The Effect of Adrenal Gland on Food Metabolism & Hunger
Your adrenal glands are responsible for important hormone production in your body. When your adrenal glands are not functioning properly, your body can experience many adverse reactions, including metabolism changes and altered feelings of hunger.
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Adrenal Gland Function
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Located at the top of your kidneys adrenal glands are part of your endocrine system. The glands work in conjunction with the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. This team helps to control your body's production of cortisol, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and aldosterone.
Adrenal Gland Imbalance
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Tumors, disease, or medicinal side-effects can impair adrenal gland function. The resulting corticosteroid imbalance impacts the regulation of metabolism. Any abnormal adrenal hormone production will adversely affect the body and can result in serious illness.
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Addison's Disease
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Addison's Disease is characterized by under-production of the adrenal hormones. Your body becomes highly sensitive to insulin and you may become hypoglycemic. According to the Merck Medical Manual, Addison's may cause a lack of appetite. Conversely, extreme hunger for salty foods may occur during periods of low blood sugar induced by the disease.
Cushing's Syndrome
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Cushing 's Syndrome is characterized by the over-production of the hormone, cortisol. This over-production may stem from a tumor, or from the use of corticosteroids. People suffering from Cushing's suffer from many symptoms, including glucose intolerance and weight gain, especially through the torso.
Significance
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Abnormal production of cortisol, due to adrenal gland dysfunction can adversely affect the delicate hormonal balance in your body. Cortisol is responsible for the proper metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in your body.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
