The Glandular System

Our glandular systems are the communication network that regulates our ambitions
and emotions, promotes growth and sexual identity, helps to control body
temperatures, assists in the repair of broken tissue, and helps our bodies to
generate energy.
Our glandular systems communicate using chemical substances called hormones.
These hormones can stimulate reactions within the body that can last from a few
hours to several days.
There are two types of glands that make up our glandular system.

EXOCRINEGlands - These type of glands secrete fluids throughout a duct or

tube that usually lead to an outside surface like our skin, tear glands, and salivary
glands.

ENDOCRINEGlands - These glands are ductless and secrete hormones

directly into the bloodstream. Our bloodstream carries these hormones to tissues or
organs where they stimulate some sort of action.

The major Endocrine Glands are:

Pineal

Hypothalamus

Pituitary

Thyroid

Thymus

Adrenal

Pancreas

Gonads
Our glandular and nervous systems work very closely. It is their job together to
maintain a balance among all of our body systems.The glandular and nervous
system regulate the voluntary and involuntary actions within our bodies. These
include growth, metabolism, digestion, elimination, menstruation, and sleep. These
systems also enable communication between cells.

Problems with the glandular system can affect us in various ways. Some indicators
you could be having problems are:

Waking up as tried as you were when you went to bed

Trouble sleeping, Staying asleep or Falling asleep

Coarse or blemished skin

Feeling irritable

Trouble focusing

Problems maintaining your body weight

Problems maintaining an ideal body temperature

Feeling depressed or anxious

The three main glands are the Adrenal,

Thyroid and Pituitary.
Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands produce over fifty different hormones. These hormones impact
development and growth and our ability to deal with stress. Some of these
hormones also help regulate kidney function.
The adrenal glands actually are comprised of two separate sections/glands, the
medulla and cortex.

The medulla gland produces adrenaline. This hormone is what regulates the
flight or fight response in the body and is how our bodies react to stressful events.
The medulla also produces DHEA which is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone.

The Cortex gland located on the outer portion of the adrenal gland produces
several hormones that affect blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and growth. The
cortex also produces cortisol which is often referred to as the stress hormone.
Some people produce greater levels of cortisol than others. Cortisol isn't totally
negative, it does have some positive benefits such as helping to reduce
inflammation. It also helps the body by making sure the sodium it needs is not lost.
It may also be helpful in increasing short term memory and helps the liver to
remove toxins. Excess cortisol can raise blood pressure, lower bone density, reduce
the immune response, effect blood serum glucose levels, reduce levels of serotonin
which helps to provide a sense of well being, and contribute to weight gain.

Maintaining adrenal health is very important. We must all learn to manage our
stress. Many people do not recognize that problems are occurring with their adrenal
glands because of all the stimulants they used. Stimulants include coffee, tea, soda,
sugar, chocolate, and cigarettes. Everyone should have a steady stream of energy
throughout the day without needing to stimulate the body. Having to depend on
stimulants for energy could be a good indication your adrenal glands are lacking.

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and weighs less than an ounce!
It has two halves called lobes and they lie along the trachea and are joined together
by a narrow band of tissue. I once took a class and the man teaching the class said
the thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and lays over our windpipe.Since
then, it has always helped me to remember the shape of it. The thyroid's main
function is to take iodine from food and convert it into thyroid hormones (T4 and
T3) and then release these hormones into our bloodstream. These hormones travel
throughout the body and help to regulate metabolism, body temperature, and to
control hormones. The thyroid can also contribute to your skin and colon health and
weight management. The thyroid hormones are prevalent and are utilized by
almost every cell in the body.

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland which is the size of a small pea, is located at the base of the
brain and is known as the master gland of the body. It not only produces its own
hormones, but also influences the hormonal production of the other glands. The
pituitary glands works in controlling the thyroid gland by telling the thyroid how
much T3 and T4 to produce by releasing TSH the thyroid stimulating hormone. As
its name implies, TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce or not to produce
hormones. The hormones released by the pituitary gland help some of the following
body processes.

Growth

Temperature Control

Conversion of food into energy

Blood Pressure

Breast milk production

Absorption of water into the kidneys

Stimulation of uterine contractions during childbirth

Sex organ function in both male and females.

Maintaining a Healthy Glandular System

Lifestyle choices and how poor choices can affect our overall health is very
important. Some of the best things we can do to build and nourish our glands are
to:

Exercise regularly
Include more raw foods and good fats in our diet to keep our blood sugar
levels balanced

Eat smaller portion sizes

Consume easily digested proteins

Supplement with high-quality products

Start to relax earlier in the evening and get to sleep by 10:00 pm

Listen to relaxing, encouraging and uplifting music

Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts

Pray

Engage in positive emotional outlets like traveling, hobbies, clubs, etc.