Adrenal Glands

Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Index

Stress can have a profound effect on our emotional and physical well-being, affecting everyone at some point and causing symptoms ranging from weight gain, depression, to digestive problems. Continued imbalance of stress hormones can wear the body down triggering chronic fatigue and immune suppression. The Comprehensive Adrenal Stress Index assesses both adrenal function (Adrenal Stress Index) and gastrointestinal immune function (SIgA).

Secretory IgA (SIgA) is found in saliva in the mouth, throughout the gastrointestinal tract and in mucous secretions throughout the body. SIgA, working with our immune system, provides our first line of defence against bacteria, food toxins, fungus, parasites and viruses. A deficiency of SIgA is the most common cause of immunodeficiency. Low levels increase our susceptibility to infection and may be a fundamental cause of many health conditions.

Causes of stress:

• Negative lifestyle habits

• Lack of sleep, shift work

• Over consumption of stimulants such as sugar and caffeine

• Excessive exercise

• Physical injury

• Pregnancy and birth

• Bereavement,, marriage, divorce

• Debt

• Attitudes including perfectionism, obsessive - compulsive behaviors, shyness, insecurity and also perhaps isolation and loneliness.

There are three stages of stress, which are commonly referred to as adaptation, resistance and exhaustion. Any physical or mental trauma will trigger an immediate set of reactions. This is called the ‘fight or flight’ response and is an inherent survival mechanism. Once the cause of stress is removed, this process should normalize, but if the stressor is not removed, over time, the adaptation stage will begin. When this phase persists, without periods of relaxation and rest, sufferers become prone to amongst others, fatigue, concentration lapses, irritability, lethargy, increased infections, reduced libido and vitality. The third stage occurs when the body is depleted of its ‘adrenal reserve’ and is fittingly termed, adrenal exhaustion. Symptoms of this stage include progressive mental and physical exhaustion, depression, illness and collapse.

 Symptoms associated with excess stress:

• PMS, cravings, weight gain, inexplicable hunger
• Increased number of minor infections and viruses (e.g. thrush, cystitis, colds, flu)
• Poor concentration and memory, low energy, insomnia, depression, loss of libido
• Headaches, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks, nervousness and/ or irritability
• Digestive disturbances (e.g. diarrhea, constipation, bloating, stomach aches/ pains)
• Increased sensitivities to food, and alcohol intolerance
• Skin problems (e.g. eczema, psoriasis)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels

 Causes of imbalanced Secretory IgA:

• High stress levels

• Anti-inflammatory drugs

• Antibiotics

• Intestinal infections (bacterial or yeast overgrowth)

• Aging

• High alcohol intake

• Maldigestion and malabsorption

• Gastroenteritis

• Chemotherapy

• Food poisoning

• Poor diet

 Conditions associated with imbalanced SIgA:

• Asthma

• Autoimmune conditions inc. Coeliac Disease, Ulcerative colitis & Crohns Disease

• Candidiasis and other pathogens in the G.I. tract

• Food intolerances and allergies

• Autism and other behavioral problems

• Upper respiratory tract infections

• Periodontal disease

• Chronic dermatological conditions 

• Chronic and persistent infections

Pricing

Description		(RRP) Price
Comprehensive Adrenal Stress  Index		£90.00
Adrenal Stress Test		£70.00
Secretory IgA (sIgA)		£60.00
DHEA Saliva Test		£45.00

To order test go to Having a Test