The adrenal glands are two small glands located on top of each kidney. They are part of the endocrine system and are responsible for producing and secreting hormones that are essential for regulating various bodily functions. The adrenal glands are composed of two parts: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal
Adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) is a hormone and neurotransmitter produced by the adrenal glands, which are located on top of the kidneys. It plays a crucial role in the body’s “fight or flight” response to stress. When the body is under stress, such as during a physical threat, adrenaline
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is a natural steroid prohormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, gonads, adipose tissue, brain, and in skin (by an autocrine mechanism). DHEA is the precursor of androstenedione, testosterone, and estrogen. It is the most abundant hormone in the human body. In a simple view, DHEA can
Regardless of the diet you follow, the primary goal should always be the same: maintaining good blood sugar (glucose) control. You can achieve and maintain optimal health only when you are on a diet that promotes hormone balance; that balance depends on a steady blood sugar level. Eating the proper
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are a combination of both electric and magnetic fields that travel in waves. They come from natural and man-made sources. The most familiar form of electromagnetic radiation is sunshine, consisting primarily of infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light. Higher frequencies of electromagnetic radiation include x-rays and gamma rays,
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are types of fats that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from the diet. There are two types of EFAs: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish (such as salmon, tuna, and sardines), as
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone. It is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogen may also refer to any substance, natural or synthetic, that mimics the effects of the natural hormone. The estrane steroid estradiol is the most potent
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity, just below the rib cage. They are essential organs that perform several vital functions in the body, including filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood, regulating electrolyte levels, maintaining acid-base balance, and producing
The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. It is the largest glandular organ of the body and is divided into 4 lobes of unequal size and shape. The liver receives blood from the hepatic artery and portal vein. The hepatic vein transports oxygen-rich
The ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located in the female reproductive system. They are situated on either side of the uterus, near the end of the fallopian tubes. The main function of the ovaries is to produce and release eggs for fertilization during ovulation. Each ovary contains
The pancreas is a glandular organ located in the abdomen, behind the stomach. It is part of both the digestive and endocrine systems. As a digestive organ, it secretes digestive enzymes and bicarbonate into the small intestine to help break down food. As an endocrine organ, it secretes hormones such
The parathyroid glands are 4 small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate the level of calcium and phosphate in the blood. PTH acts to increase blood calcium levels by stimulating the release of calcium from bone tissue, increasing
The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brain, roughly in the center of the skull. It is part of the epithalamus and is responsible for the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms in the body. The pineal gland
The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus. It is often referred to as the “master gland” because it secretes hormones that regulate the functions of several other endocrine glands in the body. The pituitary
Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone that is produced by the body naturally. It is a precursor to other hormones, such as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal gland, liver, and brain. Pregnenolone plays an important role in the body’s stress response, as it can
Probiotic bacteria are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit to the host. These beneficial bacteria are typically found in the human gut, but they can also be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Probiotic bacteria work by colonizing the
Progesterone is naturally secreted by the ovary in the second two weeks of the menstrual cycle in reproductive age ovulating women. Used in birth control pills, menopausal hormone replacement therapy, or to induce a menstrual period or regulate abnormal bleeding problems if menses are skipping or bleeding is irregular or
As the largest organ in the body, the skin is the primary component of the body’s integumentary system. The nails, hair, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands are considered accessory structures to the skin. Together, the skin and its associated structures play a number of crucial roles, including helping the body
The amount and quality of sleep we get have a profound impact on our overall health. Unfortunately, we live in a day and age that isn’t particularly conducive to sleep. Busy schedules, digital devices, and other modern-day distractions have made it more difficult to make sleep a top priority. As
The stomach is a J-shaped organ that is similar to a bag that stretches and moves to churn the food it holds. It is made up of 5 layers of cells that allow it to play out it’s unique functions. The stomach is attached to the esophagus (the food pipe)
Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily produced in the testicles in males and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in females. It is an androgen, which means it is responsible for the development of male sex characteristics such as muscle mass, body hair, and a deep voice. In addition
The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system that is located in the upper chest, just behind the sternum (breastbone). It is most active during childhood and adolescence and plays a key role in the development and maturation of T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is an important part of the endocrine system and produces hormones that help regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and development. The thyroid gland uses iodine from the food we eat to
The uterus, also known as the womb, is a hollow, muscular organ in the female reproductive system. It is located in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum and is responsible for carrying a developing fetus during pregnancy. The uterus is roughly the size and shape of a pear and