Page 19 - Winter2017

Additional resources toward understanding the thyroid are listed in the adrenal’s outer layer, the zona glomerulosa,
the endnotes. along with the renin angiotensin system in the
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kidneys, are constantly active to regulate elec-
CORTICOTROPINS trolyte balance.
CRH from the hypothalamus stimulates the anterior pituitary to Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza
make and release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone, also called uralensis) is often recommended for people with
corticotropin), which goes to the adrenal glands and elicits a response apparent adrenal issues. While licorice root can
according to need and receptor sensitivity. lengthen the time it takes the body to break
The adrenal glands are small caps atop the kidneys, the name deriv- down cortisol, it can also increase aldosterone
ing from Latin, meaning “of the kidneys.” The adrenal glands have two levels so much as to severely disrupt the balance
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distinct areas to them. The interior area is closely related to the nervous of sodium and potassium if ingested in excess.
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system and is called Historically, ad-
the adrenal medulla. equate access to salt,
The outer part of the along with water,
adrenal glands is the has been a driving
cortex or “crust.” force in civilization’s
Corticotropins af- set tlements and
fect the cortex of the battles. Excess salt
adrenal glands. intake is easily
The adrenal cor- avoided by not con-
tex has three layers. suming processed
The outermost is the packaged “foods of
zona glomerulosa. commerce.” An over-
This is related to the all vitality-promoting
glomeruli of the kid- balance of sodium,
neys, from the Latin, potassium and other
“little balls of yarn,” referring to the extensive lengths of fine tubing that minerals is best obtained through nutrient-dense
filter fluid, minerals and other solutes from the blood to generate urine. foods grown in mineral-rich and microbe-rich
The zona glomerulosa has to do with regulating electrolyte and fluid bal- healthy soil, adding salt to taste as a conscious
ance. While controlled by ACTH (from the anterior pituitary), it lacks the act.
enzymes necessary to provide the same response that ACTH summons Symptoms of low aldosterone include:
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from the other layers of the adrenal cortex. Here, in the zona glomerulosa,
and only here, the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, is produced. • Craving salt
Aldosterone prompts the kidneys to retain sodium and excrete po- • Fluid retention in the arms and legs
tassium. It works in conjunction with the renin angiotensin system and • Pupils not staying constricted when ex-
other factors, but the key point is that aldosterone prompts the kidneys posed to light
to reabsorb sodium. Since water follows salt, aldosterone instructs the • Rough or sandpaper tongue
kidneys to keep the salt and hence the water, too. This maintains blood • Excessive urination up to fifteen or twenty
volume. Blood pressure depends on both the volume of the blood and the times per day
tension of the smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls. A rise in either • Excessive sweating even without activity.
will increase blood pressure.
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Secretion of aldosterone is activated in response to ACTH from the People who crave chips and pretzels, who
anterior pituitary (responding to CRH from the hypothalamus). Elevated douse everything with salt, are prime suspects
or relatively high plasma (blood) potassium (hyperkalemia) and low blood for adrenal problems and HPA or endocrine
volume are two factors that activate the release of CRH. Maintaining disruption in general.
a proper balance of sodium and potassium is crucial to cell membrane The next two layers of the adrenal cortex,
response, hence cell function, thus indispensable for life. A lack of sodium the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis, are
(salt) or aldosterone can be fatal, as can an excess of potassium. The body regulated by ACTH from the anterior pituitary.
goes through major and multiple efforts to maintain proper sodium and The zona fasciculata secretes glucocorticoids—
fluid balance. Both ADH from the hypothalamus and aldosterone from essentially cortisol—and the innermost zona

WINTER 2017 Wise Traditions 19