The Glandular System
Not only is the glandular system one of the most important systems of the body,
but it is also among the most complicated. Scientists have just begun to
discover its many mysteries. The following is an easy-to-understand overview.
The term "gland" comes from Latin glans, meaning "acorn." Gland tissue can be
either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals.
There are two types of glands: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which
secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts, are called exocrine, meaning
"outside of." They include sweat, tear and salivary glands.
Ductless glands are part of the endocrine system, meaning " within." They
secrete special chemicals directly into the blood. These compounds are called
hormones and they usually target tissues somewhere else in the body, causing
changes to occur. But some of them affect all cells in general. Hormone
messengers are independent of the nervous system, and take longer to cause an
effect.
What are Hormones?
In Greek, hormone means " to set in motion." Hormones are made by endocrine
glands to control another part of the body. They require protein and fatty
acids; cholesterol is used to manufacture some of them. These hormones are
secreted directly into the bloodstream.
Many different hormones must be balanced one with another. This is done in at
least two ways: (1) by the brain's information center, which monitors the state
of the body, and (2) self-regulation as each gland detects chemical levels in
the blood, giving "feedback" on the needs of the body. Glands may react by
secreting one hormone to shut down the production or effects of another. Glands
have the power to produce several different kinds of hormones at any time. The
liver also has the power to control an overabundance of some hormones in the
blood.
Endocrine glands include the gonads, pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid,
thymus and adrenals.
Beginning from the top down, here is a brief description of this fascinating set
of internal controls which help the body perform at peak efficiency while
adapting to change, whether internal or external.
Pineal
At the center of the brain is the pineal gland, a pea-sized organ that is highly
sensitive to light. It plays a role in sexual function and energy levels in
general. It is also a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body from age-causing
free radicals. In animals, the gland controls seasonal changes of the body.
The Pineal controls skin pigmentation, mental sanity and helps the Pituitary
gland to hold the Potassium and Sodium levels in the body.
The pineal works with the body's sensing abilities and is associated with
hearing and visual problems, taste, sense of balance, sensitive emotions, head
noises (ringing or buzzing), migraine headaches and a pulsating pupil.
The PINEAL Gland secretes the hormone MELATONIN. Melatonin controls the rhythms
and cycles of life. The different light stimulates the pineal gland which sends
out amounts of melatonin telling animals when to breed, shed, hibernate, and
migrate. In humans, melatonin regulates such things as sleep and aging. An
antioxidant, melatonin is also known for fighting cancer causing substances. It
protects the body against the free-radicals which come from metabolizing the
oxygen we breath.
Foods for this gland are: YELLOW DOCK which is rich in IRON, Vitamin A, C, Iron
and Manganese. GOTU KOLA, VITAMINS E and B6, POTASSIUM AND SODIUM
Hypothalamus
Tucked deep inside the brain is the hypothalamus. This gland regulates both the
exocrine and endocrine glands.
The hypothalamus is important for your longevity, and coordinates the entire
endocrine system, especially in connection with its teammate, the Pituitary.
It controls the hormone output of the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is
located at the center of the brain, and controls many automatic functions of the
body. This means it has the power to govern the autonomic nervous system.
This gland is the sensory gland that picks up all things that come through the
nose. Problems caused by a malfunctioning hypothalamus gland are heart murmurs,
reaction to smells which seem either too strong or too weak, sinus problems,
birth defects such as Downs Syndrome and high fevers.
This gland requires sunlight and/or VITAMIN D to function normally.
Pituitary
Nicknamed the "master gland", this half-inch organ hangs down from the lower
center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus. It
regulates many body activities, and is partitioned into front and back lobes.
The front lobe is stimulated by the hypothalamus, and produces any one of six
different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive
glands, and also breast milk production.
During adolescence, the pituitary gland plays a role in sending the chemical
messages that result in growth spurts and the sexual development of boys and
girls. Balance is crucial, because an unhealthy pituitary could cause
repercussions to cascade down into all parts of the body. Growth hormone is
manufactured here. Too much produces giantism; too little, premature aging and
wasting of tissue
After sexual maturity, this gland regulates the delicate interplay of hormones
that allow for reproduction. It affects both ovulation and sperm formation and
works in partnership with the hormones of estrogen, progesterone and
testosterone.
Symptoms of malfunction can include neck and head pain on the left side, chronic headaches at the level of the eyes and seizures, especially at night, personality changes, hypoglycemia, generalized weakness, low blood pressure, personality disorders and sexual problems.
ALFALFA - is the main food for the pituitary. Alfalfa is rich in trace
minerals, calcium, chlorophyll, protein, vitamins A, E, K, D, B6 and U. It also
contains 8 essential amino acids and other minerals. Alfalfa also aids
digestion, deep cleans the cells, radioactive deposits and toxins in the system.
Alfalfa is also good for Acid stomach, Anemia, Arthritis, Diuretic, Fatigue,
Glands, Gout, and Vitamin and Mineral deficiency.
Other foods for the Pituitary are GOTU KOLA, GINSENG, VITAMIN
B-6, E, B-COMPLEX, and SELENIUM.
Thyroid
If ice cold hands and feet are ruining your love life, part of the blame lies on the thyroid glands. This gland heavily influences growth, development and metabolic rate. The thyroid also plays a key role in blood circulation and calcium usage, and appears to be linked to reproduction.
The thyroid is anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It
helps govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes).
Metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the
thyroid if enough organic iodine is available
Thyroxine tells all cells to increase activity, and without it cells regress to about half-speed. Too much thyroxine can double activity, with a possible fourfold increase. This kind of stimulation causes an increased use of body fat to meet energy demands. Too little thyroxine may allow excessive fat to accumulate.
The hypothalamus controls thyroid output indirectly. It does this by influencing
pituitary hormones which reach the thyroid.
The thyroid regulates the combining of water with fat in the body and if this
gland is not working properly there could be liver problems, lymphatic problems,
thick skin and fingernails, chapped lips, brittle nails, goiters, weight gain or
lose, poor memory, nervous and worry a lot.
Foods for the thyroid are: Kelp, Dulse, Black Walnut, Thyroid Activator,
Thyroid support.
Parathyroid
Embedded near the thyroid are four parathyroid glands, with two attached to each
thyroid lobe, on opposites sides of the throat. Hormones from the parathyroid
glands help control calcium and phosphorous levels in the body. These glands
oversee the breaking down of bone cells to release more of these minerals into
the blood. On the other hand, a hormone from the thyroid has the opposite
effect, and builds up the bones.
Control of this system depends on blood levels of calcium ions. Low levels "turn
on" hormone production to break down bone tissue, so blood levels remain stable.
It is important to absorb enough dietary calcium to avoid this breakdown of bone
tissue.
Symptoms of an under functioning parathyroid gland may be muscle tension and
cramps, neurotic behavior, allergies, cataracts, dry rough skin, tingling around
mouth and extremities or alkaline intestines.
Symptoms of an over active parathyroid gland may be weakness, weak bones,
nausea, kidney stones, increased urination, depression, or over acid intestines.
Nutrition for the parathyroid is KELP, VITAMIN B-6, VITAMIN B-COMPLEX,
POTASSIUM AND SODIUM.
Adrenal
Sitting on top of each kidney are the adrenal glands. Each one is made up of an
outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make,
only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people.
Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help
resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output
(along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick
energy sources.
The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically
designed to help the body deal with stressful situations.
The adrenals control the potassium / sodium balance, which is vital for energy
production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important
for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
The adrenals need lots of vitamin A, C, and B complex. Licorice Root is a
specific herb that has been used for centuries to support these glands.
Combinations: Stress-J, Nutri Calm, Nervous Fatigue or Pantothenic Acid.
Thymus
Tucked behind the sternum between the lungs, this soft, pinkish-gray gland
formed mostly of lymphatic tissue. This gland shrinks as we come to puberty and
may even decline later on
This neglected gland is finally getting some scientific attention. It is now
known that the thymus plays a key role in the production of the immune system's
T-cells. "T" cells are white blood cells that have been activated by the thymus.
"T" in T-cells stands for thymus. T-cells circulate in the blood and lymph, and
regulate the immune system's response to malignant or infected cells. The thymus
is in one of the major locations in the body where certain lymphocytes multiply,
discriminate and mature. The thymus also produces a number of different
compounds that help strengthen the immune system.
The thymus swells from too many immunizations and antibiotics and shrinks from
toxins. When toxins outweigh the function of the body, then cancer sets in.
Causes of Thymus Dysfunction may be from hydrocortisone medication, exposure to
toxic chemicals, nerve pressure in the spine, refined foods, X-rays and an
improperly function pituitary can alter thymus function.
Problems of malfunction can be: prone to sickness, allergies, swollen glands,
depression, and chronic diseases.
The thymus appears to need plenty of balanced protein, antioxidants like
CAROTENES, VITAMINS, C, E, B6, B-COMPLEX, ZINC and SELENIUM.
THIM-J - is a combination of herbs to build the thymus. This combination
is helpful for a run down immune system and increases resistance to disease and
gives increased energy levels.
Pancreas
The pancreas isn't a very romantic-looking organ. It is flat, yellow gland that
stretches across the upper abdomen for approximately five inches. It lies
between the lower stomach and upper transverse colon, opposite the liver.
The pancrease has two main functions. One is to manufacture enzymes that help
digest food in the intestinal tract. The other is to manufacture and secrete the
hormone insulin into the bloodstream, which regulates the manner in which the
body utilizes sugar.
