The Glandular System. Approach. Lesson Fifteen. The Pineal, Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenals and Pancreas

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1 Lesson Fifteen The Glandular System The Pineal, Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenals and Pancreas The body is regulated by the glandular system as well as the nervous system. The glands produce hormones which act as messengers to communicate with the various tissues and organs. Generally, hormones work by negative feedback, reducing or switching off hormone production when a particular condition of the body is sensed. Hormones are substances (created from proteins and fats) that are produced in and secreted from various endocrine glands. Hormones travel through the blood stream, which carries them to the organs and tissues they control. It is a slow but reliable form of transportation that allows hormones to travel a great distance throughout the body. The major glands are the, thyroid, pancreas, adrenals and the gonads. The pineal gland and the thymus gland are also part of the glandular system. The reproductive glands or gonads are covered in Lesson 16, and the thymus is covered under the immune system. The gland is considered the master gland. It is located in the center of the head region, attached to the brain. This gland receives messages from the brain and then secretes various hormones to regulate hormone production in other glands. The thyroid gland is located in the neck just below the larynx. The thyroid s main function is to control metabolism. The four parathyroid glands, located on the back of the thyroid, control levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body. There are two adrenal glands, one on the upper part of each kidney. They work with the kidneys to control fluid and mineral concentrations in the body. The adrenal glands also control the metabolism of glucose and the adrenaline rush we may feel in response to stressful or dangerous situations. The pancreas, as was mentioned during our discussion of the digestive system, is mainly responsible for producing enzymes which break down food particles. It is the head of the pancreas that produces digestive secretions and this aspect of pancreatic function was covered in Lesson Eight. The pancreas also produces insulin, which regulates blood-sugar levels. This is regulated by the tail, which is coverd in this lesson. 119 The + Approach

2 The ABC+D Health System Pituitary/Pineal Thyroid/ Parathyroid Hormones are composed of either amino acids or cholesterol. Low protein diets and low cholesterol levels will disturb glandular function. The is the master gland, and while not listed on the direct aid chart on page 116, is essential to keeping the glandular system in balance. Whenever there are multiple problems with the glands or hormones, work on the pitu- itary. Supplements that can help the include spirulina and alfalfa. can help with General Aids for the Glandular System Thymus Adrenals Kidney Testes Pancreas Ovaries Each hormone has a specific function and acts only on the cells it is supposed affect, much as a key only fits one lock. Because of this, even one dysfunctioning gland can effect the entire body. Some of the results can be serious. The Hormone and Supplement table on pages shows some of the major hormones produced by the various glands. It also lists specific herbs and supplements that can enhance or diminish these hormones. There is much we still need to learn about the glandular system and more specifically, how different herbs affect hormone function, but this table presents the best information my research has uncovered. General Aids to the Glandular System Like the nervous system, the glandular system is aided by obtaining adequate rest and sleep balanced with moderate daily exercise. Stress management is also critical to maintaining healthy gland function. Meditation, relaxation techniques and positive thinking all contribute to healthy glandular function. Specific Direct Aids for the Glandular System When the glandular system is one of the systems in need of direct aid, use the Glandular System direct aid chart on page 116 to help determine what is the most likely direction of imbalance in the glands. Then, select appropriate remedies using the following information. Again, the glandular system chart does not follow the six tissue states. Instead, it is based on patterns of overactive function or underactive function of each gland. Reproductive problems are considered in Lesson Sixteen. High Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) The most common form of hyperthyroidism is known as Graves disease, in which the thyroid gland manufactures an excess of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. Too much thyroxine causes the body s metabolism to speed up. The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck and is regulated by hormones put out by the gland. Using iodine and other nutrients, the thyroid produces thyroxine, which regulates the body s metabolism rate. While the causes of Graves disease are not known, there are some indications that a tendency towards developing Graves disease may be inherited. Untreated, Graves disease can become very serious. Symptoms of Graves disease include nervousness and tremors of the tongue and hands, heart palpitations, excessive sweating, intolerance to heat, wider than normal high and low end numbers on blood pressure, insomnia, diarrhea, stomach disorders, brittle fingernails, exhaustion, increased appetite often simultaneously with weight loss, swelling at the base of the neck and bulging eyes. Even without developing a full blown case of Grave s disease, the thyroid may tend to be overactive, causing some of the symptoms listed above. There are several herbs that directly inhibit hyperthyroid activity. These include bugleweed, lemon balm, and to a lesser degree motherwort and rosemary. 120

3 Major Hormones Hormone and Supplement Guide 1. Gland Produced By: 2. Target Gland/ Organs: Primary Effects Herbs/Supplements The Glandular System Melatonin 1. Pineal 2. Hypothal-amus Stimulates the secretion of certain hypothalamus releasing factors that affect the secretion of gonadotrophins and ACTH. Melatonin is synthesized from serotonin. Enhanced by: Melatonin, 5-HTP and the essential oils of sage, jasmine, lavender, patchouli, ylang ylang. Oxytocin 1. Posterior 2. Female uterus, mammary glands Uterine contractions during childbirth, lactiferous duct contraction to cause milk letdown. Also released during orgasm. Causes emotional bonding between mother and child and husband and wife. Stimulated by: Blue cohosh, scotch broom, lady s mantle, chocolate, goldenseal, and the essential oils of: clove, cajeput, cinnamon (helps afterbirth pain). Nipple stimulation also increases secretion. Inhibited by: White willow, pasque flower, cramp bark and the essential oils of myrrh, lavender and jasmine. Pituitary Hormones (General) 2. Other glands Regulates the entire glandular system. Aided by: Alfalfa, spirulina, bee pollen, bluegreen algae and Eleuthero. Growth hormone (somatotropin) 2. All body cells Regulates growth; promotes mitotic (cell division) activity IGF-1 is stimulated by growth hormones Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin) 2. Thyroid gland Regulates hormonal activity of the thyroid gland Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) 2. Adrenal cortex; all body cells Promotes normal functions of the adrenal cortex and assists in the breakdown of fats Stimulated by stress Inhibited by adaptagens: Eleuthero, Suma Combination and schizandra. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) 2. Male - testes; female - ovaries Male-stimulates testes to produce sperm; female-regulates monthly development of follicle and egg and stimulates secretion of estrogen Inhibited by: Chaste tree, white willow, hops, stoneseed, mugwort and sage. 121

4 The ABC+D Health System Luteinizing hormone (LH) 2. Male - testes; female - ovaries Male-stimulates interstitial cells of testes to produce testosterone; female -works with FSH to cause ovulation, also stimulates formation of corpus luteum and production of progesterone. Works with FSH, so together they are called gonadotrophins). Stimulated by: Sarsaparilla, mugwort and wild oat. Inhibited by: Stoneseed, white willow, and hops. Prolactin 2. Mammary glands After childbirth, it assists other hormones in initiating and sustaining milk production Stimulated by: Vervain, fennel. Inhibited by: Periwinkle, sage, clary sage essential oil. Milk flow is inhibited by essential oils of peppermint and geranium. Milk flow is promoted by: Blessed thistle, milk thistle, fenugreek and marshmallow. Thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) 1. Thyroid 2. All body cells Controls metabolic rate by increasing protein synthesis, emulsifying and burning fats, and releasing energy from carbohydrates; regulates rate of growth; stimulates sexual maturity and early maturation of nervous system Seaweeds supply iodine to support the thyroid: Kelp, dulse. Also enhanced by: Garlic, black walnut, horseradish, and the essential oil of red myrtle. Inhibited by: Cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, etc.), bugleweed, lemon balm or melissa, motherwort, and green myrtle essential oil. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1. Parathyroid 2. Bone, kidneys, intestine Raises blood calcium by stimulating bones to release calcium, kidneys to conserve it and intestines to absorb it Stimulated by the essential oils of: Green myrtle and juniper. Thymosin 1. Thymus 2. T-cells Believed to stimulate T-cells after they leave the thymus Enhanced by: Echinacea, thyme, elecampane, and the essential oils of bergamot, clove, tea tree, oregano, thyme and eucalyptus. Glucagon 1. Pancreas 2. Liver Stimulates liver to convert glycogen to glucose, thus blood sugar levels rise Protein foods stimulate release. It is possible that stevia and licorice root may stimulate this hormone. Insulin 1. Pancreas 2. All body cells; liver Promotes movement of glucose and amino acids into cells, assists in synthesis of proteins and fats; stimulates liver to convert glucose into glycogen, thus lowering blood sugar levels Insulin uptake by cells is enhanced by: Cchromium, zinc, golden seal, cedar berries, nopal, vanadium and vitamin C. Also enhanced by the essential oils of eucalyptus, bergamot, pink grapefruit, rosemary, lemon and geranium. 122

5 The Glandular System Epinephrine 1. Adrenal medulla 2. Various tissues Promotes fight or flight response, improves concentration, accelerates breathing and heart rate, increases energy, tenses muscles, slows digestion Stimulated by: Caffeine (coffee, tea, kola nuts, guarana), ephedra, and the essential oils of basil, lemon, pine, lime, peppermint, rosemary, thyme. Calmed by: Valerian, passion flower, skullcap and ganoderma and the essential oils of clary sage, geranium, and ylang ylang. Aldosterone (example of mineralcorticoids) 1. Adrenal cortex 2. Kidneys Regulates the amount of sodium and potassium eliminated in the urine, promotes water reabsorption and reduces urine output Licorice root helps maintain fluid balance like aldosterone and inhibits destruction of these hormones. These hormones are also stimulated by the essential oils of pine, thyme and rosemary. Inhibited by: Ylang ylang oil. Cortisol or hydrocortisone (example of glucocorticoids) 1. Adrenal cortex 2. All body cells Anti-inflammatory, vasoconstriction, helps the body resist stress. Excess cortisone causes rapid aging by inhibiting adrenal function. Licorice and rehmannia inhibit breakdown. Yucca, licorice and wild yam have a cortisollike constituents and actions. Bupleurum stimulates production. Turmeric improves absorption. Androgens (example of gonadocorticoids) 1. Adrenal cortex 2. Reproductive organs Sex drive Stimulated by: Sage essential oil. Testosterone 1. Reproductive glands and adrenal cortex 2. Male secondary sexual organs Development and function of secondary sexual organs and accessory glands, promotes male secondary sexual characteristics, sex drive Stimulated by: Eleuthero, Korean ginseng, and the essential oils of cinnamon, and lemon. Estrogens Estrais Estrone estradiol 1. Reproductive glands and adrenal cortex 2. Female secondary sexual organs, uterus Development and function of secondary sexual organs, menstrual changes of the uterus, secondary sexual characteristics, sex drive Black cohosh, hops, licorice, soy, white willow, and the essential oils of geranium and clary sage have estrogenic effects. Estrogen is inhibited by chaste tree, wild yam and pasque flower. Progesterone 1. Reproductive glands and adrenal cortex 2. Uterus Prepares uterus for implantation, prevents abortion of fetus Enhanced by: sarsaparilla, yarrow, parsley, lady s mantle.. Wild Yam Creams contain progesterone. 123

6 GLANDULAR SYSTEM Copyright 2003 Tree of Light Publishing All Rights Reserved THYROID PANCREAS ADRENALS OVERACTIVE "HOT" UNDERACTIVE "COLD" OVERACTIVE "HOT" UNDERACTIVE "COLD" OVERACTIVE "HOT" UNDERACTIVE "COLD" Goiter with red skin over thyroid area Nervous anxious, flighty Thin, difficulty gaining weight Protruding or bulging eyes Rapid heart rate and/or heart palpitations Medical diagnosis of Grave's Disease Elevated T3 and/or T4 levels in the blood Low body temperature, skin feels cold to the touch Cold hands and feet Shallow breathing Feeling sluggish and tired Tendency to gain weight easily Dry, dull skin Hair loss Difficulty expressing feelings verbally Loss of libido, especially in women Sugar cravings Sudden fatigue in midafternoon Mood and energy swings Irritability and confusion when food is not eaten regularly Sudden coldness of limbs or nose Weight gain High carbohydrate diets Frequent consumption of refined carbohydrates High cholesterol levels Constant thirst with frequent urination Dizziness or lightheadedness after eating carbohydrates Excess insulin production with cellular resistance to insulin (Type II diabetes) Deficient insulin production (Type I diabetes) Excess cortisol and epinephrine production Tendency to hypertension Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) Poor wound healing Poor resistance to disease with lowered immune response Thinning hair Loss of muscle mass with development of abdominal fat Mental obsession, compulsiveness, stress, anxiety Dilated pupils Medical diagnosis of Cushing's disease Deficient production of cortisol and epinephrine Fatigue and lack of stamina with insomnia Pulsing pupils Quivering tongue Dark circles under eyes Tendency to low blood pressure or sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from sitting to standing position Tachycardia and heart palpitations Sensation of pressure in chest (angina) Cravings for sweets and carbohydrates Emotionally sensitive (unreasonable weeping or laughter) Medical diagnosis of Addison's disease Thyroid Irritation Thyroid Depression Pancreatic Irritation Pancreatic Depression Adrenal Irritation Adrenal Depression

7 Hops also has a thyroid-calming effect. The adrenals are usually weak when the thyroid is overactive, so herbs that support the adrenals like eluethero root and licorice may also be beneficial. Finally, raw cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) have a slight thyroid inhibiting effect. Avoid all herbs and supplements that feed the thyroid (see Low Thyroid herbs). can help with Hyperthyroidism. Low Thyroid (Hypothyroidism) If the thyroid produces too little thyroxine, then the body s metabolic rate drops significantly. Many Americans suffer from low thyroid output. There are numerous symptoms that arise when the thyroid function is low, but some of the most important are chronic fatigue, variable energy levels, low body temperature (cold hands and feet), dry skin and lack of sex drive. Hypothyroidism causes decreased memory and ability to concentrate and increased difficulties with allergies, asthma, cholesterol, constipation, yeast infections, and abnormal menstrual cycles in women. Goiter, swelling in the glands of the neck, may develop. These conditions can be improved with supplementing the diet with iodine, if that is the reason the thyroid gland is manufacturing too little hormone. Glandular herbs that feed the thyroid with iodine are required. Herbs that feed the thyroid include kelp, dulse, Irish moss and black walnut. Sometimes the real problem with the thyroid is an imbalance in the. SAM-e and MSM can help the liver which also supports better thyroid function. can help with Hypothyroidism. Pancreatic Irritation (Hypoglycemia and Syndrome X) The adrenals and pancreas help to regulate blood sugar levels. When the liver does not store sugar properly and release it gradually into the blood stream, the pancreas and adrenals must work harder and may become stressed and tired. Insulin from the pancreas moves excess sugar from the blood stream into storage. Sugar is first moved into storage in the liver and 125 The Glandular System muscles as glycogen. If there is too much sugar, it will be stored as fat. Later, when blood sugar levels are low, the pancreas secretes another hormone called glucogon that stimulates the release of glycogen stores in the liver to bring blood sugar levels up. The adrenals can also help to mobilize stored sugar for energy. When the blood sugar is too low, it results in hypoglycemia. Hypo meaning low, gly for sugar and cemia referring to the bloodstream. The cells in the body consume vast amounts of sugar for energy. In fact, excluding oxygen and water, sugar is the primary nutrient the body requires. When there is not enough sugar in the bloodstream for cells to do their work, many kinds of health problems can result. When blood sugar levels start to dip below normal, the body gives certain subtle clues that it needs help. These may include suddenly feeling cold or getting a cold nose, strong craving for sweets or caffeine, sudden fatigue or mental confusion, the inability to concentrate, a mild headache or sense of pain around the eyes. If not dealt with soon, the symptoms may worsen into irritability, severe fatigue, dizziness or shakiness. As the above symptoms suggest, hypoglycemia affects far more than the physical body. It also affects our mind and emotions. As the sugar in candy and chocolate rushes into the blood stream, it produces a sugar high. The pancreas hypersecretes insulin to try to remove this excess sugar from the blood. Since insulin depresses glucogon production, this results in a corresponding downer as the blood sugar level falls below normal. The person craves sugar and the cycle begins again, putting the body, and especially the brain, on a blood sugar roller coaster ride. The brain consumes more sugar than any other organ in the human body. So when blood sugar levels drop, the first organ to be affected is the brain. Irritability, depression, fatigue, mental confusion, and even severe behavioral problems like ADD, hyperactivity, juvenile delinquency and mental illness may be caused by blood sugar problems. A person who has a severe problem with hypoglycemia may become very irrational or crazy under stress. When a person is startled, worried or upset, the demand for sugar increases dramatically. Hence, the hypoglycemic may experience a sudden drop in blood

8 The ABC+D Health System sugar levels in stressful situations. If the drop is severe enough, the higher functions of the brain tend to shut down. The person descends into the animal mode of fight or flight behavior. That means they are no longer in a rational state. The only options perceived are fight or flee. Therefore, they may lash out in uncontrolled rage, retreat into a shell, or even babble in an irrational manner. In the book, Low Blood Sugar and You, Carlton Fredricks and Herman Goodman suggest that hypoglycemia may also be a factor in allergies, asthma, rheumatic fever, neurosis, epilepsy and even ulcers. Of course, many of these illnesses may not be directly linked to hypoglycemia, but the same dietary patterns that cause hypoglycemia probably contribute to a host of other illnesses as well. When insulin production is too high, it results in hyperinsulinemia or syndrome X. This problem causes obesity, heart disease and eventually diabetes. For reducing pancreatic irritation, avoid the whites, especially refined sugar and flours. Also avoid all stimulants, especially cola drinks. Carbohydrates in the diet should be whole fruits, vegetables and grains. Protein stimulates glucogon production so spirulina or bee pollen can be used to bring blood sugar levels to normal. Licorice root can help to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for sweets. Other supplements that may help include bilberry, stevia, and-l-glutamine. can help with Hypoglycemia and Syndrome X. Pancreatic Depression Diabetes mellitus is a chronic degenerative disease caused by either a lack of insulin (Type I diabetes) or a cellular resistance to insulin (Type II diabetes). Insulin is essential for metabolizing glucose. In a normal person, after a meal the glucose level in their blood rises, causing the pancreas to produce insulin to return the blood sugar level to normal. People with diabetes either cannot produce insulin, or their cells have become resistant to insulin. As a result, they are unable to maintain normal blood glucose levels by moving glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. This causes an excess of sugar in the blood which can spill into the urine. 126 Diabetes can result in increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mood swings, vaginal infections in women, leg cramps or sensation of pins and needles in the fingers and toes, blurred vision, impotence in men and slow healing of wounds. Uncontrolled, diabetes can cause blindness, loss of limbs to amputation, coma and death. There are more than 10 million diagnosed cases in the United States alone, with an estimation that at least 5 million more have diabetes and don t know they have it. Diabetes should be diagnosed by a medical doctor. However, Type II often can be controlled or even cured with diet and herbs, especially if caught in the early stages. Type II diabetes is by far the most common, and occurs mostly in middle age. Symptoms are the same as Type I, except there is weight gain, not weight loss. Most often, Type II diabetes is caused by being overweight and poor diet laden with sugars and empty calories. The most effective treatment is correct and healthy dietary management, healthy lifestyle with exercise, weight loss and herbs for blood sugar stabilization. Type I diabetes usually begins in childhood, but may occur later in life if the pancreas is damaged from illness or injury. Only 5-10 percent of diabetics have Type I, which can be brought on by viral infection, or some extreme stress that damages the pancreas. There can be a genetic predisposition, but this is not always the case. Injections of insulin must be given to help control the condition. Herbs and supplements can reduce the need for insulin, but I have encountered no dependable protocol for regenerating the pancreatic cells. Stevia makes a great sugar substitute for diabetics. It is a safe, non-caloric sweetener that helps to balance blood sugar levels. The minerals chromium and zinc are also beneficial for diabetics. Herbs that can be used to overcome cellular resistance to insulin include anamu, fenugreek, goldenseal, noni (morinda), nopal, cedar berries and gymnema. Effective natural therapy for Type II diabetes must include dietary modification. Simple sugars and starches must be avoided in favor of foods with a low glycemic index (primarily non-starchy vegetables, essential fatty acids and protein). Exercise is also very important for diabetics. Combined with lifestyle changes, many people have been able to use supple-

9 ments to overcome Type II diabetes, and to reduce insulin requirements in Type I diabetes. can help with Pancretic Depression, Diabetes I & II. Adrenal Stress The adrenals are the home of the fight or flight response. When we are subjected to stress, they fire off hormones that put the body on alert. Excess stress causes overactivity of the adrenals which results in an excess production of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine. This can cause lowered immune response, high blood pressure, poor wound healing, abdominal fat, mental obsession, compulsive thoughts and behaviors, stress and anxiety. In its most severe form, this is called Cushing s disease. Adaptagens are the primary means of reducing adrenal stress. Examples of adaptagenic herbs include eleuthero root, schizandra, rhodiola, ginseng and suma. Nervine herbs that calm the nervous system may also be beneficial. These include blue vervain, chamomile, kava kava, passion flower and valarian. The adrenals need B complex vitamins and vitamin C to function properly. The essential oils of lavender, lemon, Roman chamomile and rose can also be used to calm excess adrenal activity. Other products or formulas that can be helpful for adrenal stress include borage. can help with Adrenal Stress. Adrenal Fatigue The adrenals are under a great deal of stress in modern culture. Not only do we tend to lead lives of high pressure and constant busy-ness, we also abuse the adrenals with refined carbohydrates and stimulants (especially caffeine). The adrenals play a major role in creating stamina and endurance. Hence, when the adrenals become tired, we lose staying power and are more easily fatigued or run down. If this The Glandular System condition lasts long enough, we become enervated and exhausted. Low adrenal function also increases mental confusion and the inability to concentrate. It increases levels of inflammation in the body, since the adrenals produce hormones to dampen the inflammatory response. Most diseases where there is chronic inflammation and pain involve some loss of adrenal function, including auto-immune diseases. Asthma is another illness where low adrenal function plays a role. Asthma attacks are stopped medically by use of the adrenal hormone epinephrine (more commonly known as adrenaline). Specific symptoms of adrenal fatigue include increased thirst, increased urination in frequency and amount, weight loss, low blood pressure, dark circles under the eyes, quivering tongue, emotional sensitivity and cravings for sweets and carbohydrates. Serious adrenal deficiency creates a medical condition called Addison s disease. Generally speaking, adaptagens, which help the body cope better with stress, are herbs that aid adrenal function. Some of the better choices include Korean ginseng, American ginseng, eleuthero root and schizandra. Licorice root reduces sugar cravings and has a sparing effect on adrenal hormones. Other products that may help here are Ho Shou Wu, B-Complex vitamins (particularly pantothenic acid), vitamin C, Roman chamomile essential oil. Since caffeine stimulates (i.e. whips) the adrenals, it is important to avoid all caffeinated beverages when the adrenals become depleted. can help with SAdrenal Fatigue. 127