The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a tiny gland located at the base of the brain. It is about the size of a pea and is located between the optic nerves. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the “master gland” because it controls hormones responsible for regulating growth and blood pressure and controlling some aspects of pregnancy and childbirth. It also regulates sex hormones in men and women, controls the hormones that help convert food into energy, regulate body temperature and controls thyroid function.

The specific hormones produced by the pituitary:

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) control the production of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone in the gonads) as well as sperm and egg maturation and release.

Prolactin (PRL): This hormone stimulates secretion of breast milk.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH):  This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones control basal metabolic rate and play an important role in growth and maturation. Thyroid hormones affect almost every organ in the body.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): This hormone triggers the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) to release the hormone cortisol which in turn, regulates carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism and is essential in the stress response.

Growth Hormone (GH): This is the principal hormone that, among many other functions, regulates body and brain development, bone maturation, metabolism and is essential for healthy muscles.

Vasopressin – Also called anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): This hormone promotes water to be reabsorbed by the kidneys and is thus essential in water and electrolyte balance.

Fat and Calorie Restriction

Cholesterol, a type of fat in the diet forms the backbone structure of all hormones in the body. Severely limiting cholesterol or fat in the diet, especially during the years of menarche, or onset of menses, can have devastating effects on estrogen production and the onset of a period, according to Aetna Intelihealth disease database. When body fat is below 22 percent or has not reached the level that will trigger the hypothalamus and pituitary to start speaking to the ovaries, the ovaries will not start, or will abruptly stop their production of estrogen. Low levels of circulating estrogen will halt the normal menstrual cycle and may prevent the onset of the first menstrual bleed in younger, preteen or teenage women.

Manganese

Manganese is a mineral responsible for many biochemical reactions and is necessary for proper brain function. It is mainly stored in the bones, however there is a portion stored in the pituitary gland. In a study published in the “American Journal of Neuroradiology,” researchers report the pituitary gland has a natural liking for manganese. The antioxidant properties protect the nervous system and keep the pituitary functioning. Foods high in manganese include avocados, nuts and seeds, seaweed, tea, raisins, pineapple, spinach, broccoli, oranges, beans, whole grains, blueberries, and green leafy vegetables.

Consuming foods containing vitamin E and vitamin D are effective in stimulating the pituitary gland. Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant. It has a role in hormone production and aids in protecting the pituitary from damaging free radicals that can decrease the pituitary’s ability to function. Vitamin D plays a role in the pituitary gene expression, cellular growth and the ability to secrete hormones.

High protein foods cause the pituitary gland to release more of the numerous hormones it secretes, particularly human growth hormone, HGH. Increasing the amount of protein in the diet is believed to help stimulate the pituitary gland. Fasting or detoxifying also stimulates your pituitary gland to release growth hormones. These hormones help repair damage all throughout your body.

Special note: Animal protein contains only about 20% usable protein by weight.  Animal protein is not particularly nutrient dense, supplying NO ENZYMES and few usable vitamins and minerals when cooked.  Even organic meat will create an acidic environment in your body which results in disease causing stress.  Vegetable proteins like spirulina, hemp and pea contain upwards of 60% usable protein.  They are also nutrient and enzyme dense. Vegetable proteins alkalize the system and enhance healing.