Thursday, October 8, 2009

The HPA Axis: What is it?

The most important part of our endocrine system is the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, or the HPA axis as it is commonly referred to.

The health of our HPA axis is the root of our entire body. The HPA axis is truly the key to the strength of our "Life-Force" and is often central to most health problems, syndromes, diseases, and even aging itself.

The HPA axis is the conduit for our emotions and psychological stress is primarily mediated through this axis. It also interacts with other hormonal systems as well as with the rest of the auto-regulation systems.



The hypothalamus is located in the brain and is the main link between the endocrine and nervous systems. If the endocrinal glands were a football team, then the hypothalamus would be the Quarterback – it is the main regulatory center in the body.

The hypothalamus receives information directly from other parts of the brain and from sense organs in other parts of the body. The hypothalamus uses the information it receives to help control certain body functions e.g. body temperature, hunger, thirst, heart rate, sleep, as well as emotions such as anger and fear.

The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain just beneath the hypothalamus, secretes hormones (such as growth hormones) and controls several other endocrine glands.

We have two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. The adrenals regulate salt and water balance in our bodies, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function.

The key to optimal well-being and longevity is enhancing both our hormone balance and cellular health, and this can be achieved by balancing our Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis.

To learn more about the HPA axis, please visit http://www.genomemultiplex.com/

No comments:

Post a Comment