The causes of hay fever : adrenal exhaustion
Many allergy experts believe that the root cause of allergic disease, including hay fever, is adrenal exhaustion. The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys; their core produces vital adrenalin which ‘fires’ the heart. However, excessive amounts of mental, physical and/or emotional stress make them pump more adrenalin than necessary; this overworking is obviously very draining for them and can cause them to weaken and malfunction. This is why stress control is so important in allergy conditions such as hay fever.
An important function of the outer regions of the adrenal glands – the cortex – is the production of about 50 hormones and other substances which play key roles in virtually every bodily function. It makes sense, then, to say that adrenal exhaustion leads to problems in many areas. One of the hormones produced by these glands is cortisone, which works with others to mediate the body’s inflammatory response. When the adrenal cortex is weakened, however, a variety of inflammatory problems can occur, including asthma, hay fever and eczema.
Each of the adrenal hormones requires vitamin C to maintain their function, and for this reason that particular vitamin is vital for controlling hay fever symptoms. It also appears that the adrenal cortex is very sensitive to blood sugar levels, and the intake of large amounts of refined carbohydrates such as those in biscuits, some breads and pasta, cakes, sweets and pastries is the deep-rooted cause of many allergies. However, taking cortisone by mouth has been found to actually weaken the adrenal glands over time, and so experts believe that the optimum means of strengthening and supporting the adrenal glands is through a nutritional programme, including nutritional supplements, to rebuild and rebalance the adrenal cortex. When the adrenal glands are functioning more efficiently, virtually every bodily system improves. Qualified nutritionists now offer a test to determine adrenal exhaustion.
If you are experiencing a situation that is particularly stressful or have unresolved emotional issues, it is advisable to see a skilled counsellor. Stress depletes levels of vitamin C in the body.