Month: October 2019

The lymphatic System is part of the vascular system along with the cardio vascular system. Recently I posted an article on the cardio vascular system. In that article I mentioned the Lymph system, with a promise to write a future article on it. So here it is. This article is all about the lymphatic system.

What is the Lymphatic System

We hear very little about this system unless some problem arises. However, the importance of this system shouldn’t be under estimated.

The lymphatic system is part of the vascular system and as well as an important part of the immune system. It consists of a large network of lymphatic vessels, including tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials that carry a clear fluid called lymph throughout the body towards the heart. This is the primary function of this system.

What are the functions of the Lymphatic System

In addition to circulating the lymph fluid, the primary functions of this system include:

• Production of immune cells (such as lymphocytes, monocytes, and antibody producing cells called plasma cells) for battling infections.
• Absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat, and chyle (delivers nutrients), to the circulatory system.
• The removal of excess fluids from body tissues.

How does the lymphatic process battle infection?

The system produces white blood cells, known as lymphocytes. There are two (2) varieties of lymphocyte, T cells and B cells. They both travel by the way of the lymphatic system.

As they make contact with the lymph nodes, they are filtered and become activated by contact with viruses, bacteria, foreign particles, and so forth in the lymph fluid. Commencing from this stage, the pathogens, or invaders, are known as antigens.

As the lymphocytes become activated, they construct antibodies and begin to defend the body. They can conjointly turn out antibodies from memory if they’ve already encountered the precise infectious agent within the past. This is the platform that vaccines work on.

Collections of lymph nodes are concentrated in the armpits, groin, and neck. We become attentive to these on one or either side of the neck when we develop what is commonly known as “swollen glands” in response to an unhealthy condition.

It is in the these nodes that the lymphocytes first (1st) encounter the pathogens, communicate with each other, and set off their defensive response. Activated lymphocytes then pass up the system so that they can reach the bloodstream. They are now, equipped to spread the immune response throughout the body, circulating through the blood.

The lymphatic system and the subsequent action of lymphocytes, of which the body has trillions, form part of what immunologists call the “adaptive immune response.” These are highly specific and long-lasting responses to particular pathogens.

Fact is, without our adaptive immune system, we would face certain death by infection. That’s how prevalent viruses and bacteria are.

The system maintains fluid balance

The lymphatic system helps maintain fluid balance by returning excess fluid and proteins from the tissues that cannot be returned through the blood vessels. The fluid is found in tissue areas and cavities, in the tiny spaces surrounding cells, known as the interstitial spaces. These are reached by the smallest blood and lymph capillaries. This fluid is known as plasma which is the liquid component of blood.

Around 90 percent of the plasma that reaches tissues from the arterial blood capillaries is returned by the veins. The remaining 10 percent is carried back by the lymphatics. Each day, around 2-3 liters is returned. This plasma includes proteins that are too large to be transported via the blood vessels.

A body without this work of the lymphatic system would be terminal within a day. Without the lymphatic system exhausting excess fluid, the tissues would swell, blood volume would be lost and pressure would increase.

Absorption

Most of the fats absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract are taken up in a part of the gut membrane in the small intestine that is specially modified by the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system has tiny vessels in this part of the intestine that form part of the villi. These finger-like projected structures are made by the very small folds within the permeable surface of the gut.

Lacteals absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins to make a whitish fluid referred to as chyle.

This fluid contains lymph and blended fats, or free fatty acids. It delivers nutrients indirectly when it reaches the venous blood circulation. Blood capillaries then take up other nutrients directly.

What are the organs of the Lymphatic System

There are five organs of the Lymphatic System. They include:

• The thymus
• The spleen
• The tonsils
• The lymph nodes
• Lymphatic tissue in the small intestine

Let’s take a look at these organs.

Thymus – The thymus is an endocrine gland and is also the main organ of the lymphatic system. Its primary function is to promote the development of specific cells of the immune system called T-lymphocytes (also known as T-cells) which is an extremely important type of white blood cell. When they mature, they leave the thymus and are transported via blood vessels to the lymph nodes and spleen. T-lymphocytes are responsible for cell-mediated immunity, which is an immune response which involves the activation of certain immune cells to fight infection. In addition to immune operation, the thymus also produces hormones that promote growth and maturation.

Spleen – The spleen is the largest of the organs of the lymph system. Its primary function is to clean the blood of damaged cells, cellular debris, and pathogens. As with the thymus, the spleen houses and aids in the maturing of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes destroy pathogens and dead cells in the blood. The spleen is loaded in blood equipped via the splenic artery. The spleen also contains efferent lymphatic vessels, which transport lymph away from the spleen and toward the lymph nodes.

Tonsils – Tonsils consist of an array of lymphatic tissue located in the upper throat region. Tonsils house lymphocytes and different white blood cells referred to as macrophages. These immune cells defend the digestive tract and lungs from disease-causing agents that enter the mouth or nose. Tonsils are often removed due to infection without consequence.

Lymph nodes – As mentioned earlier, lymphatic vessels transport lymph to lymph nodes. Their function is to filter lymph of pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. They also filter cellular waste, dead cells, and cancerous cells. These nodes house immune cells called lymphocytes. These cells are necessary for the development of humoral immunity (defense prior to cell infection) and cell-mediated immunity (defense after cell infection). Lymph enters a node which is filtered as it passes through channels in the node called sinuses, and leaves the node through a lymphatic vessel.

Lymphatic tissue in the small intestine – This tissue is called Peyer’s patches which are small masses of lymphatic tissue found throughout the ileum region of the small intestine. They frame a crucial part of the immune system by examining intestinal bacteria populations and preventing the expansion of infective bacteria within the intestines.

Diseases of the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system can stop working properly if nodes, ducts, vessels, or lymph tissues become blocked, infected, inflamed, or cancerous.

Lymphoma

Is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. It is the most serious lymphatic disease.

Hodgkin cancer affects a particular class of white somatic blood cell called Reed-Sternberg cells.

Non-Hodgkin cancer refers to classes that do not involve these cells.

Cancer that affects the lymphatic system is typically a secondary cancer. This means it has proliferated from a primary malignancy, such as the breast, to nearby or regional lymph nodes.

Lymphadenitis

This condition occurs when sometimes, a lymph node swells because it has become infected. The nodes may fill with discharge, creating an abscess. The skin over the nodes may be red or streaky.

Localized lymphadenitis affects the nodes near the infection, for example, as a result of tonsillitis. However, generalized lymphadenitis can happen when a disease spreads through the bloodstream and affects the whole body. Causes range from sepsis to an upper respiratory tract infection.

Lymphedema

If the system does not work properly, for example, an obstruction, fluid may not drain effectively. As the fluid builds up, this can lead to swelling, such as in an arm or leg. This is lymphedema. As a result, the skin may feel tight and hard, and skin problems may occur. In some cases, fluid may even leak through the skin.

Obstruction may result from surgery, radiation therapy, injury, a condition known as lymphatic filariasis, or—rarely—a congenital disorder.

How to keep the lymphatic system healthy

So we’ve taken a look at another fascinating system that keeps our bodies operating smoothly all on its own. Isn’t it wonderful how the body’s systems work together? It behooves us to take the best care possible of our bodies. Let’s be proactive instead of reactive with our health!

In order to keep your lymphatic system healthy, practice the following: drink plenty of water, eat a nutritious diet complete in alkaline foods and vegetables that provide an ample range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients and include healthy fats. Exercise daily, using both aerobic and anaerobic physical activity.

Keeping our lymphatic systems healthy doesn’t require any more than keeping our bodies healthy overall. No need to reinvent the wheel! Let’s just keep the wheel rolling!

Good health!!

Thanks for visiting!

Please feel free to leave any question comment or concerns below

America is hooked on sugar. We now consume on average approximately 150 pounds per person annually! But…is it really sugar or some other sneaky ingredient? Chances are its mostly high fructose corn syrup. Is this good or bad? You probably hear about high-fructose corn syrup all the time. But do you actually know what the ingredient is, or how it affects your health? Contained in this article are the facts about high fructose corn syrup.

What is high fructose corn syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is an artificial sweetener that is manufactured from corn starch. As with other sugars, it can cause obesity, metabolic syndrome and tooth decay, whenever a person consumes it in large quantities. The sweetener is made from processed corn starch. Starches are made of long chains of linked sugars, and HFCS is produced by breaking down the starch into syrup made of the sugar glucose. Manufacturers then add enzymes to the substance to convert a portion of the glucose into fructose, which tastes much sweeter. Its sweetness is sharper than regular sugar. It is also cheaper to produce.

HFCS is similar to table sugar in its ratio of fructose to glucose, and both sweeteners contain four calories per gram. Although the syrup may not be any worse than regular sugar, both contribute to health concerns like weight gain and diabetes.

Is high fructose corn syrup safe

Health experts continue to debate whether or not high fructose corn syrup is worse than other sugars. Many natural and organic health advocates argue that HFCS is more dangerous than other sugars. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explain that HFCS is not more dangerous than other sugars, but research on the topic is ongoing.

HFCS is not necessary for a healthful diet. In fact, avoiding it may help a person maintain a healthful weight.

HFCS is a common sweetener in fruit-flavored drinks and sodas. As the use of high-fructose corn syrup has increased, so have obesity and related health problems increased to a level of concern. Numerous experts wonder if there’s a connection.

HFCS is chemically equivalent to table sugar. Table sugar (sucrose, from sugar cane or sugar beets) is made of fructose (also contained in fruit and honey) and glucose (the simplest sugar, used for energy by the body). High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), conversely, is derived from cornstarch, which consists of a chain of only glucose molecules. To create HFCS, enzymes are added to cornstarch to convert much of the glucose to fructose.

As mentioned earlier, food manufacturers favor high fructose corn syrup because it’s more cost effective than sucrose. The most familiar forms contain either 42 percent fructose (mainly used in processed foods) or 55 percent fructose (mainly used in soft drinks). So, sucrose—which is about 50 % fructose—is actually higher in fructose than some HFCS.

Controversy exists, however, about whether the body handles high-fructose corn syrup differently than table sugar. While both glucose and fructose are “simple sugars” that provide 4 calories per gram, they are processed differently.

Glucose is metabolized by several organs (including the liver, muscles, brain, and fat tissue) and has a direct effect on blood sugar and insulin levels.

Fructose is metabolized primarily by the liver, and though it does not have a significant effect on blood sugar or insulin levels, it can have a more immediate effect on triglycerides (fats in the blood). Both human and animal studies show that when fructose is consumed in excess it can lead not only to higher triglycerides but also to a fatty liver, decreased insulin sensitivity, and increased levels of uric acid (which causes gout).

The distinction in the way the body handles the dual sugars has led to the thought that HFCS is a great deal worse for you than regular sugar. However, a number of studies have clearly shown that HFCS and sucrose have indistinguishable metabolic effects and therefore the same health consequences. That is, neither sugar is good quality for you.

At this point in time, there’s insufficient evidence to say that high-fructose corn syrup is any less healthy than other types of sweeteners.

Therefore, be advised, too much added sugar of all kinds; not only high-fructose corn syrup, can contribute unwanted calories that are linked to health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, weight gain, high triglyceride levels and metabolic syndrome. All of which boost your risk of heart disease.

The Dietary Strategy for Americans recommend holding back on added sugar, limiting it to no more than 10 percent of total daily calories. The Heart Association recommends that the majority of women consume no more than 100 calories a day of added sugar from any sweetener, and that most men get no more than 150 calories a day of added sugar. That’s about six teaspoons of added sugar for women and nine teaspoons for men.

Sugar is good—tastes good. But too much of a good thing, is a bad thing!

The best approach is to cut back on added sugar, regardless of the type.

The big problem

Cutting back on added sugar is easier than it sounds. It’s fairly easy to do the obvious: cut back on sweetened drinks, put less sugar in your tea or coffee, and eat less sweetened snacks. The big problem with high fructose corn syrup is: it’s very insidious! It’s contained in things that aren’t really considered sweet. Items like ketchup, salad dressings, BBQ sauce, and other condiments. Crackers, mixed snack packages, and other cracker-like

products use this sweetener to increase flavor. A variety of prepackaged meals, including some pizzas contain this sneaky ingredient.

Would you believe Peanut butter! Although it might seem to be a savory indulgence, it is actually very sweet. Many peanut butter brands add sugar,

and some even add HFCS. It’s best to go for the all- natural version. The same is true of some other nut butters, like almond butter and cashew.

Granola and nutrition bars: Granola bars, protein bars, and other supposedly good for your health snacks often use sweeteners to improve the taste. HFCS is one of the most popular sweeteners in these products. Again, the consumer product companies favor it because it’s less costly.

Even some sweetened breads and wheat, including some pastas, contain HFCS.

I try to live by the adage: moderation is the key. It’s truly the excesses that cause us problems. The big problem is, with an ingredient that is contained in so many everyday products. It’s next to impossible to avoid it altogether.

So what is the answer

People who want to limit their high fructose corn syrup intake may feel frustrated by the abundance of food that contains it. People who cannot eliminate it from their diet can still reap health benefits by reducing its consumption. This can be accomplished by limiting soda intake and eating fewer processed snacks and foods.

CHECK THE LABELS – reading the product labels are required reading these days.

Manufacturers are required to list ingredients in order from highest to lowest in quantity. This means that the first few ingredients on a label are present in the largest quantities. Therefore, high fructose corn syrup is by and large visible on a product’s label.

So, for those who want to minimize their HFCS intake should avoid any foods that list high fructose corn syrup among the first few ingredients.

One option is to purchase healthy snacks from a wellness company that specializes in items with natural ingredients and are low on sugar. For information on one of the best on-line wellness companies, contact us via email: info@universal-health-products.com

Because high fructose corn syrup is not the only sugar that can cause health problems, it is important to also look for other sugars. Sugar goes by a minimum of sixty-one names on nutrition labels, including:

• dextrose
• sucrose
• maltose
• barley malt
• rice syrup

The bottom line

If you’re concerned about your health, to stay healthy, cut down on any and all added sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup included. This can be achieved by limiting soda intake and eating fewer processed snacks.

The Heart Association (AHA) recommends that men consume no more than one hundred fifty calories of added sugar per day. This is equivalent to 9 teaspoons, or 36 grams (g). Women should restrict their intake of added sugar to no more than 100 calories per day, which is equivalent to 6 teaspoons, or 25 g.

Since Americans on average consume about 150 pounds (yes, pounds!) of added sugar annually, there’s unquestionably some room to scale back when it comes to the sugary stuff.

One thing I have to repeat— don’t forget that added sugar isn’t just the spoonful you add to your morning cup of coffee. Sweeteners are often hiding in soft drinks, sauces, and even salad dressings and condiments.

By the way— don’t worry about fruit. The fructose in fruit is accompanied by healthful nutrients and antioxidants, in addition to fiber, which slows the absorption of fructose. It is balanced by God Himself! In addition, you would have to eat several servings of fruit to get as much fructose as in a can of soda. But limit fruit juices to no more than one cup a day as some contain nearly as much fructose as soda.

Good health!

Please feel free to leave any comment, question or concern below.

In my article: What is the Central Nervous System, I promised to write about all the systems of the body. I have since posted articles on: the endocrine system and the digestive system. This article is about the cardiovascular system. The purpose is to cover all about the cardiovascular system.

What is the Cardiovascular System

The vascular system, additionally referred to as the cardiovascular system, is a system that permits blood to circulate and transport nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and from the cells within the body to supply nourishment and facilitate in fighting diseases, stabilize temperature and pH, and maintain
homeostasis.

The cardiovascular system includes the vascular system, that circulates Lymph. The passage of lymph takes much longer than that of blood. Lymph is essentially recycled excess blood plasma after it has been filtered from the interstitial fluid (contained between cells) and returned to the lymphatic system.

Organs of the cardiovascular system

The cardiovascular (from Latin words meaning “heart” and “vessel”) system is comprised of the blood, heart, and blood vessels. The lymph, lymph nodes, and Lymph vessels form the lymphatic system, which returns filtered blood plasma from the interstitial fluid (between cells) as lymph. More on the lymph system in a future article. Below is a description of these organs.

Heart – the heart pumps oxygen rich blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs.

The heart is comprised of a single atrium and one ventricle for each and every circulation, and with both a systemic and a pulmonary circulation there are four chambers in total: left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium and right ventricle. The right atrium is the higher chamber of the right side of the heart. The blood that is returned to the right atrium is deoxygenated (deprived of oxygen) and passed into the right ventricle to be pumped through the pulmonary artery to the lungs for re-oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide. The left atrium of the heart receives recently aerated blood from the lungs as well as the pulmonary vein which is passed into the robust ventricle to be pumped through the aorta to the different organs of the body.

Blood – A fluid consisting of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that is circulated by the heart through the vascular system, carrying oxygen and nutrients to and waste materials off from all body tissues.

Blood is the river of life to the body serving as a transport system for oxygen and nutrients and waste materials. The circulatory system of the blood is seen as having two components, a systemic circulation and a pulmonary circulation which is a loop through the lungs where blood is oxygenated; and the systemic circulation through the rest of the body to provide oxygenated blood.

The cardiovascular systems of humans are closed, meaning that the blood never leaves the network of blood vessels. In contrast, the other component of the circulatory system, the lymphatic system, is open.

The blood is circulated through a network known as blood vessels; more specifically arteries and veins.

Arteries – Arteries carry blood away from the heart and are the thickest blood vessels. The walls continually contract to keep the blood moving. These walls have three layers, a tough covering, a layer of muscle and stretchy tissue and a smooth lining for blood flow. The aorta is the largest of the arteries, connecting to the heart, and then branching off into two main coronary arteries and networks of smaller vessels. The pulmonary artery carries blood lacking oxygen to the lungs to be oxygenated, and then back to the heart.

Veins – Veins carry blood back to the heart. Veins contain valves that keep the blood flowing. Tiny capillaries connect arteries and veins, exchanging nutrients and oxygen to cells and removing waste like carbon dioxide. Veins are thinner and less flexible than arteries.  However they do have three wall layers similarly. Valves can work improperly, causing blood to pool and form varicose veins, which appear as bumps or protrude out from the skin.

Common diseases of the cardiovascular system

Atherosclerosis – This is a hardening of the arteries. It is typically caused by a high fat diet, which leaves fatty deposits in the lining of the blood vessels. This is the result of high cholesterol in the blood. These fatty deposits stick together and make the arteries hardened and less flexible.

Atherosclerosis leads to hypertension (high blood pressure), which can damage the heart and kidneys and even lead to strokes.

Heart attack – Myocardial infarction (MI) is the technical term for this condition. An attack will occur once the blood supply is discontinued from the heart, often by a blood clot. Some heart attacks can be minor; however others can be life-threatening.

Mitral valve prolapsed – The mitral valve pumps freshly oxygenated blood out of the heart to the rest of the body. Mitral valve prolapse means the mitral valve bulges out or prolapses because it does not close evenly.

Mitral valve regurgitation – Mitral valve regurgitation happens when the mitral valve doesn’t close all the way and causes a leak, allowing some of the oxygenated blood to flow backward.

Mitral stenosis – Mitral stenosis occurs when the mitral valve is abnormally narrow which can prevent the blood from flowing smoothly or quickly through it.

Angina pectoris – Commonly referred to simply as Angina, Angina pectoris means “pain in the chest” and occurs if the heart is not receiving enough blood. People usually describe it as a crushing sensation or feeling like their chest is in an exceedingly strong vice. People with angina pectoris might also feel breathless, tired, and nauseated.

Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia – Arrhythmia and dysrhythmia are generally used interchangeably, and both refer to abnormal heart rates and rhythms.

Cardiac Ischemia – Cardiac ischemia means the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen to function properly. A person with cardiac ischemia will typically experience angina-like pain and will feel like they’re having an attack.

Heart failure – Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, means that the heart is not pumping blood as efficiently around the body as it should. It can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing. Some people with heart failure find it difficult to do regular everyday things such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries.

High blood pressure (hypertension) – High blood pressure or hypertension means the force or pressure of the blood flowing through the vessels is consistently too high causing increased pressure on the vessel. If high, this vital sign can cause stroke, loss of vision, heart failure, heart attack, kidney disease, and reduced sexual function.

Stroke – A stroke can occur when one of the vessels that lead to the brain either becomes blocked by a blood clot or bursts. This stops blood flow and prevents oxygen and other nutrients from arriving in the brain. Strokes can lead to serious consequences if not treated quickly. These include speech and language impediments and paralysis from varying degrees to totally.

Peripheral artery sickness (PAD) – refers to narrowing of the arteries that lead to
the legs, stomach, arms, and head. This reduced blood flow will harm the cells and tissues within the limbs, organs, and brain. This condition tends to occur more often in older people.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) – is a blood clot that gets stuck in a vein, blocking the flow of blood. It is a highly critical condition that requires emergency medical attention.

Aortic aneurysms – Aortic aneurysms affect the main artery in the body. It occurs when the artery wall has weakened, allowing it to widen or balloon out. An enlarged artery could burst and become a total medical emergency.

Can cardiovascular disease be prevented

While scientists may not know what causes all of these diseases, there are things that individuals can do to reduce the risk of developing them. Many cardiovascular system diseases are linked to each other. For example, high blood pressure damages the blood vessels, which can lead to other circulatory problems. The narrowing of blood vessels caused by high cholesterol intensifies the likelihood of a person getting a blood clot. Being overweight or obese will increase the chance of developing circulatory diseases.

However, a healthful diet and being active will scale back the danger. Regular exercise keeps the heart healthy by reducing the danger of hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and being overweight — all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Smoking could be an important risk issue for developing circulatory diseases. Toxic substances in tobacco can constrict and harm the blood vessels, increasing the risk of blood clots and causing poor circulation.

People who have members of the family with a circulatory infirmity are more likely to develop one themselves. This risk, however, is reduced with a healthful way of life.

A point to remember:

Some circulatory diseases such as: heart attacks, stroke, and busted aneurysms, are life-threatening and need emergency medical attention.

Anyone who experiences heart pain is advised to make an appointment with their doctor promptly. Individuals who are concerned that they are at risk of developing a circulatory disease can ask their doctor how to make healthful lifestyle changes.

Good Health!

Please feel free to leave any question or comment below.

Life would be very difficult to live if it wasn’t for hormones. If you’ve ever wondered what the story with hormones is, this is the article to read: The Importance of Hormones.

What are hormones

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers made by specialist cells and are part of the endocrine system. Endocrine glands create hormones, which travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, and control most of our body’s major systems. For more information on the endocrine system see the article https://universal-health-products.com/all-about-the-endocrine-system/ Hormones affect many physiological activities including growth, metabolism, appetite, puberty and fertility.

So you can see why life would be difficult without them.

More on hormones

Our bodies produce a host of hormones. Each one provides a different function for different organs. Below is a list of the hormones our body produces and their function.

Adrenal Glands

The adrenal gland produces androgen and cortisol. It helps to control blood sugar and much more.

Adrenaline

Adrenaline is a hormone released into the body of someone feeling emotions to the extreme, which causes the person to have more energy.

Aldosterone

Aldosterone plays an important role in the cardiovascular health of an individual and can be a cause of endocrine hypertension.

Angiotensin

Angiotensin is a common name for four hormones and plays an important role in blood pressure regulation.

Calcitonin

Calcitonin is one of the foremost important hormones, controlling calcium and potassium levels.

Cholecystokinin

Cholecystokinin is most recognized for improving digestion.

Cortisol

Cortisol is often called the stress hormone.

Dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an important foundational hormone. It has little biological effect on its own but has very potent effects when converted into other hormones used for reproduction.

Dihydrotestosterone

Dihydrotestosterone is a hormone that stimulates the event of male characteristics.

The amount of dihydrotestosterone present in the body from day to day depends on the amount of testosterone present in the bloodstream.

Erythropoietin

Erythropoietin maintains the production of red blood cells. For more information on proteins, see the article https://universal-health-products.com/the-facts-about-proteins/

Estradiol

Estradiol is the strongest of the three estrogens and is a key player in the female reproductive system and the most common type for women of childbearing age.

Estrone

Estrone is one of the three types of estrogens and the sole estrogen the body makes after menopause-when menstrual periods stop.

Gastrin

Gastrin is directly responsible for the release of gastric acid, which breaks down the proteins in the food ingested.

Ghrelin

Ghrelin is an important digestive hormone that influences appetite.

Glucagon

Glucagon, a peptide hormone that is produced by the pancreas to regulate glucose in the bloodstream.

Glucagon Like Peptide 1

Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced in the small intestine that supports insulin production and thwarts glucagon production, thereby lowering blood sugar.

Growth Hormone

Growth hormone (GH) controls your body’s growth.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Hormone HcG

Ever wonder how are at-home pregnancy tests able to detect pregnancy? The Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HcG) hormone is central in the early stages of pregnancy.

Insulin

This hormone, insulin, is essential for life. It is produced by the pancreas and regulates many metabolic processes that provide cells with needed energy. Understanding insulin, what insulin does, and how it affects the body, is important to overall health.

Kisspeptin

Kisspeptin is made in the hypothalamus, and it is an important hormone that starts the release of several other hormones.

Leptin

Leptin is a hormone that’s crucial to appetence (appetite) and weight management.

Luteinizing Hormone LH

Luteinizing hormone (LH) controls male and feminine generative (reproductive) systems.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep and wake cycles and is occasionally used as a supplement.

Norepinephrine

Norepinephrine is a hormone and a neurotransmitter that increases the heart rate and blood pressure, breaks down fat, and additional functions.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin could be an endocrine (hormone) crucial for parturition (childbirth) and labor, breastfeeding, and social behaviors and bonding.

Parathyroid Hormone

The parathyroid hormone affects the calcium levels in the bones, intestines and kidneys.

Peptide YY

Ever wonder how is the body able to recognize when one has eaten enough food? After eating, the hormone peptide YY (PYY) is produced by the small intestine and released into the bloodstream.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a female hormone that controls the menstrual cycle and is essential for pregnancy.

Prolactin

Prolactin, or luteotropin, is the hormone that helps mothers produce milk.

Prostaglandins

Prostaglandins are lipids that aid in recovery at locations where there’s tissue damage or infection.

Relaxin

When a female is prepared to deliver a baby her body produces the hormone relaxin.

When labor begins, relaxin helps to relax the ligaments within the pelvis to permit it to stretch as the baby leaves the mother’s body.

Serotonin

If have you ever wondered what hormone is responsible for our mood and feelings, its serotonin. Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes the mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness in our lives.

Somatostatin

Somatostatin is also called SS, SST or SOM. This growth hormone impeding hormone affects several areas of the body by encumbering the secretion of other hormones.

Testosterone

Testosterone is an important male sex hormone. Testosterone helps bring on the physical changes that turn a young male into a man. This time of life is called puberty. Men also need normal amounts of this hormone to make sperm and have the ability to have children.

Thyroid

The thyroid gland controls an individual’s metabolism and the hormones it releases governs many functions in the body such as the way the body uses energy, consumes oxygen and produces heat.

Thyroxine

Thyroxine assists with digestion, heart and muscle function, brain development, and bone maintenance.

Vitamin D

Last but not least, vitamin D is a hormone that supports calcium absorption and bone growth.

Keeping the balance

As you can see, hormones play a fundamentally crucial role in the function of the human body. Working together they keep the body functioning like a well oiled machine. However in order to maintain this optimal functionality, all of the hormones must be applied in balance proportions. When they singularly or plurality get out of balance problems arise.

Today, ‘Hormonal imbalance’ is a worldwide concern. Women square measure additional doubtless to face effects of endocrine (hormone) imbalance as they bear many stages of hormonal changes throughout pubescence, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and menopause. Hormone imbalance can destroy your health and appearance; and when available in proper balance, hormones can keep us healthy, young, and cheerful. Hormones determine the ‘flight or fight’ response of the body. They help manage excessive stress and they keep depression and the connected diseases away.

As I like to say, balance is the key to life. It applies to all aspects of life; including our hormones!

In order to maintain a healthy balance, it is important to have a healthy diet, exercise, get proper the rest and get regular check-ups.

Good health!

Please feel free to leave any comment, question or concern below.