As we have seen in the Previous article, adrenal dysfunction can manifest itself in several ways, such as elevated or decreased levels of cortisoland both conditions can have significant implications for immune health and response to allergens and chemicals.
In this article I will explain in detail the biochemical mechanisms behind adrenal dysfunction and how this imbalance can contribute to creating or exacerbating allergies and chemical sensitivity, supported by clinical references and relevant studies.
Elevated cortisol and its immune system suppression effects
In the previous article we saw the relationship between a high level of stress and the alteration of cortisol in the blood.
He elevated cortisolsomething very common in chronic stress situations, can damage and lead to prolonged suppression of the immune system. While this may initially seem protective, chronic suppression can result in inappropriate regulation of immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections and exaggerated allergic reactions. [1].
Systemic inflammation
If cortisol levels remain elevated for a long time, low-grade systemic inflammation may occur. This chronic inflammation can compromise the mucosal barriers of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, potentially leading to intestinal permeability and facilitating the entry of allergens and chemicals [2].
HPA axis alteration
Prolonged cortisol dysfunction can deregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, crucial in the stress response, affecting immune system homeostasis and increasing reactivity to allergens and chemicals. [3].
Low cortisol and its effects: dysregulated immune response
It’s not just high cortisol that can lead to immune system suppression.
Low cortisol can also deregulate the immune response, as this hormone modulates inflammation and the immune response.
Cortisol deficiency in many cases produces greater allergic reactivity [4].
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Increased release of histamine
Other functions of cortisol include stabilizing the membranes of mast cells, cells that release histamine during allergic reactions.
If cortisol levels are low, the release of histamine can increase, exacerbating allergic symptoms. [5].
Chronic inflamation
Cortisol deficiency can lead to chronic inflammation, as the body is unable to adequately suppress inflammatory responses. This situation increases susceptibility to exaggerated inflammatory reactions to allergens and chemicals. [6].
Chemical sensitivity liver detoxification dysfunction
Cortisol is responsible for regulating liver enzymes involved in detoxification.
Both high and low cortisol can alter the liver’s ability to metabolize and excrete toxins, and this situation favors the accumulation of chemicals and sensitivity to these compounds. [7].
Alteration of epithelial barriers
Another problem that arises when there is adrenal dysfunction is the affectation of the epithelial barriers, such as the skin and the gastrointestinal and respiratory mucous membranes. This favors a greater penetration of chemical substances due to the reduction of defenses, resulting in greater sensitivity. [8].
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system
Cortisol has a very direct influence on the autonomic nervous system, which regulates functions such as stress response and inflammation.
Adrenal dysfunction can lead to inappropriate activation of the autonomic nervous system, and this increases sensitivity to chemical stimuli. [9].
If you have any type of allergy, control your stress and evaluate your adrenal function
How do I know if my adrenal glands are malfunctioning?
Adrenal dysfunction can be detected through blood tests, observing elevated or low levels of cortisol.
Detecting these imbalances early can help you improve your immune health, as poor adrenal function can contribute to the development of allergies and chemical sensitivity.
Understanding and knowing these biochemical mechanisms is essential to develop effective management and treatment strategies for those who suffer from some type of allergy.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.
Be happy
Peter Garcia
References
Cohen S, Janicki-Deverts D, Miller GE. Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012;109(16):5995-5999. doi:10.1073/pnas.1118355109.
Franceschi C, Bonafè M, Valensin S. The role of systemic inflammation in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases with age. Nat Rev Immunol. 2000;2(8):597-604. doi:10.1038/nri1457.
Cleare AJ. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(3):1072-1080. doi:10.1210/jc.2003-031122.
Bornstein SR, Allolio B, Arlt W, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal insufficiency: an Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(2):364-389. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-1710.
Church MK, Maurer M, Simons FE, et al. Risk of first-generation H1-antihistamines: a GA2LEN position paper. Allergy. 2010;65(4):459-466. doi:10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02221.x.
Chen L, Deng H, Cui H, et al. Inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases in organs. Oncotarget. 2018;9(6):7204-7218. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.23208.
Waxman DJ, Chang TK. Glucocorticoid regulation of cytochrome P450 gene expression. In: Ioannides C, ed. Cytochromes P450: Role in the Metabolism and Toxicity of Drugs and Other Xenobiotics. Royal Society of Chemistry; 2002:255-294.
Turner JR. Intestinal mucosal barrier function in health and disease. Nat Rev Immunol. 2009;9(11):799-809. doi:10.1038/nri2653.
Tracey KJ. The inflammatory reflex. Nature. 2002;420(6917):853-859. doi:10.1038/nature01321.
2024-07-02 07:57:00
#Relationship #adrenal #dysfunction #cortisol #allergies
