The Glandular System

The Glandular System is, without a doubt, one of the most complicated and mysterious systems in the human body.  Lots of emotional and physical issues get blamed--rightly or wrongly--on hormones.  There is no doubt that this complicated system can get out of balance--especially when it is not taken care of with good nutrition and lifestyle habits.  Because of the cyclical/changing nature of many hormones within women--menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, etc.--they obviously have special needs in this area.  Check out the many Nature's Sunshine products for women's health.

Common Concerns of the Glandular System
Hormone imbalances, weak adrenal glands, thyroid imbalance, diabetes, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia.

Functions of the Glandular System (See Picture)
The glandular system works, along with the nervous system, to maintain balance among all the body systems.  Together, these systems regulate voluntary and involuntary actions within the body, such as growth, metabolism, digestion, elimination, menstruation, and sleep.  These two systems are the means of communication between cells.  In general, the glands that secrete chemicals directly into the bloodstream are called endocrine glands, and form the endocrine system. Other glands--such as tear glands, saliva glands, and sweat glands--are ductless glands that secrete their chemicals outside the bloodstream, and form the exocrine system.

How Does it Work?
The nervous system and glandular system are similar in that they are "communication systems."  The nervous system uses electrical impulses and chemicals called neurotransmitters to relay fast, short-lived messages.  The glandular system uses hormones--generally secreted directly into the bloodstream--to communicate.  With both the nervous and glandular systems, the signals created by these communications (of hormones and electrical impulses) must be received by receptor cells.  The receptor cells receive the signal and initiate the affected part of the body to respond to that signal, similar to how a speaker of a radio moving in response to the electrical signals sent to it.

The hypothalamus, located in the brain stem, is the control center for both the nervous and glandular systems.  The hypothalamus has been found to control hunger, thirst, blood pressure, pain, pleasure, water balance, temperature, sexual desire, hostility, and many other emotions and responses.

The hypothalamus is linked to the pituitary gland, often called the "master gland."  The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain.  It regulates the hormones from all other glands--which are scattered throughout the body and control various physiological and emotional reactions of the body.  For example, the pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (called TSH) to activate the thyroid.  The thyroid then produces thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine, two hormones that trigger an increase in metabolism.  As the levels of thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine rise in the blood, these hormones inhibit the release of TSH.  This sort of "feedback loop" is similar to what happens when a thermostat controls a central heat/air system.  The thermostat turns on the heat when the air temperature falls too low.  As the temperature in the air rises, it trips the thermostat again, which send a signal to turn off the heater.

There are several other hormones that the pituitary gland produces.  Growth hormone is responsible for growth, development, protein synthesis, fat breakdown, and increasing blood sugar levels.  (Giants and midgets are the result of too much or too little growth hormone.)  Others include prolactin (stimulates milk secretion in females), follicle-simulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), which initiates ovulation during the menstrual cycle.  Good nutrition for the pituitary includes Alfalfa, Kelp, Dandelion, Bee pollen and Spirulina. Magnesium and Potassium are important minerals.

The thyroid is a well-known gland that has a heavy influence on growth, metabolic rate, emotions, physical vitality, and intellectual ability.  The parathyroid is basically four structures attached to the thyroid.  The parathyroid hormone (PTH) is used to trigger the release of calcium from the bones and phosphorus from the kidneys.  This is done to regulate the proper level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.  It follows to reason that the parathyroid function could be related to some of the widespread osteoporosis problems.

Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) is a problem that occurs when the thyroid does not produce thyroxine--the hormone that regulates the body's metabolism, or energy usage/conversion.  Quite often, this can be traced to a lack of iodine, a trace mineral often found in salt water seaweed sources, such as Kelp.  Nature's Sunshine has several thyroid products that may be of help.  Women might consider Thyroid Activator (KC-X), a product that contains several iodine sources.  Men might consider TS II, which combines iodine sources with Hops for nervous system support.  Nature's Sunshine most powerful product for thyroid nutrition is called Thyroid Support.  Not only does it contain nutrients that support the pituitary and thyroid glands, but it also contains actual hormones from these glands, which help relieve the load.

The thymus gland, located behind the sternum and shaped like a butterfly, secretes the hormone thymosin.  The thymus plays a role in immune system response, including the production of T-cells.  Many people with cancer and/or chronic inflammation seem to have deficient function of the thymus gland.  The thymus appears to need plenty of balanced protein, antioxidants like carotenes, Vitamin C, E, B6, Zinc and Selenium.

The pancreas is a digestive organ that also functions as a gland.  It basically has two functions--produce digestive enzymes and secrete hormones that control blood sugar (glucose) levels.  It secretes the hormone glucagon, which converts glycogen stores into glucose; and also insulin, which dampens/inhibits the glucagon in order in order to prevent excessive levels of blood glucose.  Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that Chromium, Vitamins C, E, B-complex, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium are especially important.

Problems with the pancreas gland are widespread in American culture.  The high-sugar diets of today are causing health problems in epidemic proportion.  It is interesting to note that the problems of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia, or diabetes) are often both caused by high-sugar/high carbohydrate diets!  Since this is somewhat counter-intuitive, let's look at these two situations. With some people, an high-carbohydrate diet (especially simple carbs such as refined sugars) causes the pancreas to hyper-secrete insulin to control the level of blood sugar.  The insulin helps the cells absorb sugar to make energy, and also dampens glucagon--thus preventing the body from releasing its carbohydrate stores (glycogen) in the liver and getting the blood sugar level to high.  If the high level of insulin in the blood does not dissipate before the carbs are absorbed, the blood sugar level will drop dramatically.  This is because the excess insulin is still preventing the liver from releasing its stored sugar--thus causing a drop in blood sugar level.   HY-A is a product designed for hypoglycemics.  It contains Dandelion to support the liver, Licorice to support the adrenals, Safflowers to enhance digestion, and horseradish.  Licorice is an amazing herb that has a lot of benefits.  It seems to stabilize blood sugar fairly quickly, and also reduce cravings for caffeine and sugar.  Some theorize as well that licorice MAY stimulate glucagon release, which also can help stabilize sugar levels.  It is interesting to note that people with sugar problems often have problems with their adrenal glands as well.  Licorice provides excellent support and nourishment for the adrenals. The opposite problem, called hyperglycemia or diabetes, is caused by the blood sugar level being too high.  This can be traced to two possible issues.  In the first case, the pancreas is very under-active, or has failed.  This is commonly called Type I diabetes, and corresponds to about only 5% of all diabetes cases.  People with this condition generally must take insulin shots since the pancreas does not produce the insulin that is necessary for proper sugar usage.  The second case is called Type II diabetes, or Lifestyle diabetes.  It is called this because it is related to diet and lifestyle.  The pancreas is generally working fine, but it is the insulin receptor cells that are not working correctly due to high sugar intake.  This causes the cells of the body to basically ignore the insulin, thus reducing sugar consumption and keeping blood sugar levels high. Although Nature's Sunshine has several products that can be of help to those with Type I diabetes, it should be noted that insulin intake should NEVER be stopped without physician approval.  Target P-14 is a collection of 14 herbs that help control blood sugar.  Some of them help increase insulin production in the body, and others work to help overcome any insulin resistance.  SugarReg works on insulin receptors as well, and has other herbs and minerals to help with other issues.  For example, it contains Bilberry to help with the eyes, which are commonly affected by Type I diabetes.  It also contains Chromium, a trace mineral that helps with sugar metabolism and regulates sugar levels that are already within the normal range.  Omega-3 EPA helps supply fatty acids need for insulin reception.  Also, CoQ10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid have been shown in studies to reduce insulin resistance. With Type II diabetes, the cells do not recognize the insulin that exists due to resistance that has built up. It is interesting that high insulin levels makes cellmembranes hard, rigid, and actually resistant to the insulin. When the pancreas is overactive due to high amounts of sugar, and producing high insulin levels to accommodate the sugar, it actually causes insulin resistance to build up.  This type of diabetes actually accounts for 95% of all diabetes cases--a sobering fact since lifestyle could make a big difference on this statistic. Again, SugarReg has herbs and minerals to help overcome insulin resistance.  It also contains Gymnema, which slows the absorption of sugar from the intestine.  Chromium and vanadium are used to help regulate the sugar levels.  Many people with Type II diabetes have dryness in the mouth, skin, eyes, etc., causing a desire/need for water--however, the tissue does not absorb the water.  This generally happens at the onset of Type II.  HY-C is an herbal formula that seems to help tissue absorb moisture better.

The adrenal glands work in conjunction with the pancreas to regulate sugar, stamina, and energy production.  They are located on top of the kidneys, and produce several hormones--including the sex hormones, DHEA (an intermediate hormone that aids in the production of sex hormones), cortisone (help maintain blood sugar levels, help decrease inflammation, help repair damaged tissue, and act as the body's buffer for stress, and aldosterone (regulates the mineral balance within the body by stimulating the absorption of sodium, chloride, and water, and decreases absorption of potassium by the kidneys).  The adrenals also produce the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, which stimulate the sympathetic nervous system in stressful situations.  When the body senses stress--whether it be physical, emotional, or environmental--the body redistributes its energy in order to deal with the stress.  Functions that may be less critical to immediate survival (such as elimination or digestion) temporarily stop, and several things happen as the body increases its energy level--higher blood pressure, increased blood sugar, accelerated heart rate, etc.

In addition to the many things mentioned as functions of the adrenal glands, they also create hormones that are responsible in regulating the immune system and, again, in controlling stress.  The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which acts as an immune system "damper."  There are a couple of different conditions involving the adrenals that may be helpful to note--adrenal stress (overactive, or hot condition) and adrenal exhaustion (cold condition). If a person is under adrenal stress, the overactive adrenal glands overproduce cortisol.  Since cortisol is the immune system damper, the excessive cortisol reduces immune system response and causes wounds to heal at a slower rate.  Cortisol, along with insulin, is also connected to abdominal fat development--which is why many people tend to gain weight under stress. When the brain perceives stress, the hypothalamus gland triggers the pituitary gland to secrete hormones that activate the adrenal glands.  The adrenals secrete epinephrine and cortisol into the blood.  As the cortisol level rises in the blood, its "feedback" tells the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to shut down the adrenals.  Epinephrine has several functions--one of which is to trigger the muscles surrounding the bronchioles in the lungs to gather more air--giving the body the oxygen that it needs to produce more energy. For this condition, adaptogenic herbs, of course, become very useful.  (Adaptogens buffer the effects of stress.)  Adaptogenic herbs work by "tricking" the pituitary gland into thinking that there are enough stress hormones in the body, which in turn shuts off the adrenal glands--keeping them from secreting more of the stress hormones.  Many herbs are considered adaptogenic--Hops, Valerian, Kava, etc.  Suma Combination is an excellent formula containing five of these herbs--Astragalus, Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng), and Suma root.  Nutri-Calm is a collection of B-complex and C vitamins--necessary for coping with stress, along with Valerian, Hops, and Passion Flower. Adrenal exhaustion happens quite often to people under repeated stress--city commuters, military, law enforcement, etc.  Commonly, there is a drop in blood sugar, along with a nervous fatigue--yet the person cannot sleep.  Although the pituitary gland is sending hormones attempting to activate the adrenal glands, they are not able to respond due to exhaustion.  Also, the immune system may go out of balance--even attacking the body itself (instead of protecting it)--such as is seen in various auto-immune diseases. In this case, adaptogens are also helpful.  Nervous Fatigue Formula is a collection of 18 Chinese adaptogenic herbs that is excellent for those experiencing the "burnt-out" stress feeling.  It has the effect of increased energy, reducing stress, and giving a greater relaxing feeling.  It is not uncommon for people who take Nervous Fatigue Formula to start sleeping better within 3-4 days.  Adrenal Support is another excellent product--good for those with badly wasted adrenals.  Licorice Root and Yucca also seem to be of benefit for adrenal exhaustion.

The last set of glands that this lesson will cover are the sex glands, or gonads--responsible for human reproduction.  They are the testes (men) and ovaries (women).  Due to the many changes that women experience--pregnancy, menopause, and the cyclic nature of menstruation, they are especially subject to many imbalances in their reproductive system.  Nature's Sunshine has a very wide range of products addressing the many special needs of women.

Many women complain of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).  There seem to be many types, or causes, of PMS--including liver problems or hormonal imbalances.  Monthly Maintenance is an herbal formula developed based on Chinese medicine and modern traditional studies.  Monthly Maintenance is generally used the last 10 days of the cycle, but can be used throughout.  Magnesium and Vitamin B6 often seem to be deficient in women.  Many women suffer from PMS due to lack of progesterone, or from excess negative estrogen--the source of which may be xeno-estrogens or other negative estrogens from the environment.  

For women with heavy blood flow during menstruation, Menstrual Reg is a combination of anti-hemorrhaging herbs that slow blood flow.  It contains Yarrow, which also has an anti-inflammatory effect.  It can also somewhat reduce cramps and bloating as well.  Cramp Relief is a combination of anti-spasmodic herbs (including Wild Yam and Kava) that helps reduce muscle cramps and spasms.  It can be used to reduce other muscle cramps, not just menstrual cramps.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has gotten a lot of negative press coverage in recent years.  Truly, the horrible side effects should make a woman in menopause very cautious about using such drugs.  Menopause is a natural process, and should not be treated like a disease, even though the level of estrogen in the body drops significantly.  The HRT estrogen replacements have been linked to many problems--ovarian, breast, and cervical cancers, to name a few.  Black Cohosh & Phyto-Soy are excellent, natural estrogenic sources, and thus are excellent alternatives to HRT.  Soy and cohosh products have been used for many years by women.  Phyto-Soy contains the isoflavonoid genestein--much more than tofu or roasted soybeans.  Flash-Ease Time Release contains two estrogenic herbs--Dong Quai and Black Cohosh.  Studies have found Black Cohosh to relieve hot flashes and depression.  Female Comfort is another good formula for relief of menopausal symptoms.

Many genetic disorders & birth defects often result from a lack of nutrition in the womb, as well as toxins entering the mother's body.  Nature's Prenatal is an excellent collection of vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of both the mother and the baby.  It also contains Ginger to soothe the stomach.  Red Raspberry has been used for many years as a tonic and to strengthen the uterine muscle.

Because of the many factors--including psychological--involved with lack of sexual desire, it may not always respond to herbal treatment.  However, the product X-Action for Women can help with reducing physical problems, including vaginal irritation.  X-Action for Women also contains Damiana, which has aphrodisiac properties--due to the ability to increase blood flow in the pelvic region.  X-Action Gel can also be used to enhance sensitivity during intercourse.

Many women are resorting to high-risk surgical procedures to try to increase breast size.  Breast Enhance is a natural alternative that works on an under-performing glandular system to increase breast size to the normal size.  For women with breast cancer concerns, the product Breast Assured blocks estrogen receptor cells in the breast tissue for their protection.

Many male problems--including prostate cancer and impotence--seem to be related to negative estrogens.  In the case of impotence, men must have blood flow to achieve an erection.  X-Action for Men, sometimes called an "herbal Viagra", includes the herb Yohimbe, which stimulates nerves and blood flow in the genital region.  It also contains L-Arginine to open blood vessels, as well as DHEA.

When men reach their mid-30's, attention to the prostate should be considered carefully.  The BPH (swollen prostate) condition results in urination flow decrease of flow and speed.  Men's Formula with Lycopene contains a wide variety of herbs that have been used to help this condition.  It contains Zinc, Saw Palmetto, stinging nettle, lycopene, and pygeum.  Pygeum is the most prescribed substance in Europe for prostate/urinary health.

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Note:  The notes on this class are copyrighted and may NOT be reproduced without the expressed, written consent of Healthy Sunshine, Inc