Can’t move those extra kilos? The hormones produced by your adrenal glands may be affecting your body’s metabolic rate and how it stores excess energy and fluid. Healthy adrenal function is crucial for balanced hormonal levels and effective weight management. 

What do adrenals do?

These small but vital organs are located above each kidney and are responsible for producing a variety of hormones, each of which plays a role in how your body manages stress, metabolism, and energy balance. 

Elevated cortisol & weight management

Cortisol, often referred to as the stress hormone, is produced by the adrenal cortex and has a significant effect on weight management.  If you’re under a lot of stress, feeling ‘wired’ or tense, elevated cortisol could be a factor in unwanted weight gain. 

Normally, cortisol helps regulate metabolism by controlling how the body uses carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It also plays a role in maintaining blood sugar levels. When you’re under a lot of stress the adrenals pump out more cortisol as part of the ‘fight or flight’ response. These prolonged elevated cortisol levels can increase appetite, particularly for high-calorie, sugary and fatty foods, leading to overeating and weight gain. 

Cortisol also affects the storage of fat, particularly in the abdominal region, which is associated with higher health risks.

But it’s not all about cortisol…

While cortisol is a major player, adrenaline, noradrenaline, aldosterone and androgens are also produced and regulated by the adrenals with each contributing to different aspects of how the body manages weight. 

In particular, aldosterone helps regulate sodium and potassium balance, which affects fluid balance and blood pressure. While its impact on weight management is less pronounced than cortisol, its role in maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial to overall metabolic health, indirectly supporting weight management. 

Natural herbs to support adrenal health 

Harker Herbals Adrenal Tonic is a synergistic blend of 16 herbs and essential oils selected to support healthy adrenal and glandular function.  Key ingredients include yellow dock root which is renowned for its cleansing properties, sarsaparilla root to support hormonal balance and liver health (a healthy liver reduces the burden on the adrenals), and chickweed, a nutrient-dense herb which supports various metabolic processes, including those involved in adrenal hormone production. 

Adrenal Tonic is suitable for adults over 12 years and is a popular support for women, especially during hormonal changes. It was formulated by master herbalist, Malcolm Harker, and has been produced by Harker Herbals for more than 40 years.  

Symptoms of overworked adrenals

·         Persistent tiredness & morning fatigue

·         Trouble falling asleep & waking unrefreshed

·         Brain fog & trouble concentrating

·         Irritable, tense, or flat mood

·         Rundown & slow to heal 

·         Weight gain & low libido

·         Craving salty foods

·         Bloating & irregular bowel movements

·         Hormonal imbalances

·         Heart palpations or feeling dizzy

·         Dry skin, dark pigmentation 

Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.

Harker Herbals Products Limited, Waipu.