core battalion: cholesterol. Even more frightening since the LDL is forcibly being reduced, all of the other essential nutrients on that LDL lipid raft are being reduced as well.

Cholesterol-lowering medications will deplete more than just cholesterol. They will also deplete CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10), and since LDL carries other nutrients and antioxidants, you can wave bon voyage to the critical lipid-soluble crew: Vitamins E, A, D, and K, not to mention phospholipids such as phosphotidyl choline. How will his body be able to defend itself from the internal raging fires of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and free radical destruction without these imperative antioxidants? Short answer is that he's up against a lot of problems induced by the statin.

And if this poor fellow is eating a standard American diet, one loaded with unsaturated vegetable oils and trans fats, these toxic lipids will be like explosive devices waiting to generate massive oxidative fires.

And to make matters worse, what about the undiagnosed low thyroid condition, or all of the factors that have lead to it? Is there any semblance of metabolic efficiency in this guy's future? Let's say the guy sees an endocrinologist who diagnoses low thyroid, puts him on synthetic T4 and then sends him off. Well, maybe it works, but maybe he can't effectively convert the T4 into T3. Then what?

Even if the doctor knows that low thyroid activity is causing a decrease in LDL uptake, the doctor may still prescribe the statin. The statin is only making matters far worse. No underlying issues are being addressed, let alone even considered.

Get To The Real Issues Already

In our little made up story, there is a happy ending. The guy decides to get serious about his health. He decides to ditch the junk food diet, have his toxic mercury fillings removed by a REAL dentist, one or two at a time, and start addressing his core issues. He may need to take some thyroid medication until his body gets into better balance, but he learns that the function of his adrenals and his steroidal hormone balance is of great concern if he wishes to restore proper coordination of his HPA/HPT axis.

He also feels that the statin drug he was given, which was making him feel 50 years older, weaker and sicker, is not of service to his body or to his new healthy outlook on life. Furthermore, this guy now knows that the reason his LDL was going up is more complex than initially assumed. He is smarter now, because he knows that he must become an active participant in his health if he is going to enjoy good health.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is solely matter of opinion and should not be used to replace medical advice.

Sources:

Lagor, Millar, 'Overview of the LDL Receptor: Relevance to cholesterol metabolism and future approaches for the treatment of coronary heart disease', Journal of Receptor, Ligand & Channel Research, 12-15-09

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12490078

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jrd/50/1/50_1_9/_article

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19404868

http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJM199409293311306

http://mend.endojournals.org/content/14/11/1739.short

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043276004000633

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/10507250252949405

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20166147

Herbal Medicine, Adrenals & Beyond: Powerful Effects For Healing

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:48:01 -0700

Traditional herbal medicines provide tremendous therapeutic benefits for issues related to adrenal stress, high and low cortisol, nervous system imbalances and depression. While there are a plethora of herbs used, some of the most common, therapeutic herbs in these regards are: ashwagandha, licorice, eleuthero and Korean ginseng. When it comes to herbal medicine, quality is a major issue.

Ashwagandha: Withania

Ashwagandha, also known as "Indian Ginseng" and "Withania", has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Ashwagandha has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, immuno-modulatory, anti-stress and liver-protective effects. Ashwagandha is considered an "adaptogenic herb", meaning that it has the ability to be adapted under different circumstances, and that its adaptive abilities have "normalizing" effects on various physiological functions. Therefore, many clinicians and herbalists choose to use ashwagandha for high and low cortisol episodes, as well as protocols involving liver support and immune modifications.

Combined with other herbs, such as rehmannia, many clinicians report that this tandem can reduce high levels of cortisol quickly. Ashwagandha is also used to support the functions of the entire HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary adrenal) axis.

Licorice

Licorice has been used medicinally and therapeutically for at least 5,000 years. Licorice root extract is considered to be an herbal tonic. Tonics work by "tonifying" an organ, gland or system. Licorice is best known for extending the life of cortisol, a major adrenal stress hormone. Licorice is most commonly used for people with low cortisol, but can it also be used to repair and restore the gastric mucosa.

Licorice is contraindicated for people with hypertension.

Eleuthero

Also known as Siberian Ginseng, eleuthero is adaptogenic. It is used by clinician's for both high and low cortisol episodes, as well as with other herbs to support HPA axis function. Eleuthero is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and has a wide range of effects such as: antioxidant activity, immune modulation and nervous system balancing properties.

Eleuthero's triterpenoid saponins have a wide range of physiological activity, including the affinity for a variety of cells and tissues, such as the receptors for various hormones.

Korean Ginseng

Korean ginseng, also known as Panax, is one of the most revered and prized medicinal herbs. This potent adaptogen is well documented to possess strong anti-cancer properties. Studies conducted on Panax, demonstrate its ability to raise catalase and SOD antioxidant enzymes in the cells. Other studies on Panax Ginseng demonstrate the herb's ability to up-regulate the phase I enzyme system cytochrome P450. Cytochrome P450 is imperative for detoxification of xenoestrogens and carcinogens, both of which are strongly implicated in cancer.

Panax Ginseng has also demonstrated its ability to reduce high blood sugar levels, and to normalize the effect of insulin and cortisol responses.

Purity Of Herbs Is Key

Purity is a major issue with herbs. Wild-crafted and organic herbs are naturally the best. Also, it is well known that herbs prepared in alcohol have a stronger overall effect than dry herbs. In many instances, traditionally-prepared, alcohol-based herbal formulas have a potency several times greater than dry herbs.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11194174

Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic use of Ashwagandha: Mishra, Singh, Dagenais: Alternative Medicine Review, volume 5 #4, 2000

Hudson, Tori, ND, Adrenal Dysregulation Syndrome & Elevated Salivary Cortisol Levels, Natural Medicine Journal

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20204713

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295299002129

http://www.cmjournal.org/content/5/1/37/

The Complexity Of Endocrine Issues: Lifestyle Factors & Prolonged Stress

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 22:34:47 -0700

One thing that I have learned is that healing is a journey. Complex endocrine and hormonal issues take time to correct. There is no doubt about it: hormone and endocrine issues can be some of the more complex and involved issues to resolve, largely because the endocrine system is quite complex, and there are many factors that influence it. Additionally, there are many bodily systems that are part of endocrine activity, while not being part of the endocrine system.

HPA Axis

The HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) is a pivotal endocrine system to monitor in all related hormone and endocrine issues because this system regulates the body's stress responses. Additionally, the HPA axis has a strong influence on the development of both "male" and "female" hormones such as Luteinizing Hormone (LH).

The hypothalamus initiates the stress response by releasing a hormone called CRF. This sets off a cascade of "downstream" hormones which activates the adrenal gland's production of cortisol and adrenaline.

If the HPA axis becomes uncoordinated due to prolonged stress and continual cortisol production, there are consequences. One example is the impact that the stress response has on thyroid hormone production and synthesis. High levels of glucocorticoids such as cortisol have an inhibitory effect on the conversion of T4 into T3. Cortisol also has been shown to inhibit TSH release from the pituitary.

Stress Response & The Limbic Brain

The limbic system, comprised of glands such as the amygdala and hippocampus have a very important role to play in memories, emotions, processing of feelings such as love and empathy. Cortisol production and stress greatly affects the function of the limbic system, because these glands are loaded with cortisol receptors. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that highly emotionally charged events trigger the amygdala to initiate a cortisol cascade. The implication here is that the HPA axis can be governed by emotions and traumatic experiences.

Liver & Related Organs

Steroidal hormones such as cortisol, progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and DHEA are derived from cholesterol, which is synthesized in the liver. The liver excretes "old" and "used" hormones through the bile, which is produced by the liver. Additionally, the conversion of T4 into thyroxine (T3), the active thyroid hormone, takes place in the liver.

Therefore, a loss of liver function due to liver toxicity or liver damage may impair the normal synthesis of hormones as well as the excretion of hormones.

The pancreas has a very important role to play in the regulation of blood sugar. The pancreas produces insulin, a hormone which facilitates the transportation of glucose from the blood into the cells, thus lowering blood sugar. Glucagon, another pancreatic-produced hormone raises glucose levels. Functionally speaking, a loss of normal glucose homeostasis will directly affect hormone and endocrine function. Consider that the adrenal hormones cortisol and adrenaline are primary means through which the body can raise glucose.

Both the pancreas and liver are crucial for normal blood sugar regulation. The liver is responsible for the release of glycogen, which is a storage form of energy that is used to free up glucose.

It is all too common that people in a prolonged stress response have erratic blood sugar, sometimes fluctuating from very high to very low. Normalizing glucose levels is pivotal in order to get the stress response under control. How this is accomplished is absolutely not the same for everyone. Some individuals respond far more favorably to higher amounts of purine-rich proteins and significantly lower concentrations of complex carbohydrates, whereas other individuals respond very poorly to this protocol, and in fact require a much higher concentration of complex carbohydrates and very low purine-containing proteins. Biological individualism dictates in all instances.

Changing Lifestyle Factors That Initiate The Stress Response

For many people these are the hardest factors to adjust, yet are often some of the greatest influencing factors affecting the stress response. Modern society is more like a mechanistic human production factory than it is a culture. From a very young age, children are conditioned and taught to succeed and not to fail. Society rewards those who are more aggressive and who are capable of fitting its molded structure. Society breeds sociopathy and psychopathy. The unnatural habitat in the human kingdom comprised of concrete jungles, office cubicles, unnatural lighting and prolonged periods of working overloads the cerebral cortex and associated endocrine glands. The "Standard American Diet" is devoid of nutritional factors necessary to sustain life at such an unnatural level of function.

Those individuals who do not fit into the established order of societal structure are outcast. Their vulnerability is then exploited by the pharmaceutical drug industry, which in turn preys upon their psyche by implicating that their irrational behavior and physical symptoms are the result of some recently-created disease name of unknown etiology.

When an individual living in such a society becomes ill with a degenerative disease, it is quite often the case that the individual has no idea why such a disease would occur. "It must be genetics" insists the physician, who himself is working 14 hour shifts and is subsisting on donuts and soda.

Stepping out of this model of existence is not easy, as one knows no other way of functioning. Simply being aware of the multitude of factors that are influencing one's stress responses is a very valid starting point. Needless to say, all things that assist the body's management and recovery from the insanity of life itself are valid and deeply needed.

There are emerging modalities and therapies that aim to restore the function of the limbic brain, and the associated glands that have been imprinted and damaged from excessive, prolonged and aberrant cortisol production.

Combined with such therapies, the correct nutritional intervention tailored to the needs of the individual have powerful potential to restore function and to heal.

Sources:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938404002781

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2795004/

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1074742706000773

http://www.neuro.cjb.net/content/26/16/4415.short

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306452205007104

Exploring The Stress Response: HPA Axis, Nutrition, Emotions & The Limbic System

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:00:00 -0700

Endocrine dysfunction is becoming increasingly more common. Thyroid conditions are epidemic. Adrenal exhaustion is all too common. There are a plethora of approaches to healing, restoration and regeneration of the endocrine system. However it should be pointed out that correcting these issues are often complex, take a good deal of patience and attention to detail. Additionally, among the most challenging for people with adrenal exhaustion are lifestyle changes, changes in attitude, work-related issues and emotional factors.

I don't believe that nutrition is only related to food. It has become very clear to me that nutrition can be of different types. Nourishment is also very much about taking care of one's body, being able to nourish and enjoy life. Too often I witness that people in varying states of adrenal fatigue need to take better care of their bodies and their health. This may include things such as:

Quitting a job that is holding you back and burning you out
Giving yourself additional rest and enjoyment
Being able to contemplate your life situation and face psychological, spiritual and emotional issues
Getting sufficient exercise, physical movement and activity

The HPA, HPT Axis & Hormones: Stress, Mood, Behavior

The adrenals are pivotal endocrine glands in the body's stress response. However, it should be pointed out that they are only part of a highly integrated network of endocrine glands, which function as cohesive and unified branches of the endocrine system. Tiny secretions of hormones from the pituitary and hypothalmus have a powerful, regulatory effect on the function of the adrenals, as well as the thyroid.

The target of most nutritional and allopathic therapies is to restore missing function to the thyroid and/or the adrenals through the use of natural or synthetic hormones, vitamins, minerals and herbs. It should be pointed out that the use of hormones, whether natural or synthetic can very easily result in further loss of function of a gland. Once taking exogenous hormones regularly, the gland in question may stop working on its own. The body signals there is enough of the hormone present, and is inhibited from making its own. Testosterone creams are known for causing a man's testicles to shrink because of this very issue.

Many of the hormones given such as thyroxine (T3, thyoid), hydrocortisone (adrenals) or bioidenticals such as progesterone creams are hormones that are "downstream". They are produced at the middle or at the very end of the hormone-producing cycle.

In order for the body to make the adrenal hormone cortisol, there must be several conversions of hormones:

Cholesterol > pregnenolone > 17 hydroxylation > progesterone > 17 hydroxyprogesterone > 11 deoxycortisol > Cortisol

In order for the testicles to produce testosterone, there are several conversions of hormones. Here is one pathway:

Cholesterol > pregnenolone > 17 hydropregnenolone > DHEA > Androstenidione > Testosterone

Giving a "downstream" hormone can cause an "upstream" suppression of the gland in question, particularly if given longterm. In addition to this, giving a hormone does not make the gland in question improve its function. It is only supplying what the gland is lacking to produce, and often in much higher amounts than what is normally being made.

Often ignored in hormone therapies are the functional relationships that exist between glands, particularly the command centers of the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary. The HPA (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal) axis should coordinate to effectively modulate the stress response. In addition to this, the HPA axis is largely influenced by the amygdala and hippocampus, parts of the limbic system responsible for the processing and storage of memory and emotions.

The limbic brain is very rich in cortisol receptors and can become damaged due to prolonged stress. Trauma and emotional trauma has a direct and impactful expression upon the function of the limbic system and thus the body's stress response. Hence, emotionally charged events early in life can have a significant impact upon the coordination of the HPA axis and the patterns of stress response of the body.

Certain meditative practices such as Vipassana are believed to have a direct influence upon the limbic brain, as well as the re-coordination of function of the HPA axis. Practitioners of this type of meditation often report latent, deep memories appearing in the mind and being re-lived during meditation as if an actual experience.

The pituitary gland is about the size of a pea, yet its 3 lobes, the anterior, intermediate and the posterior pituitary produce some of the most powerful hormones of the body.

The posterior pituitary releases a hormone called oxytocin. It is produced in the hypothalamus, stored and released by the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin is involved in the regulation of sexual reproduction. However recent studies indicate that oxytocin is the key hormone that regulates empathy, love and bonding. Deficiencies in this hormone are often found among sociopaths, psychopaths and narcissists.

The posterior pituitary also produces vasopressin, which in many ways functions like oxytocin, but also regulates fluid dynamics and water retention. It is not uncommon for people with adrenal burnout and endocrine axis dysfunction to experience fluid retention and water weight gain due to aberrations of the posterior pituitary.

The anterior pituitary produces Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which produces the corpus luteum, which in turn produces progesterone and estradiol in women.

It is important to point out that loss of normal HPA/HPT axis function will have a direct impact upon a wide variety of physiological, psychological, emotional and behavioral functions. The implication here is that "burnout" from a prolonged stress response and loss of HPA/HPT axis function reverberates downstream to a number of bodily processes.

Glucose & HPA Axis Function

The importance of normal blood sugar regulation among those with HPA axis dysfunction cannot be overstated. Cortisol is a primary means the body uses to raise glucose levels in the blood. People with HPA axis dysfunction often have cravings for sugar. Sugar to someone with adrenal burnout is like paper kindling: it produces a huge flame that burns up very rapidly.

Due to highly individualistic metabolic factors, the type of diet necessary for the restoration of HPA axis function is not the same for everyone. A deeper analysis of metabolic factors must be considered in each person.

Implementation Of Strategy For Deep Healing

As stated earlier in this article, restoration of endocrine function is often complex and takes attention to detail. Often, a person is eager to heal, however unable or unwilling to make the necessary lifestyle changes to accompany a nutritional program.

If one's lifestyle, ways of thinking and habitual patterns of behavior cannot be analyzed and adjusted, healing through nutrition is much more challenging, and in many instances not possible. The patterns set into the limbic system need to be shifted in order for deep healing to occur, in order to retrain and restore the function of the HPA axis. Meditative practices, yoga, chiropractic, kinesiology, yoga therapy, Qi Gong, breathwork, and similar practices can have a powerful effect upon the deep rooted patterns of stress in the limbic system and HPA/HPT axis, and should be strongly considered as part of a serious healing practice.

Whole food nutrition, and whole food vitamin, mineral and glandular therapy along with herbal medicine can powerfully improve mitochondrial function, supplying the cells with the raw materials necessary for cellular and tissular regeneration. Nutritional therapies need to be tailored to the needs of the individual, as biochemical individuality dictates in all instances.

Michael McEvoy has a private nutritional consulting practice. He works with clients nationally and internationally. Please contact him if you are interested in his nutritional consulting services and programs.

The Endocrine Journey: Steroidal Hormones & Their Pathways

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:39:46 -0800

Hormones are cell messengers that carry important signals to different cells in the body. There can be a lot of things that go wrong in their communication, and these problems can be due to a multitude of factors, including: nutritional inadequacies, stress, toxicity, organ toxicity/malfunction, mineral deficiencies.

This article is going to investigate some of the basic steroidal hormones, the pathways they inhabit and problems that can interfere with their utilization. There are 5 classes of steroidal hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids, androgens, estrogens and progestagens. The steroidal hormones have regulatory functions in major parts of the body, including: immune function, inflammatory processes, metabolic processes, fluid dynamics and sexual functions and characteristics.

Glucocorticoids are vitally important for the metabolism of carbohydrates. The most important glucocorticoid is cortisol, a powerful adrenal hormone that has multiple functions in the body. Cortisol is a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone that turns down immune responses.
Mineralcorticoid hormones such as aldosterone are hugely responsible for water/electrolyte dynamics through the control of sodium and potassium.
Adrogenic hormones such as DHEA and testosterone are critical for libido, as well as maintaining bone density. Studies have shown that low levels of DHEA correlate with poor bone density and osteoporosis. DHEA is also critical for memory and anti-aging,
Progestagens such as progesterone are vitally important for regulating women's menstrual cycles and are the 'gestation' hormones. Progesterone converts into the major glucocorticoid adrenal hormone cortisol.
Estrogens such as estradiol are critical for sexual development and have various functions for bone and brain health.
Vitamin D is technically a sterol, but functions similarly to a steroidal hormone. Vitamin D is converted in the liver and has hundreds of vital immune supporting functions. Vitamin D is also critical for calcium regulation in the blood.

ALL Steroidal Hormones Are Made From Cholesterol & LDL

The steroidal hormones are all derived from cholesterol and circulating LDL particles in the blood stream. Cholesterol is made in the liver and then is used to make pregnenolone, which is the primary "master" steroidal hormone. Without adequate cholesterol or LDL, steroidal hormone production can be significantly impaired.

Once pregnenolone is synthesized, it is then converted into other hormones, which unveils the breadth of the steroidal hormones and their pathways. The chart below illustrates the major steroidal hormones and the pathways.

We'll break down the pathway as having a "right side" and a "left side". The right side includes pregnenolone > DHEA > Testosterone and the 2 estrogens. The left side involves pregnenolone > progesterone > cortisol and progesterone > aldosterone.

Then we see at the bottom of this chart something called the "pregnenolone steal". This takes place when pregnenolone is preferentially taken away from the right side of the pathway in order to feed the left side of the pathway. Consequently, DHEA production suffers because less pregnenolone is available for the right side of the pathway.

This is bad news because the body can only make DHEA from pregnenolone and if it is being "stolen" or used to make cortisol the body cannot make DHEA, Necessarily hormone production is going to suffer.

A potential problem from low DHEA is a diminishment or abnormal testosterone production. Instead of using DHEA to make testosterone, hydroxyprogesterone > androstenidione > testosterone is the back-up system. The problem with this scenario is that if progesterone is being used instead to make testosterone and/or the estrogens via androstenidione, it can impair the viability of progesterone to cortisol production. These are some common examples of how hormone deficiencies can cause "non viability" to the steroidal hormone principal pathways.

In some extreme examples, a tremendous amount of progesterone can be made, and a very small amount of that actually converts into cortisol. A person could have very low cortisol levels and very high testosterone and estrogen.

Estrogen Dominance & Copper Toxicity

Estrogen dominance is an increasingly problematic issue, for many women especially. Estrogen dominance occurs when there is a high amount of estrogen relative to progesterone. During a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen is the predominant hormone leading up to the beginning of ovulation. After ovulation, the estrogen should be balanced by progesterone. When "estrogen dominance" ensues, there is inadequate progesterone to counter estrogen's effects.

Estrogen dominance will also tend to cause copper toxicity. Progesterone will tend to reduce copper in the body. But in estrogen-dominant women, copper levels remain elevated, because progesterone is not available to counter copper's effects. As copper and estrogen build, they will give way to many symptoms including PMS, irregular menstruation, fibroids, migraines, ovarian cysts, insomnia and many other symptoms.

Zinc is a critical mineral that balances copper. Zinc is closely related to testosterone in men and progesterone in women. Zinc is one mineral in particular that is deficient in many people's diets. It is found abundantly in organ meats, red meat and in smaller amounts in pumpkin seeds. But there are not too many other places to get adequate zinc into your diet. On the flip side, there are many exogenous sources of estrogen, including xenoestrogens, which are found in chemicals, fertilizers, petroleum products. Xenoestrogens are abundant in the environment, and virtually all people are exposed to them in high amounts.

Environmental copper is also quite common Copper pipes will eventually erode and accumulate in water. Copper is also found in birth control devices, copper cookware, swimming pools, and in certain wood preservatives. Vegetarian diets tend to be high in copper and low in zinc, especially if soy and legumes are the primary protein sources being consumed.

Adrenal Fatigue & Burnout

Adrenal fatigue is a textbook alternative health diagnosis. It is characterized by exhaustion, fatigue, and generally excessively high or low cortisol levels. There can be many, many causes of adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue can be thought of as one of a multitude of symptoms that arises when health falls apart. Adrenal fatigue is indeed an excellent opportunity to get your life back in order, and to become honest with the way one has been living their life.

Typically when there are high levels of cortisol, this is characterized as hyper adrenal activity. When low levels are present, this can be characterized as hypo adrenal function. One of the primary influencing factors with adrenal fatigue is inadequate electrolytes and poor hydration. Other primary factors that can interfere with normal cortisol production and adrenal function are heavy metal toxicity, poor diet and nutritional deficiencies. Low conversion from pregnenolone to progesterone can also augment cortisol production.

Most often, adrenal fatigue is not considered a real problem by medical diagnostics. This likely has to do with the fact that blood testing is not reflective of true adrenal hormone levels. Steroidal hormones such as cortisol are bound to proteins in the blood and therefore these levels do not necessarily reflect the actual bio-available levels of certain steroidal hormones. Many believe that the preferred method of testing adrenal hormone levels is in the saliva.

The ratio of certain electrolytes such as potassium and sodium have a lot to do with adrenal function. When these electrolytes are augmented, adrenal function is certainly going to be less than ideal. Since the balance between these two electrolytes is so critical for normal, cell membrane electro-conductivity, a variety of health-related issues may ensue beyond adrenal fatigue.

Other electrolytes that have a critical role to play in adrenal function are calcium and magnesium. Magnesium has an anti-stress effect by its way of inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system (the branch of the nervous system that controls adrenal activity). Magnesium is one mineral in particular that tends to be deficient in many people's diet. Calcium will tend to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Restoring Viability To The Steroidal Hormone Pathways

In the alternative world, many practitioners jump right into bio-identical hormones such as progesterone creams and DHEA supplements. While there can be a lot of benefit with this therapy, it should be noted that hormones are powerful substances. If bio-identicals are going to be used, their dosage should be closely monitored. In many instances, their use may not be necessary if other fundamental therapies are implemented. One may think of bio-identical hormones as "training wheels", instead of permanent support.

Restoring viability to hormone pathways can be achieved through individualized diet, proper hydration and mineralization, enhancing basic detoxification, rest and exercise. Knowing how to use minerals such as sodium, magnesium, zinc and copper is tremendously important for helping regulate hormone rhythms.

The importance of getting to bed between 10PM-12AM can have huge beneficial effects for those with adrenal fatigue issues. If sleep is an issue, another hormone to investigate is melatonin. If melatonin levels are found to be abnormal, consider investigating gut function, as the majority of melatonin is made in the gut.

Sources:

Eck, P. and Wilson, L., Toxic Metals in Human Health and Disease, Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd., Phoenix, AZ, 1989.

'Handbook of Endocrine Tests', Alsever, Gotlin

http://drlwilson.com/Articles/thyroid.htm

Photo Credit: Biohealth Diagnostics

The Rise Of Thyroid Conditions: Toxicity, Nutrition & Stress

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:33:22 -0800

The incidence of thyroid conditions has been on the rise for decades. Active thyroid hormone is found inside of every cell of the body, and it is this reason that leads many clinicians to believe that conventional diagnostics to detect certain thyroid conditions are largely unreliable. Blood TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) values are not reflective of intracellular levels of thyroid hormone, because TSH is a blood measurement, not an intracellular measurement.

Additionally, it should be noted that the thyroid and the hormones it uses to function do not exist in isolation inside of the human body. The point being is that there are a variety of functional relationships that exist between the thyroid and various organs, glands and systems.

Conventional Treatment For Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid hormone is prescribed for thyroid conditions, particularly hypothyroidism and in some people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, such as Haschimoto's or Graves Disease. Numerous studies demonstrate that longterm use of thyroid hormone significantly increases bone loss and conditions associated with osteopenia.

Oftentimes patients with autoimmune thyroid conditions and hyperthyroidism are given radioactive iodine (RAI). RAI is radioactive and thus destroys tissues. Precautions are given to people taking RAI to not engage in sexual intercourse for 30 days, and to not plan on conceiving a child in 6 months following treatment, due to the volatile and toxic effect of the radiation.

Addressing Causation & Dysfunctions

Often it is the case that the thyroid gland is not the primary issue in thyroid conditions. For example, it is not uncommon for certain conditions like anterior pituitary hypofunction to be a primary endocrine imbalance, while hypothyroid function is secondary. This is due to the fact that the thyroid is an intricate part of the HPT (hypothalamus pituitary thyroid) axis. If malfunction exists in the anterior portion of the pituitary there will be a direct, inhibitory effect on TSH levels.

A clinical test can be performed to determine if anterior pituitary hypofunction is present. If the intravenous administration of TRH (Thyroid releasing hormone) does not cause a rise in TSH, this is indicative of anterior pituitary hypofunction. This is because TRH tells the anterior pituitary to release TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which then goes to the Thyroid and signals the the thyroid to produce T4. If TRH administration does not trigger TSH release, consider dysfunction in the anterior lobe of the pituitary where TSH is sent out in response to TRH.

There is also an intrinsic link between the thyroid and the adrenals. Abnormal amounts of the adrenal hormone cortisol will inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3 and may also give rise to the competitive negative T3 (rT3). Other stress-related hormones such as CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone) have an inhibitory effect on thyroid activity, inhibiting TSH transport to the thyroid.

The truth is that the thyroid is one endocrine gland, and the route it took to make T3 (the active form of the thyroid hormone) is highly involved and includes numerous hormones and glands of the body. Dysfunction can arise anywhere along the HPA/ HPT axis. It is important to investigate thyroid issues deeper and to address dysfunction and causation.

Iodine, Selenium & Toxicity

Iodine is one critical nutrient that the thyroid needs in order to function. Iodine deficiency is more common than believed. This may not be due to a quantitative deficiency of iodine from diet as much as the decrease in iodine availability in tissues due to increased amounts of environmental toxins such as bromines, fluoride, chlorine, halogens, drugs and toxic metals. Many people with thyroid conditions respond well to iodine supplementation, and yet many do not.

It is also important to note that the trace mineral selenium plays an important role in thyroid function. Selenium is involved in the conversion of T4 into the active T3 hormone. Deficiencies of selenium may be more common among people with hyperthyroid conditions.

Low circulating levels of T3 (the most active form of thyroid hormone) may be reflective of liver dysfunction, because the conversion of the active T3 takes place in the liver. This may be why many patients with thyroid dysfunction often have elevated liver enzymes such as GGTP and ALT. Elevated liver enzymes are reflective of dysfunction inside the liver, and may also impair normal detoxification mechanisms.

Get Your Diet In Order

Improving the quality of one's diet cannot be understated. Eating in a way that is harmonious with one's Metabolic Type® is foundational for improving the nutritional needs in the cells of your body. There is no 'one size fits all' diet that works for each person. In fact, biochemical individuality pervades every cell of the body.

Improved diet, detoxification and enhancing basic bodily functions all can have very positive influences upon one's health. Investigating and addressing causation in issues related to thyroid conditions may lead you on the path to healing.

Michael McEvoy has a private nutrition practice. He works with clients nationally and internationally. Please contact him if you are interested in his nutrition services and programs.

Sources:

'Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspecting Illness', Broda Barnes MD

http://jama.ama-assn.org/content/271/16/1245.short

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8969337

http://lccmw.com/Symptoms-of-anterior-pituitary-hypofunction-anterior-pituitary-hypofunction-what-symptoms.html#

'Blood Chemistry & CBC Analysis', Weatherby, ND & Ferguson, ND

Electrolytes & The Adrenals

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 17:18:13 -0800

Adrenal fatigue has become a standardized term in the alternative health world. And with good reason too. Excess adrenal output and diminished adrenal output can both be primary issues that can derail a person's health. I have seen the benefit of taking adrenal glandular extracts, nutritional supplements that inhibit or increase sympathetic nervous system output, certain bio-identical hormones and of course a nutrition plan that is compatible with your Metabolic Type.

But what underlies adrenal issues? Are all of those nutritional supplements doing anything to help your adrenals?

Adrenal Hyperfunction

Adrenal hyperfunction indicates an excess of cortisol and adrenal activity. Adrenal hyperfunction is indicative of a loss of certain mineralcorticoid hormones, and consequently a loss in potassium through the urine. Adrenal hyperfunction can be a primary cause of hypertension (which quite often involves a loss of potassium and an increase in sodium in the blood and cells) as well as anxiety, irritability and headaches.

On a blood test, when potassium levels are decreased (about 4.0 or lower) and sodium is increased (greater than 142) and chloride levels are higher than 105, it is a sign of adrenal hyperfunction.

Because there is a loss of potassium from inside the cell, in the blood and in the urine, there is the tendency for metabolic acidosis. Hypertension, metabolic acidosis, adrenal hyperfunction and anxiety are very often seen together because of the chronic loss/deficiency of potassium intracellularly.

Adrenal Hypofunction

Adrenal hypofunction indicates an insufficient amount of cortisol and adrenal activity, exactly the opposite of adrenal hyperfunction. in adrenal hypofunction there is an excess in the amount of mineralcorticoids in the blood. This causes an increase in the amount of potassium in the cells and blood, and a decrease in the amount of sodium in the blood. Adrenal hypofunction, sometimes referred to as adrenal burnout, can result in chronic fatigue, exhaustion after exercise, abnormal fluid dynamics, low blood pressure and hypothyroid function.

On a blood test, adrenal hypofunction is indicated by the following: potassium levels greater than 4.5, sodium less than 136 and chloride values 101 or less.

Because there is excess potassium and decreased sodium, this is a major marker for metabolic alkalosis. It is wrong to assume that only acidosis is pathological. Alkalosis is just as common as acidosis, if not more so.

Low blood pressure, low blood volume, metabolic alkalosis, hypothyroid function and adrenal hypofunction are very commonly seen in the same clinical picture.

Electrolyte Balance & Adrenal Function

Your cells are electrically charged by mineral salts. It is this electric charge that moves water in and out of your cells and makes energy. There are a number of primary electrolyte minerals: sodium, potassium, chloride, sulfate, magnesium, calcium and phosphate.

Of primary importance for your adrenal function are sodium and potassium. The ratio between these 2 minerals is so critical to your health. Potassium is primarily found inside of the cells, while sodium is found primarily outside of the cells. Flip the correct proportion of these minerals and your health will suffer, especially your adrenals.

The ratio between sodium and potassium will determine fluid and electrolyte dynamics, blood pressure activity, nervous system output and energy production and utilization. When there is excessive sodium and deficient potassium, excess adrenal activity will take place. When there is deficient sodium and excess potassium, diminished adrenal activity will take place.

Many people's adrenal function will improve by increasing their electrolyte function. It is true that many people are dehydrated. A person's typical response to me telling them that their cells are dehydrated is: "but I drink tons of water." While water is important for a number of reasons, it is minerals which fuel and hydrate and electrically charge your cells.

Minerals are harder to come by than they were 100-150 years ago. Soil depletion due to agricultural industrialization has removed significant minerals from our food. For example, magnesium in most foods is approximately 50% less than it was 100 years ago.

Many mineral supplements are not absorbed well by the body because so many people are deficient in hydrochloric acid (HCL) and can have any number of digestive inadequacies.

Stay tuned as I am working with some new mineral/electrolyte formulations that are aimed to restore hydration, mineralization and adrenal function.

Michael McEvoy has a private nutritional consulting practice. Please contact him for more on his consulting services and programs.

The Adrenal Tests That Everyone Is Talking About

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:38:15 -0700

Adrenal fatigue is thrown around a lot these days even though conventional medicine fails to acknowledge it as a legitimate health issues. Perhaps conventional medicine isn't interested in things in cannot treat with drugs. Another major problem is that conventional medicine does not know how to adequately test for adrenal fatigue.

In the blood, sometimes physicians test for steroidal hormones such as cortisol and DHEA. However, it should be pointed out that blood steroidal hormone values are not accurate. This is because in the blood, these hormones get bound to proteins, and consequently the hormones in the blood are not representative of "free-fractioned", "bio-available" hormones. The preferred biopsy for testing steroidal hormones is in the saliva. Salivary hormones are sampled throughout the course of the day, and these hormones are bio-active.

Adrenal Fatigue Is Classified Through Sum Cortisol Output

On a salivary hormone test, adrenal fatigue is identified by the sum cortisol level. Cortisol is tested during 4 different intervals throughout the day: morning, noon, afternoon and evening. In a normal cortisol rhythm, cortisol is highest in the morning and progressively decreases throughout the day and evening. Abnormalities with cortisol's rhythm tends to indicate various imbalances, including autoimmune processes, chronic infections and inflammatory processes.

It is the sum total of each of the 4 cortisol rhythms that determines adrenal hyper or hypo function. You can read more about these two contrasting physiological imbalances HERE.

When cortisol output is diminished, approximately 23 nM or less, it is a sign of low adrenal output and adrenal HYPOfunction. Conversely, when the sum cortisol level is greater than 40 nM, it is indicative of adrenal HYPERfunction.

Orthostatic Blood Pressure & Adrenal Function

The orthostatic blood pressure test measures the supine blood pressure and then the standing blood pressure. The test is an indicator of how efficiently blood is pumped to the upper extremities. If cardiac output is weak, this will often result in orthostatic hypofunction: a decrease in systolic blood pressure upon standing. Conversely, if cardiac output is excessive, this will tend to result in orthostatic hypertension: an excessive increase (at least 20 mm Hg) in systolic blood pressure.

The implications for the orthostatic blood pressure tests are many. First of all, the orthostatic tests are reflective of several possible imbalances in the body.

Autonomic nervous system stress. Orthostatic hyperfunction indicates excess sypathetic nervous system function and possible vasoconstriction. Orthostatic hypofunction indicates excess parasympathetic nervous system function and possible excess vasodilation.
Electrolyte imbalance. In hypofunction, deficiencies of certain minerals like sodium can result in diminished cardiac output. In hyperfunction, a deficiency of potassium and magnesium may result in vasoconstriction.
Adrenal Excess often found in a similar pattern with orthostatic hyperfunction.
Adrenal Insufficiency often found with orthostatic hypofunction.

Adrenals & Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis

HTMA is a very interesting biopsy because it presents a picture of mineral deposition into soft tissues over a 3-4 month time window. Thus, HTMA provides a unique insight into nutrient mineral activity, endocrine function and relationships and the "availability" of certain minerals.

On a hair test, the 2 most significant mineral ratios to detect adrenal activity are: Na/K (sodium/potassium) and Na/Mg (sodium/magnesium). Na/K is the single most significant ratio on the test because the balance between these two cations have immense implications with cellular function and energy production.

On HTMA, sodium is believed to be primarily influenced by aldosterone activity, potassium activity by cortisol. On HTMA, High potassium relative to lower sodium is more reflective of high cortisol output. Low potassium relative to a higher sodium is more reflective of low cortisol output.

Electrolytes & The Adrenals

Minerals are the spark-plugs of life. And the adrenals are very responsive to them and dependent upon them. One could write a volume on the importance of magnesium in adrenal hyperfunction alone. When high amounts of cortisol predominate, magnesium is lost in the urine. When hypofunction of the adrenals predominates, sodium is essential.

Sources:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7836621

HTMA: Thyroid & Adrenal Activity

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:10:30 -0700

Hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) is a tissue level biopsy which can reveal a lot of very important data regarding the activity of the adrenal and thyroid glands. Additionally, HTMA and the study of minerals is highly complex and intriguing, and if used as a long-term lab test, can reveal information not obtained by any other laboratory biopsy.

What Is HTMA?

Hair tissue mineral analysis is a way to monitor the body's tissue and cellular mineral activity, which in turn reveals information regarding the body's energy and glandular systems. This includes the "effect" of thyroid and adrenal glandular activity in the tissues. This in many ways is a better biopsy to use to assess adrenal and thyroid activity than other lab tests such as blood or saliva, because HTMA is a 3-month biopsy, and also because blood levels of certain hormones do not always provide accurate data as to dysfunction of a specific gland.

In addition to the identification of mineral activity, HTMA is one of the best biopsies to detect toxic metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum. Not only can HTMA detect the presence of toxic metals, this test can monitor how efficiently your body is able to excrete toxic metals. This is arguably more significant than just observing the presence of a toxic metal. Toxic metal excretion depends heavily upon adrenal and thyroid functioning.

Much of the modern nutritional research of hair mineral analysis comes from the work of Dr. Paul Eck and Lawrence Wilson, MD. I have had the great pleasure to have been trained in HTMA by Dr. Wilson over the course of 4 years.

Adrenal & Thyroid Activity

The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones in order for the body to function. These include catecholamines such as adrenaline, mineralcorticoids such as aldosterone and glucocorticoids such as cortisol. The thyroid secretes T4 and T3, hormones that have a major regulatory effect upon metabolic processes.

Many clinicians believe that low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is becoming an epidemic. A very important parallel is that excessive, depleted or exhausted adrenal activity is oftentimes the underlying cause of low thyroid function. At the very least, adrenal function absolutely must be taken into account when thyroid issues are present, and the opposite applies as well.

The 3 mineral ratios on a hair tissue mineral analysis that identify the "effect" of adrenal and thyroid function are:

Na/K (sodium/potassium): adrenals
Na/Mg (sodium/magnesium): adrenals
Ca/K (calcium/potassium): thyroid

The difference in a hair test is that the "effect" of adrenal and thyroid activity is a measurement through mineral activity. This is much different than a "free-fractioned hormone" in the saliva or a "protein-bound" hormone in the blood. Minerals are the "sparkplugs" of biochemical activity, and this includes hormones. Therefore a mineral pattern on a hair test is a much more accurate "predictor" of thyroid and adrenal activity than a blood or saliva test. The saliva test may show you a current hormone level now, but the hair shows you a 3 month trend and a pattern of where the body is headed.

The hair test above shows a very elevated Calcium/Potassium ratio. High levels of Ca/K are reflective of LOW THYROID activity. This person was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 3 months before this test was taken by their physician using blood chemistry. This hair test provides a very accurate confirmation of the trend for hypothyroidism, as well as mineral activity.

Notice also the elevated sodium/potassium levels. This indicates EXCESSIVE ADRENAL effect at the cellular level.

It is well known that excessive amounts of cortisol from the adrenal glands inhibits TSH production from the pituitary, as well as inhibits the conversion from T4 into T3.

Another interesting correlation is the elevated calcium and magnesium levels. Both of these cations tend to elevate when there is alkalosis present. This is due to cations tending to precipitate out of body fluids and into tissues.

Alkalosis is present when there is a loss of hydrogen. On a blood test this was verified with this patient, who had a diminished chloride level as well as an elevated anion gap.

Notice also the low levels of aluminum and mercury. This hair test does not reflect the total body load of these metals, only what has been deposited into the tissues over 3 months. In fact, these low metal levels indicate that this patient is doing a very poor job of eliminating these toxins.

What To Do About These Issues?

These are always the ultimate question with the hair analysis biopsy: what to do? First of all, by knowing a person's Metabolic Type©, you are able to understand the most essential nutrient requirements. One thing that the hair test CANNOT identify, no matter what the lab says, is a person's Metabolic Type or their "Oxidation rate".

The hair mineral biopsy is simply not capable of detecting intracellular oxidation. No way, no how. This is a discussion for another time.

What the hair test CAN do is to help to prioritize a strategy. This person needs digestive support. The low phosphorous level indicates an inadequate breakdown of protein, and many of the low minerals indicate an HCL insufficiency. Some gentle thyroid and adrenal support would be helpful, as would supporting hydration with water, electrolytes and mineral salts.

Interested in learning more about hair tissue mineral analysis? Email me.

Electrolytes & The Adrenals

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:40:02 -0700

But what underlies adrenal issues? Are all of those nutritional supplements doing anything to help your adrenals?

Adrenal Hyperfunction

On a blood test, when potassium levels are decreased (about 4.0 or lower) and sodium is increased (greater than 142) and chloride levels are higher than 105, it is a sign of adrenal hyperfunction.

Adrenal Hypofunction

On a blood test, adrenal hypofunction is indicated by the following: potassium levels greater than 4.5, sodium less than 136 and chloride values 101 or less.

Low blood pressure, low blood volume, metabolic alkalosis, hypothyroid function and adrenal hypofunction are very commonly seen in the same clinical picture.

Electrolyte Balance & Adrenal Function

Many mineral supplements are not absorbed well by the body because so many people are deficient in hydrochloric acid (HCL) and can have any number of digestive inadequacies.

Stay tuned as I am working with some new mineral/electrolyte formulations that are aimed to restore hydration, mineralization and adrenal function.

Adrenal HYPO Function & Adrenal HYPER Function: Here's The Difference

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:15:22 -0700

Adrenal fatigue has become somewhat of an umbrella term in functional medicine. On the surface, it isn't quite clear what is meant by adrenal fatigue. We can say that dysfunction of the adrenal glands and/or deficiencies or excesses of certain adrenal hormones is a real situation, which can lead to various symptoms. But in order to get a clear understanding of what some of these differences are, it is very important to define our terminology and what is meant.

I would like to point out that a dysfunction of the adrenals is not necessarily the root of a person's health issues. It can, however become a major thorn in the healing process, because of how important adrenal hormones are in the body.

In order to take a look at adrenal issues, let's look closer at 3 classes of adrenal hormones: Catecholamines, Glucocorticoids and Mineralcorticoids.

Catecholamaines

There are 3 primary catecholamines: adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and dopamine. Each of these are "excitatory" in that they are triggered by the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress. These hormones will increase the body's heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar. When there is a chronic, elevated stress response, the catecholamines are probably in high output. As an example, consider the adrenal output of a Type II Diabetic. In insulin-resistant states, there is a high mobilization of sugars into the bloodstream, and this may not only be from dietary sources. The chronic stress response signalling adrenaline will also mobilize sugars into the bloodstream, as will high amounts of cortisol.

The precursor to the catecholamines are 2 amino acids: Tyrosine and Phenylalanine. More on these later.

Glucocorticoids

The glucocorticoid hormones are called "steroidal hormones" as they are steroids that function as hormones. Glucocorticoids have vital roles in the body and are involved in numerous biological functions such as in cardiovascular function, fat breakdown, carbohydrate metabolism and wound healing. The primary glucocorticoid is Cortisol. Cortisol is another "stress hormone" that gets pumped out by the adrenals in response to stress. Cortisol is also the most potent anti-inflammatory in the body. Cortisol will also turn down immune system function. Cortisol is synthesized from cholesterol via the pregnenolone > progesterone pathway.

Cortisol levels are balanced by the other adrenal hormone DHEA.

Mineralcorticoids

Mineralcorticoids are also steroidal hormones produced by the adrenals. They are involved in the regulation of fluid/electrolyte dynamics. This is especially true for the principal mineralcorticoid aldosterone. Aldosterone's primary function is to allow for the re-absorption of sodium by the kidneys and for the excretion of potassium. This is important to understand because when there are increased levels of sodium in the blood, with an increased loss of potassium, there tends to be high blood volume, elevated blood pressure and increased cortisol production.

Adrenal Hyper Function

I recently worked with a type II diabetic who I assessed as a 'Sympathetic Dominant Carbo Type'. A sympathetic dominant carbo type's primary metabolic imbalance is the overactive functioning of the sympathetic nervous system. There were a few strong indicators that revealed high levels of adrenal output. She correlated these findings with symptoms of intense stress and high demand of energy output. Her metabolic-recommended diet consisted mostly of plant-based carbohydrates (plenty of vegetables) and very low purine/low fat containing protein sources.

Within a few days of following my recommendations her blood sugar levels were consistently and significantly lower than they had been in a long time. One evening she did something against my recommendations. She took a nutritional supplement sold to consumers as "Adrenal Support Formula". This contained various herbs as well as the amino acid Tyrosine. Approximately 20 minutes after taking this she emailed me and informed me of what she had taken. I told her that taking this supplement was not only likely going to push her adrenal glands further into excessive output, but would likely raise her blood sugar.

Sure enough, she had a 20 point surge in glucose and had a difficult time falling asleep. Why is this?

When there are consistently elevated levels of cortisol, adrenaline and aldosterone (in this case because of sympathetic dominance), taking a nutritional supplement that will increase adrenal output is a bad idea, especially if this contains the amino acid Tyrosine. As we've learned from earlier, Tyrosine is a precursor to adrenaline and other catecholamines. How could this raise her blood sugar? Consider that cortisol and adrenaline are both responsible for elevating blood sugar levels. This same person had a cup of coffee and within 1 hour her blood sugar levels had jumped from 199 to 319! There was no sugar in the coffee! Consider the effect that caffeine can have on the sympathetic nervous system!

This person has what is commonly referred to as adrenal hyperfunction.

Adrenal Hypofunction

Another client of mine is a 65 year old female who is challenged with chronic fatigue, high levels of stress, as well as hypothyroid function. When we began working together 1.5 years ago, I assessed her as a 'Parasympathetic Dominant Protein Type'. At the time just prior to us working together, she was eating mostly a plant-based type of diet, with small amounts of lighter proteins. Her meals would not satisfy her appetite, and her blood sugar levels would belly out quickly, resulting in hypoglycemic-like symptoms.

I immediately recommended a diet compatible with her Metabolic Type. This included eating red meat 2-3 times per day, good amounts of saturated fat, and minimal amounts of carbohydrates, mostly in the form of vegetables. She experienced a dramatic improvement in her meal satiety as well as in her blood sugar control within days.

Her blood test scores reflected diminished adrenal function as indicated by low sodium levels and elevated potassium values. This correlated with very low saliva cortisol values, placing her in stage 3 adrenal fatigue.

I recommended she take an adrenal glandular supplement which includes adrenal concentrate, Tyrosine, Schizandra and a small amount of licorice root extract. She immediately felt a significant improvement in her energy levels, especially when she began taking a higher dosage. This is because this adrenal support formula increased her adrenal output.

This person struggles with adrenal hypofunction, decreased cortisol, adrenaline and aldosterone.

Realize that a very similar supplement (which also included tyrosine) resulted in excess adrenal activity for the diabetic! Yet for the client with diminished adrenal function, this same type of supplement yielded very positive results! These two stories powerfully illustrate the clinical significance of biological individuality and the need for individualized nutrition rather than symptom-specific treatment.

Identifying Adrenal Hypo & Hyper Function

On a 12-hour fasting blood test, typically when sodium is decreased (<135) and potassium is increased (>4.5) there is the tendency for adrenal hypofunction. This will also correlate with saliva cortisol studies when the sum cortisol level is 23 (nM) or lower.

When sodium is elevated (>142) and potassium is decreased (<4.0), this tends to indicate adrenal hyperfunction. This may also be correlated with sum saliva cortisol levels greater than 40 (nM).

If you would like more information regarding adrenal hormone testing, or ways to improve your health using functional nutrition, please contact me.

Hormone Balance For Women

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:18:05 -0700

There is a symphony of hormones in your body. Sometimes harmonious, sometimes not. Women tend to undergo the greatest degree of hormonal fluctuations of either of the two sexes and this is why bio-identical hormone therapy is marketed mostly to women. The mis-management of taking hormones can prove to be a nightmare. If done correctly, with self-titration and based upon laboratory data, low doses of certain bio-identical hormones can provide a positive push and can improve your health. Yet this should be done cautiously and with other foundational, adjacent nutritional therapies.

What Is a Hormone & What Does It Do?

A hormone is a chemical messenger that is produced by either a gland or a cell. The hormone is then sent to another part of the body for utilization. Hormones affect metabolic processes. Hormones have many, very powerful effects and will result in changes in metabolism, mood, weight, fluid balance, and many other processes.

Simply put, hormones are powerful substances. Many doctors and naturopaths put women on bio-identical hormones because of hormonal and health issues. There can certainly be value to hormone therapy if done correctly.

Natural hormone therapy should be done based upon specific saliva hormone test results, not blood hormone results. Blood steroidal hormones are less accurate because they are bound to certain proteins. Saliva hormone levels are considered more accurate because the hormones are "free-fractioned" and "bio-available".

Testing Saliva Hormones

Testing salivary hormones should include a panel of more than just estrogen and progesterone. Ideally, a saliva hormone test is identifying the adrenal hormones cortisol and DHEA as well as testosterone, estradiol, estriol and progesterone. The Biohealth Lab offers a very good panel of salivary hormones.

The primary focus of testing salivary hormones is to assess adrenal function. This is why the lab looks at separate cortisol readings taken four times throughout the day. When understanding how other hormones are affected, it is first essential to understand adrenal function.

The adrenals are what are driving endocrine function. Precursors to the adrenal hormones such as progesterone and pregnenolone have specific functions. That is why it is important to view the levels of these hormones when taking into consideration how to dose certain bio-identical hormones.

Choosing A Lab Test for Hormones

As mentioned earlier, the saliva hormones (not the blood) are the preferred method for testing hormone levels. The Biohealth panel offers a very good array of hormones. Its important to realize that hormones that are out of balance is only the "tip of the iceberg". Equally important to identify is the status of gut function as well as your Metabolic Type.

The reason for this of course is that hormones are not something separate in your body. Nothing in the body functions independently of other systems in the body. Hormones and endocrine function is but one important system.

Hypothyroidism & the Adrenals: The Intrinsic Link

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 22:47:22 -0700

Hypothyroidism is becoming an epidemic. Some studies indicate that as many as 40% of the population has some degree of hypothyroidism. Low thyroid functioning results in a metabolism that is inefficient.

There are many factors which will impede upon the normal functioning of the thyroid: Toxicity: fluoride, mercury, chlorine, aluminum, Nutritional deficiencies like zinc, selenium, iodine.

Toxicity

It is well known that fluoride and chlorine block iodine receptors, reducing the thyroid’s ability to uptake iodine, its most essential nutrient. Mercury will have a similar, toxic effect on thyroid function, augmenting T4 to T3 conversion.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Likely accompanying toxicity in hypothyroidism is nutritional deficiencies as well. Eating in a way that is not compatible with your specific metabolic imbalances and needs is a major blocking factor. Inefficient energy production can result in any number of problems, including low thyroid functioning.

Many people who develop hypothyroidism end up in fast oxidative, glucogenic metabolism, or in an over-reactive parasympathetic state. For such people, there is an increased demand for very specific types of foods and nutrients, while a decreased need of other foods and nutrients.

Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for the liver's conversion of T4 into T3. Selenium deficiency is actually quite common today.

The Thyroid and the Adrenals

There is an intrinsic relationship between thyroid function and adrenal function. The adrenal glands are largely under control of the sympathetic nervous system. The thyroid is strongly influenced by the parasympathetic nervous system. Often it is the case that someone with hypothyroidism is in a parasympathetic-dominant state, which means the sympathetic nervous system is weaker.

A deeper look at adrenal, hypothalamus and thyroid relationships shows how weakened or burned out adrenal glands will cause a cascade of problems for thyroid functioning.

As the HPA-HPT Axis illustrates, the adrenal-derived glucocorticoid hormones (which includes cortisol) can inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3. Someone with high cortisol output is in danger of low thyroid function! In addition, high cortisol output can result in excess production of negative T3, also called rT3. rT3 will compete with the production of the more essential T3, which is another way the thyroid is inhibited.

CRH (cortico-tropin releasing hormone) is released by the Hypothalamus in response to stress. It too can inhibit thyroid function by blocking the production of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

On top of this, if a person has mercury toxicity (from let’s say mercury-containing dental amalgams) and is not eating ideally for their type of metabolism, the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism is substantially high.

Always Identify and Address Causation

The best way to identify adrenal hypo or hyper function is NOT through blood tests. Blood cortisol levels are not accurate because they are not the ‘free-fractioned’ hormones. The best way to test cortisol and other steroid hormones is through the saliva.

Effective means of testing adrenal status include:

It is also important to determine the level of adrenal fatigue a person is in. Hyper-adrenal function is usually stage 1 adrenal fatigue, while hypo-adrenal function is often seen in stage 2 and stage 3 adrenal fatigue.

While thyroid medication may be necessary to prop up thyroid function, it does not address the causation of thyroid dysfunction.

In order to restore the proper functioning of the thyroid, it is essential to address the underlying issues, which likely include: toxicity, nutritional deficiencies and stress; as well as the body’s eventual breakdown and dysfunction due to these factors.

Sources:

‘Blood Chemistry and CBC Analysis’, Weatherby, ND & Ferguson, ND

‘An Analytical System of Clinical Nutrition’, Guy Schenker, DC

Reed Davis, FDN, CMTA

Biohealth Diagnostics

Michael McEvoy has a private nutritional consulting practice. Please contact him to learn more about his nutritional consulting services and programs.

Control the Stress Response

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:15:43 -0700

I define stress as any external or internal factor that challenges the body or mind to maintain equilibrium. Stress is the burden of managing external pressures from things like finances, relationships and your job. These external sources of stress place a greater burden on your brain and nervous system, and your body is put in a position to deal with these burdens.

Stress can also be caused from internal factors as well such as chronic infections, the effect that toxicity has on the organs, glands and nervous system, inadequate diet and numerous other health issues. The effects of internal and external stresses are very real, and can have very serious physical implications on your body.

Anyone who suffers from hypertension will tell you what happens to their blood pressure when they encounter stress. Or when your heart starts racing because you've been pulled over for going through a red light. The body's stress response is equipped with managing these challenges with a slew of different hormones and neurochemicals. When there is a chronic stress response pattern, it seems to perpetuate over and over again like a rhythmic cycle.

We seem to get locked into patterns of behaviour and reactivity, all of which increase demands on the organs and glands of the body. Don't think that disease can be caused directly by stress? Take Type 1 Diabetes for example. This condition occurs frequently during childhood and often takes place after a very traumatic event. I read a story once of a boy who while playing tug of war with his sibling, flew into a television, breaking the screen and giving himself a concussion. Within 7 days he was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. Some health professionals say that the pancreas is the "shock organ", in some way is greatly jolted when there is extraordinary stress.

Stress & The Adrenals: A Mini Crash Course

Probably the most well known organ/gland that responds to stress is the adrenals. The adrenals, under direct control of the sympathetic nervous system are triggered to produce hormones that counter the burden and stimulus registered by the brain.

in reality, the adrenals are triggered to produce cortisol through the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) Axis. Upon receiving signals of "fear" and "anxiety" from the amygdala and hippocampus, the hypothalamus is called to release vasopressin and CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone). CRH controls the pituitary to produce ACTH, which in turn triggers cortisol production by the adrenals.

Cortisol, a major steroidal hormone, has numerous biological functions besides responding to stress. Cortisol:

Is capable of elevating blood sugar
Is the body's PRIMARY and most powerful anti-inflammatory
Can suppress immune function
Decreases bone formation
Assists in the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates

Cortisol also antagonizes the effects of DHEA, another crucial adrenal hormone. Low DHEA levels have been cited as being causative in several chronic health issues. The key thing to remember is that when there is a chronic stress response, the body's demand for anti-stress hormones increases! The more cortisol that gets produced, the more DHEA tends to decrease. What results is referred to as the "pregnenolone steal". This is when the the pathway to produce DHEA is burned in favor of making more cortisol. This is a vicious cycle that results in low levels of testosterone, estrogen loss, progesterone imbalances and catabolic breaking down of tissues.

This cycle will continue to perpetuate until something stops it. The adrenals will continue to wear down. the body continues to do the best that it can under the circumstances. Over time, the adrenals are less and less capable of producing the cortisol they once were able to, in order to meet the body's demand to chronic stressors.

On top of this, if a person's diet is inadequate, if they are burdened with toxicity, have chronic infections, the ability to produce cortisol and other hormones diminishes further. Remember that cortisol is also a powerful anti-inflammatory hormone. If there is inflammation from intestinal permeability or autoimmune activity, it is cortisol that is used to halt the inflammatory response.

Getting Stress Under Control

In what seems like another lifetime, I was once a commodity trader at one of the world's largest commodity exchanges. For hours on end I used to jump up and down, screaming and shouting with my arms flailing, throwing around tends of thousands of dollars at a time like it was monopoly money. My trading partners would scream over the headset giving me orders to buy or sell the commodity. For 4 hours straight my body trembled with adrenaline surges. It was a wild experience. I remember when I began trading, the commodity I was trading was at record highs. At times the level of stress and intensity seemed maddening. At the end of the day I would go home and pass out from exhaustion. Many others reverted to drugs and alcohol. I reverted to my daily yoga and meditation practice instead.

I learned to deal with physical stress in a positive way. Yoga and meditation was and still is an outlet for me to deal with stress, both external and internal.

When a person has a chronic health issue, stress is a primary component. The thing you want to do is to:

Have a regular fitness/workout routine. Some people are so chronic even this is stressful. In such cases walking, seated meditation and slow deep breathing are probably the best and most tolerated. When you enter into alpha brain waves during deeper levels of meditation, there are deep internal shifts that take place. The more frequently a person enters into alpha brain wave states, the more fruitful the experiences. In deep alpha states, the brain tends to produce more serotonin and melatonin, as well as boosting DHEA.
Have a strong nutrition practice. The more stress that the body is under, the more demand there is for nutritional biochemicals. The adrenals are dependent upon specific nutrients in order to properly function, especially cholesterol, Vitamin B-5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin C and Zinc. Many people do well taking adrenal glandulars. For some people in stage 3 adrenal fatigue, they are essential. People who have high cortisol levels may want to be cautious with taking things like licorice root extract, as it will continue to keep cortisol levels high. In some cases, the amino acid Serine can lower chronically elevated cortisol, but this should only be done under supervision and in short duration because high cortisol is a response to something else, and not necessarily a cause by itself. Bio-identical hormones can also be used to "lubricate" or improve the "viability" of the steroidal hormone pathways. Although this method should be done carefully under proper supervision.

Testing for Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal function can be tested through saliva hormone biopsies. These will provide an assay into 7 total steroid hormones, including 4 cortisol readings, 1 DHEA, 1 progesterone, estriol, estradiol, testosterone and melatonin.

Another fairly accurate test to assess adrenal fatigue is through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. This test will reveal adrenal status through the tissue level minerals sodium and potassium.

Blood testing of steroidal hormones is less accurate because blood hormones are bound to proteins which prevent accurate measures. While not bullet proof, assessing sodium and potassium levels on blood tests can also reveal adrenal status.

Based upon clinical data, chronic stress can be managed through nutritional means.

Cortisol & DHEA: The Major Hormone Balance

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:20:04 -0700

The cortisol to DHEA ratio is believed to be so important to your health, that numerous functions in the body are deficient without it. Cortisol and DHEA are both powerful adrenal hormones that have a variety of physiological functions. Cortisol and DHEA are steroid hormones, both synthesized from pregnenelone, the master steroid hormone, which is derived from cholesterol. In many ways, the Cortisol to DHEA ratio modulates biological energy output, and their effects are felt at the cellular level all over the body.

Functions of Cortisol & DHEA

Cortisol is a primary stress hormone produced by the adrenals, and is also a potent anti-inflammatory hormone. Cortisol's action can suppress immune function. Another of its primary functions is to raise blood sugar through gluconeogenesis. High amounts of glucocorticoids can suppress thyroid function, chiefly the inhibition of the conversion of T4 into the active T3. CRH (cortico-tropin releasing hormone), which is a hypothalamus precursor to cortisol can inhibit thyroid function as well, suppressing TSH.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is called an androgenic hormone. It is a precursor for testosterone and the estrogens. DHEA antagonizes the effects of cortisol. DHEA is a very powerful anti-aging hormone. Low levels of DHEA are found among those with Cancer, CVD, Alzheimer's, Diabetes, Depression, Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Fatigue.

Since cortisol and DHEA have opposing effects, they should be viewed together as a ratio. Like with every major control system in the body, cortisol and DHEA work through their alternating, dualistic balance.

The ratio between cortisol and DHEA has numerous effects in the body. When cortisol is elevated disproportionately to DHEA, the ratio is higher. When the cortisol to DHEA ratio is elevated, the numerous biological effects that this ratio has in the body is augmented. Here are some of the major effects of the Cortisol to DHEA ratio:

The balance of pro/anti-inflammatory stasis
Immune Regulation. Remeber that cortisol suppresses immune function
Protein, Fat and Glucose metabolism. Evidence suggests that hyperglycemia, which can result in diabetes, in many cases can be caused specifically from imbalanced cortisol and DHEA levels
Thyroid, Pancreas and ovarian function
Detoxification capacity. Since the body needs energy to properly deal with toxic metals, the hormones produced by the adrenal glands are considered to be the cornerstone to heavy metal and xenobiotic elimination.
Skeletal health. High levels of cortisol can cause breakdown of bone as well as the collagen matrix that holds bone together.
Memory. DHEA is a critical component for brain function and cognition.
Cortisol and DHEA have intrinsic relationships with numerous other steroidal hormones such as progesterone and aldosterone. If adrenal function is compromised, the body may bypass the pregnenelone > progesterone > cortisol pathway and "steal" pregnenelone. This can cause numerous complications including the transference of progesterone into androgenic testosterone.

Testing for Cortisol & DHEA

The best way to test cortisol and DHEA is through the saliva. Blood levels of steroidal hormones are less accurate because very often these hormones are bound to proteins in the blood, preventing them from attaching to cell receptors. The saliva is prefered over blood and urine because saliva hormone values are more "bio-available" than the other biopsies.

It is possible to restore the function of depleted adrenal function. Typcially an excellent starting point is to eat according to your type of metabolism. Often times people with adrenal fatigue also have erratic blood sugar. Eating according to your type of metabolism is one of the best ways to maintain adequate blood sugar levels.

In some chronic cases, very high levels of cortisol and adrenaline will continuously cause hyperglycemia. This is due to the fact that adrenaline and cortisol both raise blood glucose levels. Always dig for the underlying causes of your health issues. The adrenal function control can be both a cause of dis-ease and a result of it.

Here's How to Identify Adrenal Fatigue on Your Blood Test

Thu, 19 May 2011 23:22:18 -0700

Blood tests can provide a lot of important data regarding a person's health if the tests are interpreted correctly. If you've been following my posts regarding blood chemistry over the last few months you should know that conventional approaches to interpreting blood tests are flawed for a number of reasons.

However, Functional Blood Chemistry evaluation takes into account the highly individual nature of how the body functions, and the complex relationships that exist between various systems in the body.

It is possible on a blood test to get a vision of numerous systems in the body and the function of various organs and glands. Blood tests are capable of identifying various stressors in the body such as kidney dysfunction, liver toxicity, immune system problems and adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal Function

The adrenal glands are 2 of the most powerful glands in the body. The adrenals produce a variety of hormones such as cortisol, DHEA and adrenaline. The adrenals modulate the body's stress response, and are involved in numerous other biological functions including: digestive functions, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, and the adrenal hormones interact with a simplex of other hormones.

The most accurate way to assess adrenal function is through a saliva cortisol and DHEA biopsy. There are other ways however to assess adrenal function, including through blood tests and through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. These methods won't give you exact cortisol and DHEA values (blood tests can measure the adrenal hormones but saliva hormones are considered far greater due to the fact that saliva hormones are 'free-fractioned') but nonetheless they can give you insight into the 2 basic phases of adrenal imbalance: adrenal hyperfunction and adrenal hypofunction.

Adrenal Hyperfunction

On a blood test, when potassium levels are decreased (about 4.0 or lower) and sodium is increased (greater than 4.2) and chloride levels are higher than 105, it is a sign of adrenal hyperfunction.

Adrenal Hypofunction

On a blood test, adrenal hypofunction is indicated by the following: potassium levels greater than 4.5, sodium less than 136 and chloride values 101 or less.

Low blood pressure, low blood volume, metabolic alkalosis, hypothyroid function and adrenal hypofunction are very commonly seen in the same clinical picture.

Nutritional Strategies

There are a number of nutritional approaches for dealing with adrenal issues. Protocols should be devised for each individual accordingly, due to the highly individual nature of the body. Therefore, understanding your own blood test results is essential in order to figure out a clear strategy from improvement. Click here to read more about blood chemistry.

Eating right for one's type of metabolism will help to ensure the proper amounts of sodium and potassium levels as well as raw materials for one's unique biochemistry. In addition to this, understanding the regulatory effects that the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system has with the endocrine system is also a very important part of the picture.

The following nutrients and herbal formula are frequently used to help improve adrenal health. I am NOT recommending any of these as a protocol, I am only listing these as individual nutrients. Individual nutrients have significantly less of an effect than nutrient and herbal synergy.

Adrenal Glandular concentrate
Bio-identical hormones
Pantothenic Acid (B-5)
Vitamin C
B Vitamins such as Thiamin, Riboflavin, inositol and Choline. These may not be suited for certain individuals due to specific, individual considerations.
Herbs such as: Licorice root extract, Schizandra, Bladderwrack, Skullcap

Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about adrenal health.

Birth Control: Copper Toxicity & Estrogen Excess

Wed, 18 May 2011 13:37:20 -0700

Copper toxicity is a hidden epidemic. Birth control pills and copper IUD's contribute to excess copper in the body. For thousands of years, copper has been known to be anti-microbial in nature. Copper IUD's work by releasing small but significant amounts of copper into the uterus. Copper immobilizes sperm as it travels to the fallopian tubes. This copper can and will enter into the blood causing all sorts of problems.

Birth control pills also tend to raise copper levels in the body. High levels of copper destroys vitamin C in the body, can deplete zinc levels, can lower iron, can cause an unusual rise in Vitamin A, and can aggravate B-vitamin metabolism. Birth control pills contain estrogen and progestin, and these powerful hormones in birth control pills turn off a woman's ovulatory cycle. Estrogen and copper are succinctly related. Copper tends to raise estrogen in the body, and estrogen tends to cause copper to rise. Both copper and estrogen tend to feed one another.

There are long term consequences of both copper toxicity and excess estrogen. High levels of copper can cause numerous symptoms ranging from migraines, to PMS, chronic fatigue and allergic reactions. Copper is used in the body to produce ceruloplasmin, the major copper carrying protein, which is involved in iron utilization and the formation of hemoglobin.

Excess levels of ceruloplasmin is found among those with OCD, Schizophrenia, Angina, Alzheimer's, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lymphoma.

Dangers Associated with Estrogen

Copper raises estrogen and vice versa. Estrogen is touted as a therapy for numerous medical conditions such as Osteoporosis, but this mass media hype fails to identify that estrogen is stress-promoting on bones and is age-promoting. Numerous studies have shown that estrogen can produce prolactin and that prolactin can cause osteoporosis.

In short, high estrogen and low progesterone increases bone loss. Osteoarthritis is associated with excess estrogen. It is true that estrogen can cause retention of calcium. But it is now known that high levels of calcium does very little to prevent or improve symptoms of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is not bone loss, but rather the breakdown of the collagen matrix that holds bone together, a degenerative and catabolic condition which consists of deficiencies of minerals such as boron, magnesium and phosphorous. Only if the miracle estrogen or calcium was the answer to this and other degenerative diseases. They are promoted as such but all that calcium will just end up in the toilet, and all that estrogen will displace other hormones and nutrients, causing further complications.

The Difference Between Bio-Available Copper & Bio-Unavailable

The best way to identify copper toxicity is through Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis. Blood and urine levels will only reflect high copper after acute and immediate exposure, or after the administration of a challenge test.

On a hair tissue mineral analysis biopsy, both high and low copper levels are a problem. High levels of copper indicates bio-unavailability, that is excessive amounts of this mineral. Low copper levels on a hair test can mean low cellular levels of this mineral, but it can also mean "hidden" levels of excess copper. Hidden copper can be identified by numerous factors including elevated hair calcium >70mg%.

Other ways to detect hidden copper on Hair Tests are:

Magnesium greater than about 10 mg%.
Potassium level less than about 4 mg%.
Zinc less than about 13 mg%.
Zinc greater than about 20 mg% is often, but not always is a hidden copper indicator.
Mercury level greater than 0.03 mg%. (see below)
Slow oxidation with a copper level less than 1.0 mg%
Copper greater than about 2.5 mg% on any chart indicates excess and usually biounavailability.
Calcium /potassium ratio greater than 10:1.
Sodium/potassium ratio less than about 2:1.
Phosphorus less than about 12 mg%. This is a newer indicator with less research behind it.
Four low electrolytes.
Four high electrolytes.
Sympathetic dominance pattern.
Calcium shell.
Step down pattern.
Step up pattern.
Double low ratio pattern.
Bowl pattern.
Passive-aggressive pattern

To learn how to begin a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis test, click here.

In this Hair Test we see very high, bio-unavailable copper accompanied with high levels of arsenic, bio-unavailable calcium as well as hyper adrenal function.

Sources for this article:

Guy Schenker, DC

Ray Peat, PhD

Lawrence Wilson, MD

Healing the Adrenals: Journeying into the Complexities of Adrenal Fatigue

Mon, 16 May 2011 11:24:15 -0700

Conventional medical diagnostics still fails to recognize adrenal fatigue as a real problem. Tell this to the millions of people who suffer from depleted adrenal function, chronic fatigue and symptoms of exhaustion and complications that are associated with these symptoms.

Dysfunction of the adrenal glands has become one of the most ubiquitous components of chronic illness. Adrenal fatigue can be the cause of and be caused by numerous complications and health issues. This is due to the fact that the hormones produced by the adrenals are involved in so many biological processes in the body. Take away or deplete the production of these critical steroid hormones and there will be a seemingly endless cascade of health issues.

The Complexities of Adrenal Function

The adrenal glands have been called the most powerful glands in the body. The hormones they produce, chiefly DHEA and Cortisol are involved in so many biological functions, it is hard to keep track. The roles these hormones are involved in include:

Managing the body's stress responses
Digestive functions
Anti-inflammatory processes
Fluid dynamics
Thyroid Function
Sodium retention
Blood Sugar Regulation
Musculo-skeletal health
Immune Function
Heavy Metal Detoxification Capacity
Quality of Sleep
Mood, Energy, Mental Clarity
Mucosal Surface Integrity

Adrenals & Gut Function

While it is critical to identify adrenal insufficiency and support them, this is only a part of the picture. Depleted adrenal function can result in several serious problems including breakdown of gut function. The feedback loop can be a two-fold blocking factor also, because damaged gut function can cause the adrenals to breakdown as well.

Take for example a chronic digestive disease like Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease. These conditions result in devastating amounts of cellular breakdown (catabolic activity) in the gut. This breakdown of gut function demands a strong, anti-inflammatory response headed by the production and release of cortisol, an anti-inflammatory hormone produced by the adrenals. The continuous breakdown of digestive function associated with chronic diseases like Crohn's or UC, results in the depletion of adrenal hormones. Just ask someone with these diseases how stress effects their digestive function. They will very often tell you that external stressors make their symptoms worse!

It is extremely common that high levels of external stressors will cause an intensification of adrenal activity, and that cortisol/anti-inflammatory feedback loop will continue. Over time, this wears away at the adrenals, and their ability to continuously meet the internal and external stress demands.

Take another factor in gut function: food allergies and sensitivities. These factors can result in serious auto-immune processes, causing a breakdown of the delicate villi and mico-villi in the gut, and a loss or depletion of intestinal surface integrity and immunoglobulins. In these inflammatory states, not only is their loss of surface mucosal integrity, there are inflammatory mediators that get released such as cytokines, leukotrienes, prostaglandins and histamine. Once again, cortisol gets pumped out to respond to these processes, wearing away at adrenal function.

So what is needed here is a multi-pronged approach that identifies and supports ALL of the functions of the body that are affected when the adrenals shut down. So often people tell me they have adrenal fatigue. But what they need to understand is that this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many other problems that are either causing their adrenal dysfunction, or resulting from their adrenal dysfunction.

Immune Processes & the Adrenals

Any autoimmune process in the body has an impact upon adrenal function. Cortisol is involved in the response to inflammation. The ratio of Cortisol and DHEA have an influence upon Eicosanoid function. Eicosanoids regulate prostaglandin balance, which is hugely involved in the immune reaction to inflammation. De-regulated cortisol and DHEA levels will skew the eicosanoids, resulting in poor immune responses.

These issues are hugely involved with diseases like MS, Crohn's, Rheumatism, Osteoporosis and Arthritis, not to mention Haschimoto's and other auto-immune diseases.

Chronic infections such as H-Pylori, Giardia and parasites can all take their toll on the adrenals as well. Chronic infections can cause a depletion of HCL in the stomach, as well as damage to intestinal organs. Just like with any kind of inflammatory damage in the body, cortisol will be used up.

The Adrenals, Hypertension & Fluid Balance

The adrenals are hugely regulated by sodium and potassium levels. The adrenals produce a mineralcorticoid hormone called Aldosterone. Aldosterone's chief responsibility is to retain sodium. When there is adrenal hyperfunction (high amounts of cortisol), aldosterone causes excess sodium to be retained and potassium to be excreted. This is a major cause of hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure. Hypertension can result in congestive heart failure and heart disease, not to mention is associated with Diabetes.

When there is abnormal adrenal function, either hyper or hypo function, it is very common to see fluid retention issues. This is why one of the primary results of hypertension is fluid retention. Support adrenal function, and the fluid/electrolyte dynamics are better regulated because the proper balance of potassium and sodium are met.

The Adrenals & Thyroid

Abnormal amounts of cortisol will block the conversion of the Thyroid Hormones: T4 into T3. Cortisol is involved in a continuous feedback loop with the HPA (Hypothalamus, Pituitary Axis). Excess cortisol will feed back into the Hypothalamus and then the Hypothalamus produces CRH (cortico tropln-releasing hormone). High amount of CRH inhibits TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) production. This feedback loop goes on and on.

These processes described above are a key piece to the hypothyroid picture. It is no surprise that cortisol studies on patients with hypothyroidism involves adrenal fatigue and de-regulated cortisol and DHEA levels.

Supporting and restoring adrenal function helps to slow these potentially harmful processes. As mentioned earlier, the adrenals are strongly involved in the Thyroid autoimmune disease Haschimoto's.

Adrenal Fatigue: What to Do

Again it should be emphasized that because of the systemic involvement of the major adrenal hormones, the best course of action is to view the function of multiple systems in the body, not just the adrenals. Because of the various feedback loops in the body, adrenal function is only a part of the whole picture.

There are numerous laboratory tests that can look at adrenal function. The best way to get a picture of the adrenals is through a Saliva Hormone Biopsy. This will reveal 4 cortisol levels throughout the course of one day, as well as DHEA levels and 5 other steroid hormones. The best way to test the adrenal hormones is through the saliva, not the blood because only the saliva measures the "free-fractioned" hormone levels. Blood steroidal hormones are mostly bound to protein and do not represent the available levels of hormones to cell receptors.

A standard blood test can also detect relative adrenal function as indicated by sodium, potassium, chloride and Co2 values. Another effective way I have found is through HTMA (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis). I have found that HTMA correlates well with both blood and saliva adrenal studies.

Understanding the intrinsic relationship the adrenals have with some many other systems, depending on the specific issues of each person, I may recommend several other biopsies including: Gut Function assessments, Intestinal Surface Immune testing, food sensitivity identification or other similar tests.

A complete, intelligent and Functional nutritional protocol that involves supporting adrenal function should also include:

Identifying ALL blocking factors: Food Sensitivities, Heavy Metal Toxicity, GI/bacterial/parasitic infection
Identifying Your Ideal Diet through your Metabolic Type
Restoring/Repairing Gut Function
Improving Liver Function
Supporting digestion, elimination and hydration

Supporting & Restoring Adrenal Function

The following information is solely for educational purposes and is not intended as advice.

There are numerous ways to support adrenal function. i always like to recommend food as a priority, and this is why eating right for your type of metabolism can be so powerful. For example, calcium supplementation can be very important to maintain healthy adrenal function for some people but totally wrong for someone else. The best way to find this out is by understanding your Metabolic Type.

There are no "one size fits all" protocols for restoring adrenal function. In truth, individual assessments must be the baseline component for understanding what your own body needs. Therefore the following recommendations are only to be used as educational.

A key component of adrenal function is understanding the relationship of sodium and potassium. This critical balance of electrolytes has immense implications for adrenal function. Sodium and potassium activity can be assessed using blood chemistry as well as hair tissue mineral analysis. Therefore supporting adrenal function by using the correct concentrations of certain electrolytes can have tremendous healing potential for the adrenals. What appears to be adrenal fatigue could actually be an electrolyte imbalance.

What appears to be adrenal dysfunction may in fact be a pituitary or hypothalamus issue. This is because the Hypothalamus and Pituitary have a regulatory effect upon how much adrenal hormones are made. This is a complex issue that extends beyond this article.

I am a big fan of Adrenal Glandulars and other glandulars that support healthy endocrine function. I have seen them work wonderfully for numerous people. The dose should be determined by each person's individual needs.

Herbal therapies can have very positive effects on adrenal health and vitality. This may include herbs such as ashwagandha, rhemmania, eleuthero and schisandra. Licorice Root Extract is another excellent way to help improve adrenal function because Licorice root helps to maintain cortisol levels. This is contraindicated for people with hypertension, however.

Other nutrient supplements that may be beneficial for some but not for others include B complex, zinc and copper.

If there are fluid retention issues involved with adrenal fatigue, this needs to be dealt with. Understanding Electrolyte and Fluid Dynamics is critical for controlling and maintaining the intracellular sodium/potassium pump and healthy electrolyte and fluid levels.

Sources for this article:

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0306453094900132

http://www.clinchem.org/content/54/11/1759.full

"Salivary Cortisol", Clemens, Kirschbaum & Hellhammer, Un. New Trier, Germany, 2000

"Adaptogenic & Cardioprotective Action of Ashwagandha in Rats & Frogs" Dhuley, Pharmacology & Toxicology Section, Pune, India, 2000

"Nutrients & Botanicals for Treatment of Stress: Adrenal Fatigue, Neurotransmitter Imbalance, Anxiety & Restless Sleep", Head, Kelly, Alternative Medicine Review, 2009

http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/107628002760396418

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691502000807

http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/47/2/397.short

"Study on the Mechanism and Therapeutic Effect of “Oral Liquid of Xiao-Pi Yi-Shen” for Patients with CFS", Tianfang Wang, et al Am. Journal of TCM, 2002

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0018506X00916143

"Human Saliva as a Diagnostic Specimen", Hoffman, Journal of Nutrition, 2001

"Clinical Autonomic Disorders", Low, Benarroch,1997-2008

"Diagnostic Potential Of Saliva: Current State & Future Applications". Pfaaffe, White, Beyerlein, Kostner, Punyadeera, Clinical Chemistry, 2011

PMS: Nutritional Solutions

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 13:59:17 -0700

PMS is said to effect approximately 50% of women who have regular menstruation. Its important to address that not all women that menstruate suffer from any symptoms associated with menses.

Nonetheless PMS symptoms can be very real for women who do suffer from them.

What if PMS is caused by a Metabolic imbalance, something which can be significantly reduced or eliminated simply by following nutritional guidelines? Seems too simple to be true? Think again. It is often the most obvious solutions that are the most effective and the most overlooked.

In my nutritional consulting practice I have worked with hundreds of women who have suffered severe menstrual cramps. After they followed a customized nutritional intervention, their menstruation was much smoother and their cramps either were reduced or eliminated completely.

Most Common PMS Symptoms

Abdominal Cramping
Abdominal Bloating
Headaches & Migraines
Breast Swelling & Tenderness
Low Back Pain
Fatigue/Low Energy
Emotionally Sensitive
Depression
Irritable

The Cause of PMS May Be Simpler Than You Can Imagine

There is a direct correlation between PMS and blood sugar de-regulation. Nerve and brain cells are particularly dependent upon normal and adequate blood sugar. When the body is deprived of optimal blood sugar levels, numerous hormone imbalances can ensue and the result can leave you with intense physical and emotional symptoms.

Blood sugar called glucose is the primary way with how energy is made inside of your cells. If blood sugar levels get too low or too high, so many of the body's fundamental processes don't work properly. Some women rely too heavily upon carbohydrate forms of energy and others rely too heavily on dietary sources of fat for energy.

The wrong combination for your body can equal disaster. The right mix of carbs, fat and protein for your unique body is a strategy for success and optimum health.

During certain times of a woman's ovulatory and menses cycles, she may experience a very different need for certain foods and nutrients; An increased need for certain forms of foods, and a decreased need for others.

i have been very effective at pointing out to many women when metabolic shifts take place. Provided that she can identify when these shifts take place, her menstrual cycle becomes much, much smoother.

A key to a smooth menstrual cycle, one that has minimal PMS symptoms is about three major factors:

Timing
Intuition
Proper Nutrition

I am currently running a very basic, yet very powerful survey that provides me with a lot of data regarding a woman's menstrual cycle. This survey takes 1 minute to complete. It will help me to understand how able I am to help a woman to overcome PMS.

Michael McEvoy has a private web-based nutritional consulting practice. He works with clients nationally and internationally. Please contact him to learn more about his nutritional consulting services and programs.