What Is Autonomic Nervous System Monitoring?
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center in New York, we know that your autonomic nervous system is a part of your overall nervous system that controls the automatic functions of your body that you need to survive.
These are processes you don’t think about and that your brain manages while you’re awake or asleep.
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center we all know the importance of our brain, but did you also realize that without an efficient autonomic nervous system to maintain homeostasis in body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure; everything from digestion to temperature regulation would be impaired.
Our mental processes rely on this intricate monitoring network for their very survival!
What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
The autonomic nervous system controls all the automatic functions of the body, from breathing to heart rate.
It’s a complex network of neural pathways that can be classified into two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. It ramps up the body’s energy levels and prepares it for action.
The parasympathetic nervous system is the “rest and digest” response. It slows down the heart rate and relaxes the body.
Both systems work together to maintain a stable balance in the body. When one system is activated, the other system counteracts it. This allows the body to respond to stressors quickly and efficiently.
The autonomic nervous system is a vital part of health and well-being. It helps the body respond to stress and maintain balance in the face of change. Knowing how it works can help you better understand your own body and take steps to improve your health.
Where does the autonomic nervous system fit in the overall structure of the nervous system?
Your overall nervous system includes two main subsystems:
- Central nervous system: This includes your brain and spinal cord.
- Peripheral nervous system: This includes every part of your nervous system that isn’t your brain and spinal cord.
Your peripheral nervous system also has two subsystems:
- Somatic nervous system: This includes muscles you can control, plus all the nerves throughout your body that carry information from your senses.
That sensory information includes sound, smell, taste and touch. Vision doesn’t fall under this because the parts of your eyes that manage your sight are part of your brain.
- Autonomic nervous system: This is the part of your nervous system that connects your brain to most of your internal organs.
Your autonomic nervous system breaks down into three divisions, each with its own job:
- Parasympathetic Nervous System
- Sympathetic Nervous System
- Enteric nervous system
- Parasympathetic nervous system: This part of your autonomic nervous system does the opposite of your sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the “rest-and-digest” body processes.
- Sympathetic nervous system: This system activates body processes that help you in times of need, especially times of stress or danger. This system is responsible for your body’s “fight-or-flight” response.
- Enteric nervous system: This part of your autonomic nervous system manages how your body digests food.
How does the autonomic nervous system help with other organs?
Much like a home needs electrical wiring to control lights and everything inside that needs power, your brain needs the autonomic nervous system’s network of nerves.
These nerves are the physical connections your brain needs to control almost all of your major internal organs.
Where is it located?
Your autonomic nervous system includes a network of nerves that extend throughout your head and body.
Some of those nerves extend directly out from your brain, while others extend out from your spinal cord, which relays signals from your brain into those nerves.
There are 12 cranial nerves, which use Roman numerals to set them apart, and your autonomic nervous system has nerve fibers in four of them.
These include the third, seventh, ninth and 10th cranial nerves. They manage pupil dilation, eye focusing, tears, nasal mucus, saliva and organs in your chest and belly.
Your autonomic nervous system also uses most of the 31 spinal nerves. These include spinal nerves in your thoracic (chest and upper back), lumbar (lower back) and sacral (tailbone).
The spinal nerve connections are how your autonomic system controls the following:
- Heart.
- Lungs.
- Liver.
- Pancreas.
- Spleen.
- Stomach.
- Small and large intestine.
- Colon.
- Kidney.
- Bladder.
- Sexual organs.
The part of your brain that runs autonomic functions is your hypothalamus. This structure isn’t part of your autonomic nervous system, but is a key part of how it works.
CONCLUSION
The nervous system is an incredibly complex network of neural pathways that can be classified into two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The first deals with our automatic functions like breathing, digestion, heart rate etc. while the latter controls things like arousal and emotional reactions to stimuli.
As you may have guessed by now, these systems work together in order to keep us functioning properly.
The Effects And Symptoms Of Eating Too Much Sugar
Sugar. It’s everywhere – baked goods, processed foods, even seemingly healthy options like yogurt. While a moderate amount can be part of a balanced diet, eating too much sugar can have significant negative consequences for your health. Let’s explore the effects and symptoms of a sugar-laden diet.
Addiction to Sugar
The immediate effect of indulging in sugary treats might be a temporary energy boost followed by a crash. This happens because sugar causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, prompting the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin then shuttles sugar from the bloodstream into your cells for energy. The rapid rise and fall in blood sugar can leave you feeling drained and craving more sugar to repeat the cycle.
Long-Term Health Risks:
However, the real concern lies in the long-term effects of excessive sugar consumption. Here’s how too much sugar can impact your health:
Weight Gain: Sugary foods are often high in calories and low in nutrients. This can lead to weight gain and obesity, which is a major risk factor for various health problems.
Metabolic Syndrome: Chronic high sugar intake can lead to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance. This increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Fatty Liver Disease: The liver plays a vital role in metabolizing sugar. When overwhelmed by excessive sugar intake, the liver can become overloaded with fat, leading to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Inflammation: Sugar can contribute to chronic, low-grade inflammation throughout the body, which is linked to various health issues like heart disease and cancer.
Dental Problems: Sugar is a major culprit behind tooth decay. Sugar-feeding bacteria in the mouth produce acid that erodes tooth enamel, leading to cavities and other dental problems.
Energy Imbalance: Sugary foods provide a quick burst of energy followed by a crash, which can disrupt your energy levels throughout the day, leading to fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Symptoms to Watch Out For:
While some effects of excessive sugar intake might be subtle, some symptoms can serve as a wake-up call:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Fatigue and low energy
- Frequent cravings for sugary foods
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unexplained weight gain
- Skin problems
Taking Control:
If you suspect you’re consuming too much sugar, there are steps you can take to reduce your intake and improve your health.
- Read food labels: Be mindful of added sugars lurking in processed foods.
- Limit sugary drinks: Switch to water, unsweetened tea, or black coffee.
- Choose whole fruits: Opt for whole fruits over sugary snacks.
- Control portion sizes: Even healthy treats like fruits should be enjoyed in moderation.
- Cook more meals at home: This gives you control over ingredients and reduces reliance on processed foods.
Cushing’s Syndrome: Causes, Complications and Treatment
What is Cortisol
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center we feel that before discussing Cushing’s, we must first discuss cortisol.
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid (steroid) hormone which plays an important role in glucose and fat metabolism and reducing inflammation.
The hormone is also referred to as the “stress” or “flight-or-fight” hormone, as it, along with epinephrine (adrenaline) is released during “flight-or-fight” situations.
What is Cushing’s Syndrome?
Cushing’s Syndrome is a disorder in which the level of the hormone cortisol increases in the body.
High cortisol causes weight gain around the abdomen, chest, face, and neck.
Cushing’s Syndrome is a rare condition affecting around 10-15 out of one million people every year.
It strikes adults between 20 and 50 years of age, but it can also occur in children. Cushing’s Syndrome is more prevalent in women than men, contributing to about 70 percent of all cases.
Causes of Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s Syndrome is caused due to the following reasons:
Long-term use of corticosteroid medicines
People who take high doses of corticosteroid medicines for a long time may develop Cushing’s Syndrome.
Corticosteroids are usually prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and to prevent rejection after organ transplantation.
Excessive production of the hormone cortisol
Several medical conditions can trigger the adrenal gland to produce too much cortisol, including:
- Tumor in the adrenal gland.
- Tumor of the pituitary gland increases the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), causing the adrenal glands to release more cortisol.
- Tumors in the pancreas, lungs, or thyroid can increase the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Signs and Symptoms
- Weight gain and fatty tissue deposits, particularly around the midsection and upper back, in the face (moon face), and between the shoulders (buffalo hump)
- Pink or purple stretch marks (striae) on the skin of the abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms
- Thinning, fragile skin that bruises easily
- Slow healing of cuts, insect bites and infections
- Acne
- Severe fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Depression, anxiety and irritability
- Loss of emotional control
- Cognitive difficulties
- New or worsened high blood pressure
- Headache
- Infections
- Skin darkening
- Bone loss, leading to fractures over time
- In children, impaired growth
Signs and symptoms women with Cushing syndrome may experience
- Thicker or more visible body and facial hair (hirsutism)
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Signs and symptoms men with Cushing syndrome may experience
- Decreased sex drive
- Decreased fertility
- Erectile dysfunction
Cushing’s Syndrome treatment
Various treatment options are available for Cushing’s Syndrome, depending on the causes of high cortisol.
Tapering the doses of corticosteroids
If Cushing’s Syndrome is caused due to over-use of corticosteroids, your doctor at Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center will gradually reduce the dose of the medicine. The doctor will recommend the lowest possible dose of corticosteroids required to manage your disease.
Surgically removing a tumor
If Cushing’s Syndrome is caused due to a tumor in the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, lungs, or pancreas, your doctor will suggest surgery to remove a tumor. It will reduce the production of cortisol hormones in the body. But after the surgery, patients will require hormone replacement therapy to maintain the levels of cortisol.
Radiation therapy
The doctor recommends radiation therapy if a tumor can not be removed via surgery or if a patient is unfit for surgery. In radiation therapy, small doses of radiation are given for six weeks, or a high dose of radiation is given all at once to destroy the tumor cells.
Medications
The doctor may prescribe medications such as Mitotane, Metyrapone, and Ketoconazole to reduce the production of cortisol. These medicines are used when other treatment options such as surgery and radiation therapy do not work.
After complete treatment, most patients observe improvements in the symptoms of Cushing’s Syndrome and recover fully.
How do Hormonal and Chemical Changes Impact Teens
Teens. They can be a whirlwind of emotions, sudden growth spurts, and newfound independence. Ever wonder why this happens? It’s all thanks to a surge of hormonal and chemical changes that take place during puberty.
During the Deen Years Yormones Can Impact
These hormonal changes are like little chemical messengers, instructing your body on how to develop from a child to an adult. Typically starting between ages 8 and 14, this period can last until your mid-20s. It’s no surprise things can feel a bit out of control!
Here’s a breakdown of how these changes impact you:
- Physical Growth: Hormones accelerate growth spurts, leading to changes in height, weight, and body shape.
- Skin Changes: Get ready for breakouts! Hormonal fluctuations can cause acne to appear.
- Brain Development: Alongside your body, your brain is also undergoing construction. This can affect your decision-making skills and emotional regulation.
It’s Not Just Physical
Teenagers often experience intense mood swings, heightened self-awareness, and even feelings of anxiety or depression. While hormones can amplify these emotions, they aren’t the sole cause. Underlying mental health concerns might require additional support from a therapist or counselor.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
These changes are a universal experience for teenagers. While it might feel overwhelming at times, understanding what’s happening can be a big help. It’s like a rite of passage, preparing you for adulthood!
Feeling Down? Seek Support
If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or thoughts of suicide, hormones likely aren’t the culprit. These signs might indicate a deeper issue that needs professional help. Don’t hesitate to talk to a parent, trusted adult, or therapist.
Understanding different types of bone cancer
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center we know that bone cancer is relatively rare, accounting for 1% of all cancer cases in the United States.
Quite often, bone cancer is the result of metastasis. This means that cancer from elsewhere has spread to the bone. These cancers show the original cancerous cells and not those associated with bone cancer. In these cases, the cancer is treated by following the original course of treatment for the initial tumor.
But there are also primary cancers of the bone. This means that the cancer starts in the bone. Primary bone cancer is not common. Only 2 of every 1000 cancers diagnosed in the US each year are primary bone cancer. Bones are composed of:
- Osteoid tissue (hard or compact)
- Cartilaginous tissue (tough, flexible)
- Fibrous tissue (threadlike)
- Bone marrow (soft, spongy tissue in the center of most bones)
The type of bone cancer depends on where in the bone it starts.
There are two main types of bone cancer. In adults, cancers that form in the organs and spread to the bones, or metastasize, are the most common and are called secondary bone cancers. Primary bone cancers, also called bone sarcomas, develop in the bones and often spread to other areas.
The primary forms of bone cancer from most common to least common include:
- Osteosarcomas are tumors of the bone and are the most common form of bone cancer. Osteosarcomas are usually diagnosed in young people, but they do occur in older adults. These tumors often form in the arms, legs, or pelvis.
- Ewing tumor (Ewing sarcoma) is the second most common bone cancer in young people and third most common overall. These bone tumors often form in the hip, ribs, shoulder blades, spine, and legs.
- Chondrosarcoma forms in cartilage cells. The risk for this type of cancer increases with age and is rare in patients under 20. Chondrosarcomas are graded by severity from one to three.
- High-grade undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is another rare form of cancer that is often found in the soft tissues but can also occur in the bones, especially the legs, arms, and abdomen. It can also occur in areas of the body where radiation was received. UPS is most common in middle-aged and elderly adults.
- Fibrosarcoma is also rare in bones, occurring mostly in the soft tissues. It usually forms in the legs, arms, and jaw and is most common among adults 50 and older.
- Chordoma is a rare bone tumor that most often forms at the bottom of the spine or the base of the skull. It’s commonly diagnosed in older adults.
Giant cell tumor is another primary bone tumor often occurring in young people between age 20 and 30. However, the tumor is noncancerous, or benign, and usually forms near the joints of long bones, such as the shins and thighs.
The secondary types of bone cancer
There are several types of secondary bone cancer. These cancers are slightly different from metastasized bone cancer because they don’t form in the bone cells. Instead, they form in the blood or immune cells found in bone marrow.
The secondary types of bone cancer include:
- Multiple myeloma forms in a type of immune cells called plasma cells that are in the bone marrow. This type of bone cancer may develop as a single tumor but is usually found in several bones.
- Leukemia forms in the blood cells of bone marrow. There are many different types of leukemia. It can happen to people of all ages but is the most common cancer among young people.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops in the white blood cells of areas in the body that have lymph tissue. Primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the bone is a very rare type of lymphoma that forms in the bones.
Bone Cancer Risk Factors
Research is increasing regarding what we know about bone cancer. Scientists are learning more about its causes. Following are common risk factors for the disease:
Genetic Disorders – A small number of bone tumors are believed to be the result of genetic mutations:
- The Li-Fraumeni Syndrome – A mutation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene makes people much more likely to develop several types of cancer, including breast cancer, brain cancer, osteosarcoma, and other types of sarcoma.
- Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome – Children with this syndrome are short, have skeletal problems, and rashes. They also are more likely to develop osteosarcoma.
- Multiple Exostoses Syndrome – Patients with this inherited condition that causes many bumps on a person’s bones can have an increased risk of chondrosarcoma.
Radiation – Exposure to large doses of radiation may increase the risk of developing bone cancer. Radioactive materials such as radium and strontium can also cause bone cancer because these minerals build up in bones.
The 3 Types of Metabolism and How to Cater to Yours
What ismy metabolic type?
Your metabolism is how your body converts what you consume into energy for movement and functioning. Think of it in terms of how efficiently your body turns fuel into action, like how a car turns gas into forward motion.
Some bodies are keen to use fuel as soon as it is brought on board, where others are more inclined to hang onto it for a future need. Maintaining a healthy weight and optimal functioning is dependent on bringing in the best types of fuel for that body; similarly, exercising the body in a way that allows it to most effectively use the fuel brought in helps keep things running smoothly. It’s all about economizing and helping the body stay well in its uniquely preferred way.
The three main body types (or somatotypes) are endomorph, ectomorph and mesomorph. You’ll probably identify most with one of these, or you may see yourself reflected in a combination of two.
Endomorph Metabolism
One of the many characteristics of a person with endomorphs metabolism is they are soft and short people with a fuller body. If you gain muscle as well as fat easily and find it hard to lose, then, you have an endomorph metabolism. People with endomorphs have a sluggish metabolism, so it’s simple for them to put on weight (the greater part of which is fat, not muscle) but difficult to lose them.
If you fall in this category, then you can start with a mix of cardio and strength training coupled with a diet where you consume fewer calories are essential for burning fat. When you cut down your carb intake and increase your protein and fats intake, you can lose weight more easily.
Endomorph diet
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center, we know that the key for endomorph metabolic bliss is to consume foods that provide steady, lasting fuel without spiking blood sugar. (Spikes in blood sugar cause a surge in insulin production, which is the body’s “storage” hormone and encourages the body to hang onto as much as it can.) Endomorphs tend to do best with a diet that lends itself to less storage and higher burn, as the tendency to store calories and nutrients can become problematic with a diet high in foods prone to easy conversion to storage.
This means focusing on complex carbs from veggies and grains, rather than simple carbs like white starches and sugars. The former will be converted to more steady energy when consumed in low to moderate amounts semi-regularly. Endomorphs can also help keep their metabolisms humming with high-protein, higher-fat foods — think fish, healthy oils, avocado and nuts — that help regulate hunger and energy levels without spiking blood sugar. Paleo- and ketogenic-inspired diet plans can also be beneficial.
Ectomorph Metabolism
People with an ectomorph metabolism tend to be smaller in frame and bone structure. They’re naturally thinner, leaner, and often find it hard to gain weight. They have a fast metabolism, which allows them to burn up calories quicker than other metabolism types. To gain weight, ectomorphs usually need a huge caloric intake.
For ectomorphs, workouts should focus on the big muscle groups. Make sure you include a blend of cardio and strength training, with more focus on strength training than cardio. Workouts that target specific muscle groups rather than full body movements are usually best.
As with any training program, diet is a major part of results. Starchy carbs can be your best friend because they’re high in calories and give you quick energy to power through intense workouts. Because ectomorphs have to eat such a large number of calories, supplements can be a game changer. It’s also a good idea to eat before bed to prevent muscle catabolism during the night.
Ectomorph diet
Due to the high rate at which ectomorphs burn fuel, small and regularly timed top-ups can be extra beneficial. Ectomorphs can also stand a higher quantity of carbohydrates — up to 50-60% of their entire diet, from all carbohydrate sources — than the other types, as these provide quick hits of energy that can keep the body running well. The advice to consume five or six small meals throughout the day makes the most sense for this body type.
The balance of the ectomorph diet should be divided fairly evenly between protein and fat (although if one is looking to build muscle, additional protein and less fat can be a good approach). Think well-balanced, clean foods with high energy potential: whole grains, nuts, seeds, veggies, fruit and clean protein are great options.
Mesomorph metabolism
Mesomorphs, as the name suggests, fall somewhere in the middle of the other two. The mesomorph body is athletic and prone to quicker muscle gain and strength development; however, it can also be prone to fat accumulation, particularly in the lower body. Mesomorphs are strong, respond well to exercise (i.e. they see quick change and results when starting a new workout routine) and can eat a moderate amount of food relative to their activity level without gaining a ton of weight. Metabolically, too, they fall in the middle of the other two types.
Mesomorph diet
The mesomorph body is the one that thrives in the middle of the nutrition spectrum: a good balance of carbs, protein and fat (along the lines of 40%/40%/20%) is essential for keeping weight in check and staying energized.
Because mesomorphs tend to put on muscle quite easily, including a source of protein at each meal can be a good way to support the body’s natural inclination; plus, this can help keep hunger signals a little more regular and promote a nice even-humming metabolism. A paleo-inspired approach (where most of the carbs come from veggies and fruit instead of grains, and where there is ample protein from animal and/or plant sources coming) can provide a good framework for an ideal nutrient profile for this body type. If weight fluctuation tends to be an issue for you, upping protein and cutting down on carbs (adjust those percentages by about 10% to see a difference) can provide quick results; however, if you’re extra active, don’t decrease your carb intake too much, lest your body start consuming muscle tissue for fuel.
What are the Benefits of Alternative Medicine
Traditional Western medicine has undoubtedly revolutionized healthcare. However, many people are increasingly turning to alternative medicine for a more holistic approach to health and well-being.
What is Alternative Medicine?
Alternative medicine encompasses a broad range of practices and therapies that complement or replace conventional medicine. Some popular examples include:
- Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine practice involving inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.
- Massage Therapy: Various massage techniques can promote relaxation, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
- Herbal Medicine: Utilizes plants and plant extracts for therapeutic purposes.
Potential Benefits of Alternative Medicine
While research is ongoing, here are some potential benefits of alternative medicine:
- Pain Management: Certain therapies like acupuncture and massage may help manage chronic pain.
- Stress Reduction: Techniques like meditation and yoga can promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.
- Improved Sleep: Acupuncture and herbal remedies might offer some relief for sleep problems.
- Enhanced Well-being: Many alternative practices promote a holistic approach to health, focusing on mind, body, and spirit.
Important Considerations
It’s crucial to remember that alternative medicine isn’t a magic bullet. Here are some important points to consider:
- Consult Your Doctor: Always discuss any alternative therapy with your doctor to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you.
- Research is Key: While some alternative practices have shown promise, research in this field is ongoing. It’s essential to research any therapy you’re considering.
- Integration with Traditional Medicine: For some conditions, alternative therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine for a more comprehensive approach.
Conclusion
Alternative medicine offers a wide range of potential benefits for promoting well-being and managing certain health concerns. Open communication with your doctor is essential to determine if alternative medicine is right for you and how it can best complement your existing healthcare plan.
What is Metabolism and How Can We Improve Our Metabolic Rate?
Every cell in our body is constantly working to produce the substances and energy needed to sustain life, and metabolism is a process that’s essential for the continuity of these processes.
Despite the fundamental importance to our health and functioning, there’s quite a lot of ambiguity around the concept of metabolism – especially what it means when ours slows down and what we can do about that.
At Atlantic Endocrinology & Diabetes Center we often hear people say, “I have a slow metabolism” or “they just have a fast metabolism,” and we all nod our heads in agreement. But do we understand what that means?
What is your metabolism? Can it be fast or slow? Does having a slow metabolism make you more inclined to gain weight? Does your metabolism really “break” when you diet?
Your Metabolism Is More Than One Thing
We often refer to our metabolism as a singular thing, like it is this black box or small engine that stuff goes into and then comes out of. But the truth is, our metabolism is a collection of many things. In reality, our metabolism is the sum of all the metabolic processes in our body.
One of the most straightforward ways to understand your metabolism is to refer to it as your total energy expenditure. This means that your metabolism is the cumulation of all the energy your body expends to function. We will refer to this as our total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).
What Does Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Mean?
This TDEE can be further broken down into three main categories:
resting metabolism (what most of us call our metabolism)
the energy it takes to process the food you eat
physical activity (more on that in a bit)
Resting Metabolism
Your resting metabolism is the sum of all the metabolic processes that are required for you to live. This means your cells use energy to do things like breathe, think, pump blood, etc. This represents about 60-70% of your TDEE.
The Thermic Effect Of Food (Tef)
The next piece is what we call the thermic effect of food (TEF). This is simply the energy it requires to extract the energy you get from your food. This is a relatively small amount of energy and represents about 10% of your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
Physical Activity
The last piece that makes up your TDEE is your physical activity, meaning the amount of movement you do throughout the day. This is often broken down into two separate categories: physical activity that is from structured exercise (we call this exercise activity thermogenesis) and physical activity from non-structured exercise (we call this non-exercise activity thermogenesis).
How does Metabolism Work?
When we eat food, our digestive system starts functioning. The digestive system uses different kinds of enzymes to do the following processes:
The initial process is the breaking down of proteins into amino acids.
Enzymes also convert fats into fatty acids.
Carbohydrates have been converted into sugars (Glucose) with the help of enzymes.
When the enzymes convert proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into amino acids, fatty acids, and sugars, the body can use them anytime as an energy source, and these compounds are absorbed by blood which helps in carrying them to different cells for their functioning.
After the blood carries them to the cells, and they enter into the cells, other enzymes start their functioning and act upon it, and a lot of chemical reactions also take place that involve “metabolizing” different compounds. The energy made by these compounds can do different purposes, including being used by the body for performing different tasks, and it can also remain stored inside the body into tissues, such as muscles, liver, and body fat.
Enzymes
A protein acting as a catalyst that facilitates reactions in biological systems is called an enzyme. Each reaction step in Metabolic pathways is catalyzed by an enzyme and it takes control of the biochemical reactions.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
It is an organic compound that provides energy for facilitating many processes in living cells, for example, muscle contraction, chemical synthesis and nerve impulse propagation. It is found in all forms of life, and is often referred to as the “molecular unit of currency”. When consumed in metabolic processes, it is either converted to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or to adenosine monophosphate (AMP).
Your metabolism adapts to calorie increases and decreases, with a large part of the adaptation coming from changes in physical activity. While metabolisms can decrease, they do not “break.” Lastly, lower resting metabolisms do not appear to be predictive of weight gain and by themselves are not overly helpful measures for most people.
In short: the answer to controlling our metabolic rate lies in following a healthy lifestyle, where we stay physically active, maintain a balanced diet (with plenty of protein) and find ways to de-stress and manage cortisol levels.
Thyroid disease: Can it affect a person’s mood?
Have you ever felt as if you’re riding an emotional rollercoaster, unpredictably swinging from lows to highs? While daily stressors undoubtedly impact our moods, sometimes the underlying cause is a health condition like thyroid disease. Could this be the hidden factor behind your mood swings?
The Crucial Role of the Thyroid in Emotional Health
The thyroid gland, situated in the neck, is pivotal for metabolic regulation through its hormone production. Malfunctions in this gland, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), can upset your hormonal harmony. This imbalance doesn’t just affect your physical health; it extends to your emotional state as well.
How Thyroid Imbalances Affect Mood
Thyroid hormones, particularly T3 and T4, are integral to various bodily functions, including brain function. An imbalance in these hormones can alter neurotransmitter activity, essential for mood regulation, leading to various emotional disturbances.
Symptoms of Mood Changes Linked to Thyroid Health
In Hypothyroidism:
- Depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, and a lack of motivation.
- Anxiety: Persistent worry and tension.
- Irritability: Quick to anger and frustration.
- Brain Fog: Problems with focus, memory, and mental clarity.
In Hyperthyroidism:
- Anxiety: Feeling restless and unable to relax.
- Irritability: Low tolerance levels and quick frustration.
- Mood Swings: Rapid and extreme emotional shifts.
- Sleep Issues: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
While other conditions can also cause these symptoms, if you’re experiencing significant mood alterations alongside other thyroid-related symptoms, it’s crucial to consider a thyroid evaluation.
Diagnosing Mood Disorders Linked to Thyroid Issues
Identifying a thyroid-related mood disorder typically involves:
- Blood Tests: These check levels of thyroid hormones to pinpoint hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Psychological Assessment: Mental health professionals can evaluate mood symptoms and help rule out other causes.
Be transparent with your healthcare provider about your symptoms during consultations.
Effective Treatments for Thyroid-Related Mood Issues
Fortunately, thyroid conditions are manageable. Treatment aims at hormonal rebalancing:
- Medication: Synthetic hormones treat hypothyroidism, while treatments for hyperthyroidism may include medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.
- Therapy: Techniques like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help manage mood symptoms and improve well-being.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management can support mood stabilization and overall health.
Prevention and Management Tips
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Keep up with thyroid function monitoring and medication adjustments.
- Mood Diary: Documenting mood shifts and potential triggers can help identify trends and refine your treatment plan.
- Emotional Health Practices: Engage in stress reduction activities like yoga or meditation and maintain a supportive social network.
Conclusion
Recognizing the connection between thyroid dysfunction and mood variations is key to managing both your mental and physical health effectively. If you suspect your mood swings may be thyroid-related, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your doctor. Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly enhance your quality of life by restoring hormonal balance and stabilizing your mood.