The Glandular System: The Interconnected Network
By Steve Marmor
The glandular system is a communication network that controls and regulates a wide range of functions within our bodies—including sleep, growth, sexual development, metabolism, body temperature, tissue repair and generating energy.
The human body has two types of glands. Exocrine glands secrete fluids through a duct or a tube. Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the bloodstream, where they are carried to specific tissues or organs to stimulate a particular reaction.
The health of this system is truly necessary for our survival. When functioning properly, these glands ensure that our bodies are doing what they should be doing. However, glands can become weakened by stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, or the presence of harsh or toxic chemicals in our bodies.
Major Exocrine glands include: tear, salivary and sweat glands. Endocrine glands include: pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, thymus, hypothalamus, pancreas, adrenal and sex glands.
Be sure to take time to relax and de-stress. For example, the adrenal glands may be small—only about the size of a grape. When weakened, they can cause big problems, including occasional sleeplessness, low energy and low libido.
Visit Herbs & More in Encinitas, Ca. 760 753-7272, steve@herbsandmore.org, for all your natural health needs.
