Two of the most common health complaints are fatigue and weight gain. It just so happens that both (as well as other symptoms) have a common denominator: adrenal and thyroid health.

The adrenal glands are tiny organs that sit atop each kidney and are the hormonal part of the renal system. The adrenals have two hormone-secreting parts, one called the adrenal cortex, the other the adrenal medulla. They control hormones that control our energy systems, fat burn, pain and inflammation. They are responsible for healthy blood pressure levels, healthy stress response (both physical and emotional) and the production of hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, testosterone, epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), brain hormones such as dopamine and Enkephalins (pain). During peri-menopause, when estrogen levels begin to decline, the adrenals ramp up their production of estrogen, to try to balance it out. The adrenals are responsible for sustained energy throughout the day, they regulate the quality of our sleep, regulate fat production, and our emotional wellbeing — all are largely dependent upon the adrenal glands.

Likewise, the thyroid is part of our energy system, controls our metabolism responsible for weight gain/loss, and many hormonal functions such as muscle strength, temperature control, cholesterol levels, some nervous system functions, breathing, heart rate, menstrual cycles and more.

Both the adrenals and the thyroid are part of an amazing and dynamic system of hormone-producing glands that is ever changing according to bodily demands. This ebb and flow, a critical inter-dependency is like a symphony in action. Each responds to the other, creating harmonious health (hopefully). But what happens if one isn’t doing its part? Harmony gives way to dissonance or incongruity. We call that disease.

This highly dynamic system that changes every second of every day can weaken. Slowly, over time, function starts to waver. The rest of the symphony of this endocrine system tries desperately to regain balance, but the longer it takes, the harder it becomes. We, for the most part can help this system find it’s harmony again.

The adrenals and thyroid are very influential over the other, partners in their control of such important things as controlling our weight and energy levels. Stress, sugar, inadequate nutritional building blocks can cause these two small but powerful glands to weaken. They don’t have to be “diseased” by medical definition to have an adverse effect on weight and energy. Simply sub-function — the gray area between perfect health and disease — can have a formidable impact on how we feel and look.

The question is, can we do something about it? The answer is an absolute “yes!” Through acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary tweaks, supplementation, lifestyle adjustments and more, we can turn these two glands into fat-burning, energy producing super machines!

Learn more in our upcoming health class, Adrenals & Thyroid: Answers to Fatigue & Weight Gain,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28 at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.

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Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. She is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.