ÿþ<html> <title>Nutter's Bulk & Natural Foods - Article on The Nervous System</title> <meta name="description" content="The nerve impulses in our body travel a super-highway of nerve cells, called neurons..."> <meta name="keywords" content="nervous, system, nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, autonomic, somatic, involuntary, voluntary, sympathetic, parasympathetic, nerves, neurons, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, sensory, sensory input"> <STYLE> A:visited {text-decoration:none} A:active {text-decoration:none} </head> <center> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> </td></tr> <tr> <font face="Arial" size=4 color="#E0E0E0"> <a href="index.php"><font color=white>Home</a> | <a href="stores.html"><font color=white>Locate A Store</a> | <a href="wellbeing.html"><font color=white>Wellbeing Information</a> | <a href="recipes.html"><font color=white>Recipes</a> </table> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> <a href="artsindex.html"><font face="Times New Roman" size=4" color=red> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <b>DHEA</b>  the main steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands; protects from cortisol overconcentration, improves mood, plays a part in relieving depression and protecting against cardiovascular disease. <br> <b>Cortisol</b> (also called hydrocortisone)  this hormone is released in response to stress and low levels of blood glucocorticoids (a steroid hormone that participates in the regulation of the metabolism of glucose). The primary functions of cortisol are to increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system, decrease bone formation, acts as an anti-diuretic and aid in fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. <br> <b>Aldosterone hormone</b> - this hormone inhibits the level of sodium excreted into the urine, maintaining blood volume and blood pressure. <br> <b>Epinephrine</b> (also called adrenaline) - this hormone increases the heart rate and force of heart contractions, facilitates blood flow to the muscles and brain, causes relaxation of smooth muscles, helps with conversion of glycogen to glucose in the liver, and other activities. <br> <b>Norepinephrine</b> (also called noradrenaline)  this hormone has strong vasoconstrictive effects, thus increasing blood pressure. <br> <b>Foods That Help Soothe Your Adrenal Glands</b><br> When your adrenals respond to stress, your cell metabolism speeds up, burning many times the number of nutrients normally needed. With adrenal fatigue, the cells have used up much of the body's stored nutrients, creating a nutritional void. Good quality food is the best source for replenishing these nutrients. <br> If you have adrenal fatigue, <i>when</i> you eat is almost as important as what you eat. By eating natural, high quality food at frequent, regular intervals, you can help avoid low drops in blood sugar and make a difference in your adrenal health and energy levels. <br> Try to eat every few hours or so, which has been referred to as "grazing" (rather than gorging). Eat an early breakfast (before 10am) high in protein, such as eggs or peanut butter on grain toast. An early lunch (between 11am and 11:30am), preferably before noon, is better than a late lunch because your body quickly uses up the morning nourishment and is ready for more. A healthy mid-afternoon snack between 2pm and 3pm to sustain yourself for the "cortisol dip" that typically occurs between 3pm and 4pm. Your evening meal should be eaten between 5pm and 6pm. And though it's been said not to eat after 7pm, a small, nutritious snack before bed can help you get through sleep disturbances. <br> A whole-foods diet is the recommended cure for adrenal fatigue. Cut back on caffeine, sugar and refined flour. Eat 30 percent to 40 percent whole grains, 30 to 40 percent (6-8 servings) vegetables, 10 to 20 percent good quality protein, 10 to 15 percent beans, seeds and nuts, and 5 to 10 percent fruits. <br> In most cases, we're told to avoid adding extra salt to our already sodium-laden diets, especially if you eat a lot of processed foods. However, a little extra salt to address your body's needs, if your health care provider okay's it, is helpful in cases of adrenal fatigue. <br> Potassium is an important mineral for healthy adrenal glands. One of the adrenal glands' functions is to regulate sodium in the urine. The balance of potassium and sodium in your body is important. The typical American diet is high in sodium, so eating foods high in potassium can help. Foods high in potassium include red meat, cold-water fish, milk, yogurt and vegetables such as broccoli, winter squash, potatoes and peas. <font size=1>2</font><br> <img src="astragalus1.jpg" align=left hspace=12 vspace=12 border=1><br> <br> <br> <br><br> <br> <br> 1 cup chopped celery<br> 1 medium onion, chopped<br> 1 cup spring water<br> 1 tsp. paprika<br> <br> <font face="Times New Roman" size=5><b><i>Enjoy!</i></b></font> <br> <b>References:</b><br> 1. Wikipedia.org<br> 2. www.ehow.com<br> 3. Dr. James Wilson, www.adrenalfatigue.org<br> <br> <br><br> <br> </td></tr> <tr> <img src="dancingbanner.jpg"> <td width=800 height=40 bgcolor="#c62a29"> <b>Nutter's Bulk & Natural Foods </b>107, 1601 Dunmore Road SE., Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8 (403) 529-1664 <img src="transpacer.gif" height=20 width=20 ALIGN="absmiddle"> </td></tr> </html>