We never really think about the importance of Hormones and the contribution to total body function and optimal health. There are several hormones functioning in the body that regulate growth, metabolism and sexual development. ip address information The Endocrine system is responsible for these hormones including the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamus glands. These glands release hormones into the bloodstream which then are transported to the organs and tissues throughout the entire body.
The thyroid gland is responsible for fat metabolism and the parathyroid gland which is embedded in the thyroid gland controls the levels of calcium in the blood. The thyroid gland secretes hormones which regulate energy and emotional balance and controls basal metabolism and body temperature. Weight gain is usually in the midsection.
The adrenal gland is responsible for how energy in the body is stored and how food is used. The adrenal gland is part of the sympathetic nervous system and it’s the body’s first line of defense in response to physical and emotional stress, the “fight” or “flight” mechanism. The hormones secreted are in direct response to the pituitary hormone ACTH. This hormone is a steroid called Cortisol and under prolonged stress will promote health challenges including chronic pain, chronic inflammation or infection, emotional response, glycemic (sugar) problems, immune dysfunction and the inability to release growth hormones. The adrenal gland controls weight in the thigh and knee area.
The pituitary gland is an important link between the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Endocrine System (ES) and is responsible for the release of growth hormones, sexual development and reproduction and metabolism. The hormones affect bone growth and regulate activity in the other glands. Weight gain is usually in the hip area.
The hypothalamus, a tiny cluster of brain cells just above the pituitary, is responsible for mostly everything. When this goes you’re in trouble. The hypothalamus controls and integrates the autonomic nervous system, receptor for sensory impulses, a link between the CNS and ES, center for “mind over body” phenomenon, associated with feelings of rage or aggression, controls body temperature, regulates food intake, controls thirst, controls waking and sleeping patterns and drives many biological rhythms.
The Endocrine System is vast in its functions. We take our health for granted when we are well. When we are sick, we need to consider what the Endocrine System is doing. The root to hormonal balance always starts with the adrenal gland. When the adrenal gland and the cortisol levels are balanced through proper diet, exercise and stress reduction, then the body’s health is well on its way to being optimal. I wish all of you the best in your discovery for better health!