What are our glands responsible for?

Glands produce chemical substances that help communicate with areas of the body and regulate action.  

What type of glands are there?  

There are two types of glands: Endocrine and Exocrine.  

What is the difference between Endocrine and Exocrine glands?  Let's break it down:

• Endocrine: These glands help release hormones into our blood.  
  A. Growth and development
  B. How our metabolism behaves
  C. Our emotions
  D. Reproduction
  
  We have 6 endocrine glands:
  
  1. Adrenal Glands: Produce cortisol, aldosterone, adrenaline and androgens. This gland regulates blood sugar, burning of fat and protein, blood pressure, and stress response.
  
  2. Pituitary Glands: Controls the thyroid, adrenal glands, testes and ovaries
  
  3. Hypothalamus: Often called the "master gland" it is responsible for many functions and sends messages to other glands.  It regulates temperature, food intake, sleeping, thirst, memory and emotional behavior.
  
  4. Thyroid: Regulates metabolism, heart and digestion
  
  5. Pineal Gland: Releases Melatonin which helps regulate sleep.  It also regulates hormones that control the menstrual cycle and fertility.  Here are some functions:
  - Controls blood sugar
  - Burns fats and protein
  - Regulates blood pressure
  - Reacts to stress
  
  6. Parathyroid Gland: Regulates calcium in the blood
  
  There are also organs in our body that act like glands.  The pancreas, kidneys, ovaries, testes all have tissue that works like endocrine glands.
  
  

• Exocrine: These produce chemicals but NOT hormones.  They are released through ducts like when we sweat produce saliva and cry. They help regulate our temperature, protect our skin and eyes and help feed new borns through breast milk.
  
  

  What are the exocrine glands?

  1. Salivary: Your tongue, palate, lips and cheeks have hundreds of small glands.  Moistens your food to help you chew, swallow and digest.  Saliva also has antibodies that kill germs and keeps your mouth healthy.  
  There are three salivary glands:
  - Parotid
  - Sublingual
  - Submandibular
  
  2. Sweat: Regulate body temperature and release toxins
  
  3. Mammary: Produce breast milk
  
  4. Sebaceous: Secretes Sebum which lubricates and moistens the skin and help fight infection from bacteria and fungi
  
  5. Lacrimal: Cleanses, lubricates the eyes.
  
  Since these glands do multiple functions it is always hard to determine which area of the body is in harm or not working correctly.  The best way of finding out about gland function is to get a blood test to see what your levels are. Once we have an idea of any abnormal levels, we can start to address the nerves in the area, work on Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy to strengthen the area and find out what supplements are needed to strengthen and heal the area.  
  
  Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!