ENDOCRINE SYSTEM? WHAT IS THAT?

Endocrine system is not a term we are familiar with, in most cases. It is a collection of glands that regulate our body's important functions. These functions include growth, metabolism and sexual development, pretty important functions. The glands produce chemicals called hormones, which are directly released into the bloodstream. From there they travel to the organs they are targeted to work with. Each hormone's shape is specific to the target cell it affects, binding to hormone receptors on the cells.

The three classes of hormones, defined by their chemical structures are:

• Amino acid hormones, ie serotonin, adrenaline, and dopamine
• Peptide hormones, ie growth hormones, insulin, prolactin
• Steroid hormones, ie cortisol, testosterone, DHEA

Some fish in the great lakes and birds that eat these fish have been found to have problems caused by endocrine disrupters in their environment, as have some alligators in the Florida Everglades. Dr. David Brownstein believes our environmental surroundings may be affecting us humans, too. He believes over 60% of our population is currently suffering from some kind of thyroid problem. And he has no doubt one of the reasons we are seeing such an epidemic of thyroid problems is due to our toxic overload of various chemicals, including endocrine disrupters. Tomorrow we will do into some detail of what he believes these are.

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FACTS ABOUT TESTOSTERONE

 If you assume testosterone is a "male" hormone, you need to read this post. Are you aware both men and women produce testosterone? Yes, men produce testosterone in their testicles but both men and women produce testosterone in their adrenal glands. Women also produce a small amount of testosterone in their ovaries. Testosterone production begins early in fetal development and continues throughout life. Men produce much higher levels than do women, no doubt accounting for their muscular difference. The fact is it is impossible to build muscle and bone without testosterone. Following is more of the functions of testosterone.

• Decreases blood clotting
• Decreases visceral fat
• Decreases total cholesterol
• Improves bone density
• Improves glucose control
• Improves libido
• Maintains mental physical energy
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Prevents neurodegenerative disorders

Note: This information is from David Brownstein, M.D., a board-certified family physician.

SOME INFO ON VITAMIN-D

 As you probably know we get vitamin-D from the sun so some of us may not get enough in the winter. Should you take vitamin-D supplements? Check with your doctor first. Taking vitamin-D if you don't need it can be harmful in some ways. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test and if you need vitamin-D you should follow his or her advice.

Are you aware that vitamin-D is not actually a vitamin but is a hormone? According to Leslie Ray Matthews, M.D. a former trauma surgeon and vitamin-D researcher, "Hormones have a whole-body effect and help you interact with your environment". Dr. Matthews continued, "Vitamin-D plays a huge role in helping your body fight off bacteria, fungus, parasites, and viruses." Some signs of vitamin-D deficiency are fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, insomnia, and frequent sinus and/or respiratory problems. Unfortunately, those same symptoms can be caused by many other problems. As stated above, check with your doctor if you think you are low in vitamin-D.

BENEFITS OF BROCCOLI

Your mother was right; eat your vegetables.  That is especially true for green vegetables.  While all the green vegetables are good for you, broccoli is one you should eat regularly whether you like it or not!  Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C.  It is a good source of vitamin A and folate.  It is a significant source of protein, calcium, iron, and other minerals.  Broccoli is also rich in bioflavonoids and other plant chemicals that protect against cancer.  In fact, while other cruciferous vegetables are protective, broccoli seems to have more cancer-fighting compounds than the others.  Some of these compounds block the action of hormones that stimulate tumors; others work by inhibiting tumor growth or by boosting the action of protective enzymes.  The bioflavonoids and other antioxidants found in broccoli are substances that protect against mutation and damage from unstable molecules.

Other benefits of broccoli are that it is high in fiber and low in calories!

If you don't like broccoli, think of it as a natural protector for your body and learn to eat it for your health's sake.

WHAT CAUSES BREAST CANCER?

What causes breast cancer? If I could answer that question with accuracy I would be a wealthy woman! Unfortunately I nor anyone else can give you a good answer to that question. A few years ago I read an article in a medical publication that said, "Many factors can increase the chances of developing breast cancer.  Some include a family history of breast cancer, excessive alcohol use, and being overweight or obese...."

I am writing this post today because of my personal experience.  As of this December, I will be a 33-year-survivor of breast cancer.  I am telling you this to let you know early detection is key to survival and it is important to do self-exams, have recommended mammograms, and contact your doctor with any questions or suspicions.  I am sharing this with you to let you know I was only 40-years-old and I did not have any of the reasons listed above.  No one in my family had ever had breast cancer at that time, I had never drank alcohol (or smoked), and I was and always had been slender. So I was surprised to have breast cancer and to be facing a bilateral mastectomy.  I want others to be aware and check themselves regularly. I also want people to know that with early detection, breast cancer does not have to be fatal.  Chances of survival are good.

• The most common symptom is a new lump or mass of tissue in the breast (I had a history of fibroid tumors which can make self detection difficult at times).
  Here are some things to look for to protect yourself: If you feel a new lump, contact your doctor right away.  Do not wait around to see if it will go away.
• Unusual swelling of any part of the breast.
• Skin irritation of the breast with no noticeable reason.
• Pain in the breast or nipple.
• Nipple turning inward.
• Nipple discharge (excluding breast milk)

Any of these symptoms should be reported to the doctor right away.  Don't put off contacting your doctor. Breast cancer does not disappear and the sooner it is treated, the better your chances of survival.

Breast cancer usually occurs in women because of the female hormones but men can also have breast cancer.

Note: This is a repost of an older article. Some things may have changed but the basics have not.