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Understanding The Endocrine System - Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus affects almost every organ of the body and functions as the link between the nervous system and the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is responsible for certain metabolic processes and other activities of the autonomic nervous system. It controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and circadian cycles.

The hypothalamus takes information from both internal (bodily changes) and external (things that happen in our external world) environments through the nervous system, interprets this information, then determines what needs to be done in order to maintain homeostasis. It does this in a variety of ways. One such way is to secrete hormones that communicate with other endocrine glands.

Basic Responsibilities:

  • Control and relay for other glands
  • Balance and equilibrium
  • Heart function

Symptoms of Hypothalamus Weakness:

  • The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland. And the pituitary gland regulates adrenal and thyroid function, as well as secreting reproductive hormones. When the hypothalamus function is hampered, it has an impact on the pituitary gland and consequently, the adrenals, thyroid and sexual glands are affected. It produces less thyroid, adrenal and sexual hormones.
  • An excruciating headache if a tumor is present. It can also lead to visual defects; especially the side vision is compromised
  • Difficulty regulating body temperature
  • Precocious puberty
  • Low blood pressure
  • Milk secretion from breast even if the women is not pregnant
  • Infertility in women and sterility in men. Due to lack of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

Lifestyle Factors:

  • Make sure you are drinking plenty of water
  • Keep your stress managed, your hormones balanced, and your digestion good
  • Sunshine also benefits the hypothalamus
  • Avoid tap water because of chlorine, fluoride and other chemicals
  • Keep your head and sinus cavity clear of mucus

Nutrition Factors:

  • Avoiding dairy, grains and sugars
  • Choose fruit and ancient seed grains like quinoa, millet, amaranth, and buckwheat
  • Healthy fats such as coconut, avocado, olives, nuts, seeds, and fish
  • Nuts and seeds, especially those high in Vitamin E such as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds

Herbs & Supplements for the Hypothalamus:

Learn About Other Glands in the Endocrine System:

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