Thursday, July 24, 2014

Hormonal Imbalance among women

Women ! It's a blessing to be a woman as we can dress up ourselves, wear make up, nice clothes and so on.

However, we have to face a problem which majority of women may suffer from - illnesses or diseases related to endocrine system (Hormonal system).

What is ENDOCRINE SYSTEM?

The endocrine system is responsible for producing the chemicals and hormones needed by the body to regulate its integrated systems. 

The endocrine system comprises specialised tissues and organs - see below:


Each gland of the endocrine system releases specific hormones into your bloodstream. These hormones travel through your blood to other cells and help control or coordinate many body processes.
Endocrine glands include:
  • Adrenal glands: Two glands that sit on top of the kidneys that release the hormone cortisosteroid.
  • Hypothalamus: A part of the lower middle brain that tells the pituitary gland when to release hormones.
  • Ovaries: The female reproductive organs that release eggs and produce sex hormones.
  • Islet cells in the pancreas: Cells in the pancreas control the release of the hormones insulin and glucagon.
  • Parathyroid: Four tiny glands in the neck that play a role in bone development.
  • Pineal gland: A gland found near the center of the brain that may be linked to sleep patterns.
  • Pituitary gland: A gland found at the base of brain behind the sinuses. It is often called the "master gland" because it influences many other glands, especially the thyroid. Problems with the pituitary gland can affect bone growth, a woman's menstrual cycles, and the release of breast milk.
  • Testes: The male reproductive glands that produce sperm and sex hormones.
  • Thymus: A gland in the upper chest that helps develop the body's immune system early in life.
  • Thyroid: A butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that controls metabolism 

Each of these glands and organs secretes hormones that control a part of the body's functions. 

Hormones come in various forms and regulate processes like reproduction, growth, metabolism and cell repair. 

As hormones are released into the blood according to the need of a particular system, stress and infection can cause hormone levels to rise or fall. 

The endocrine system also acts as a communication line between the brain and the immune system. Immune cells manufacture hormones that allow the immune system to coordinate its activities with the other systems. For example corticosteroids regulates mood, sleep patterns, muscle strength, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein and fat. Corticosteroids help regulate these daily bodily functions as well as provide emergency support in cases of infection and disease. 

When we are placed in a stressful situation, whether real or imagined, the entire body responds by flooding the blood stream with corticosteroids. At this moment, the immune system and digestive system will come to a halt while our muscle will the strengthened to enhance physical performance. While this strategy was essential for the survival of our prehistoric forefathers, it can today, be VERY HARMFUL for the immune system. Modern day stresses are more emotional in nature with less need for physical confrontations. When such stressful emotions continue, corticosteroids accumulate, further suppressing the immune system and letting the body become prone to illnesses. 

The BEST SOLUTION to this dilemma are eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and giving ourselves healthy outlets for stress. 

SUPERFOODs which are Good For ENDOCRINE SYSTEM:
1. JI-LIN GINSENG

2. BEE POOLEN

3. LICORICE ROOT

4. TANGERINE PEEL

5. CHINESE CASSIA

6. CHRYSANTHEMUM 


Regards 
Joselyne 
90909942

No comments:

Post a Comment