Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Adrenal glands or suprarenal glands are triangular shaped endocrine glands that are located on the top of each kidney. They directly secrete many essential hormones into the blood stream, which help carry out a number of metabolic activities.

Adrenal glands produce corticosterone and hydrocortisone hormones that help regulate the inflammatory response of the body and carry out protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Corticosterone helps maintain a healthy immune system and protects against the bacterial and viral infections.

The innermost layer of adrenal glands secretes androgens or androgenic steroids that are responsible for the development of male characteristics. These male sex hormones play a vital role in the development and healthy functioning of male sex organs.

The outermost layer of the adrenal glands produces aldosterone hormone that helps regulate the amount of sodium, magnesium and potassium passed into the urine.

The inner part of the adrenal gland secretes adrenaline in response to mental or physical stress. Adrenaline helps perform numerous functions in the body. It helps convert glycogen into glucose and relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive system. It promotes the smooth flow of blood to the muscles and the brain and increases the heart rate. Moreover, it decreases blood sugar level and causes dilation of the arteries of the kidneys, heart and muscles. Norepinephrine is another hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland. It helps increase mental alertness, concentration level and arousal.

BioCare AD 206 Adrenal Support with Apple Extra is a popular brand on the market that contains plant extracts and specific nutrients to help support adrenal function during stressful periods. It contains B vitamins (vitamin B3, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6), vitamin C, ginseng, Gotal Kola, Licorice, manganese and chromium to support adrenal function.

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is an important nutrient that is vital to the health of your eyes. It helps produce rodopsin that is necessary for dark adaptation. It helps maintain the natural structural integrity of the cornea, retina and other eye tissues. Vitamin A deficiency may lead to numerous ophthalmological disorders especially xerophthalmia and night blindness.

Xerophthalmia is a serious condition of eye that might lead to blindness. This disease affects the cells of cornea and tear ducts. Night blindness makes it nearly impossible to see in relatively low light. This condition occurs due to inability of retina to respond to the light due to vitamin A deficiency.

The rich dietary sources of vitamin A are fish, fish oils, liver, nuts, fruits, vegetables and dairy products. These food items contain carotenoids which are converted into retinol by your body.

It also makes a good idea to use a dietary supplement that contains vitamin A in its formulation. BioCare One-A-Day Multivitamins & Minerals with Lutein & Bilberry is a popular brand on the market that makes an effective broad spectrum, antioxidant and one-a-day multinutrient tablet. It contains vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E, minerals, and additional antioxidant support from beta carotene, lutein and bilberry. Vitamin A helps maintain the health of your eyes and skin. B vitamins help release energy from food and boost your immune system. Vitamins C and E act as antioxidants and help destroy free radicals in your body. Vitamin D strengthens your bones and helps absorb calcium. Take one tablet daily with food.