The adrenal glands assist to manage crucial physique programs. They’re a part of the endocrine system, in order that they play a task in managing the stress response in canines and cats. For companion animals, stress can come from environmental elements, emotional triggers, bodily exercise, and trauma. Helping our canines and cats to handle stress may also help them dwell longer and more healthy lives, so how can pet mother and father assist the adrenal glands? With adaptogenic mushrooms, after all!
The Role of the Adrenal Glands and Pituitary Gland
The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol, aldosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Together, these hormones regulate many physique capabilities and programs, together with the immune system, blood strain, metabolism, electrolytes, and stress.
What’s extra, the adrenal glands work with the pituitary gland in a partnership referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hormones made by the pituitary gland inform the adrenal glands to supply their hormones. The relationship between these two organs regulates mineral concentrations within the blood and the manufacturing of stress and fight-flight-freeze hormones.
Diseases that Affect the Adrenal Glands
Some illnesses can affect the adrenal glands in canines, cats, and different companion animals. One of them is Cushing’s illness. This occurs when the adrenal glands produce an excessive amount of cortisol over an extended interval, both due to indicators from the pituitary gland or a tumor. Symptoms embody:
- Hair thinning or loss
- Thinning or discoloration of the pores and skin
- Hyperglycemia
- Increased thirst, urination, and urge for food
- Increased urination
Another difficulty is Addison’s illness. This is when the adrenal glands don’t make sufficient of some hormones due to tissue harm from an autoimmune illness, an infection, medication, most cancers, or irritation. What’s extra, head trauma, mind most cancers, and extreme use of steroid medication can harm the pituitary gland, triggering Addison’s.
Because the adrenal glands play a task in electrolyte regulation, Addison’s can even trigger life-threatening signs, equivalent to weak spot, lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmia, sluggish coronary heart charge, and bloody stools.
Adaptogens, Cordyceps, and Adrenal Health
Adaptogens are vegetation or mushrooms that assist the adrenal glands higher take care of stress. They work by regulating the HPA axis and the sympathoadrenal system, which can be concerned within the fight-flight-freeze response. Adaptogens:
- Are non-toxic to the recipient in regular doses
- Produce a non-specific state of resistance to emphasize
- Have a normalizing and balancing affect on the physique
Cordyceps1 is a mushroom that’s thought of an adaptogen. It accommodates parts that act on the endocrine system, together with intercourse glands and adrenal glands. As an adaptogenic mushroom, Cordyceps might assist to:
- Support wholesome kidney perform
- Manage stress
- Support wholesome vitality administration
- Promote fertility
- Increase anabolic metabolism via its modulation of wholesome testosterone ranges
Currently, Cordyceps is below investigation for its means to enhance horses recognized with equine Cushing’s illness. And whereas we nonetheless want research analyzing the advantages of Cordyceps in dogs with Cushing’s illness and in cats with persistent kidney illness, there may be proof that they’ll assist the adrenal glands and your canine’s or cat’s stress response.
Real Mushrooms has the highest-quality purposeful mushroom extracts for canines and cats, together with natural Cordyceps extract. Visit Real Mushrooms to be taught extra!
REFERENCES
1Winston, D. Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. (2007) Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT. 05767. ISBN: 978-1-62055-958-1
Dr. Robert J. Silver is a 1982 graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He has pioneered the usage of eating regimen, herbs and nutraceuticals in his small animal integrative observe in Boulder, Colorado for the previous 25 years. He writes and speaks each domestically and internationally to veterinary audiences on the worth of mixing holistic modalities with typical medication, and is a guide to the pet meals trade. He can be the Chief Medical Officer of Real Mushrooms for Pets.
