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The pineal gland is a small but extremely important endocrine gland that is important for the functioning of the entire human body. Its name comes from the shape that resembles a pine cone (Latin pinea). In adults, it is about 0,8 cm long and weighs about 0,1 grams.
Pineal gland – location
The pineal gland is located in the rear part of the diencephalic roof, located in the third ventricle of the brain, under the quadruple lamina. It has a connection with the frontal brain, which is responsible for most of the mental and physical processes of a person. Its size is only about 10 mm, but it has a colossal impact on the life of every human being.
Szyszynka – serotonin and melatonin
Pineal gland cells – pinealocytes – produce serotonin into the blood, which is a hormone responsible for the regulation of the central nervous system and blood pressure. In other words – it is responsible for well-being, which is why it is commonly known as the “happiness hormone”. When there is not enough of it, a person becomes nervous, irritable and even aggressive. At a very low level of serotonin, depressive states and a lack of willingness to live appear.
Serotonin is produced during the day, and at night, serotonin is converted into melatonin, the so-called “sleep hormone”. The pineal gland starts synthesizing melatonin on the basis of “monitoring” the state of the intensity of light that travels to the brain via nerve impulses. When its amount drops, it is a signal to the pineal gland that night is coming and melatonin production begins. It is this hormone that makes a person sleepy.
However, its role does not end there – melatonin is also involved in stabilizing body temperature and biological clock, as well as regulating thyroid function. Melatonin deficiency – which may be caused by, for example, going to bed late – significantly deteriorates the comfort of life and increases the risk of breast cancer, prostate and type 2 diabetes.
In addition, the pineal gland, along with melatonin, releases some of the pituitary hormones – the most important of which are the growth hormone somatropin, vasopressin and oxytocin. It is also important during the release of thyrotropin (thyrotropin hormone) and corticotropin (ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone).
To support the production of melatonin and thus prevent insomnia, order Melatonin – the YANGO dietary supplement.
Want to know more about melatonin, read: Melatonin – action, deficiency, excess
Pineal gland – other properties
The pineal gland also secretes gonadotrophins, which play an important role in the process of sexual maturation. If this process occurs prematurely, it is a sign of an overactive pineal gland and may indicate the presence of a pineal gland or tumor.
But the properties of the pineal gland do not end there. It also produces DMT, which is short for 5-Methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine. DMT is classified as a psychoactive substance, and its increased production leads to hallucinations and sensations similar to those experienced by patients in a state of clinical death: feeling outside the body, undefined presence of strange beings, hearing otherworldly sounds, achieving peace, harmony, etc.
Pineal gland – bone metabolism
Some studies suggest that impaired functioning of the pineal gland may affect bone metabolism. This is especially dangerous for postmenopausal women as they are more prone to developing osteoporosis. Moreover, the functioning of the pineal gland decreases with age.
Additionally, it has been observed that oral melatonin supplements can help increase bone mass, which could be used in the future to protect against postmenopausal osteoporosis.
See also: Sleep Deficiencies Can Harm Your Bones
Impaired work of the pineal gland
The pineal gland can accumulate calcium deposits. This is a natural process in healthy adult people. However, excessive calcification can lead to dysfunction of this organ.
The most famous and visible symptom of pineal gland dysfunction is a change in the circadian rhythm. As a result, you may become excessively sleepy at unusual times of the day, or become insomnia and active during the night. Other symptoms related to the impaired work of the pineal gland are:
- headache, nausea, vomiting,
- fertility, menstrual cycle or ovulation disorders,
- osteoporosis,
- mental health problems, especially seasonal symptoms.
Also read: Pineal gland cyst – is there anything to fear?
Pineal tumor – causes, symptoms, treatment
When bumps or cysts develop on the pineal gland, it usually stops functioning properly – although this is not always the case. Symptoms of a tumor – called pineal gland – may be different – the most common are dizziness, severe headaches and vomiting.
An enlarged tumor may press against the cerebellum and the brainstem, which leads to the drooping of the eyelid and the appearance of double vision. Another effect of the tumor is premature puberty. In the case of boys, its sign is the appearance of hair on the face and armpits and a mutation of the voice before the age of nine, in girls it is manifested by breast enlargement before the age of eight and acne.
The tumor pineal glands can be detected by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Removal is carried out by the operational method.
Pineal gland – prophylaxis
In the case of the pineal gland, it is not possible to effectively protect against tumors or cysts, but there are several ways to help it achieve optimal conditions for operation.
The main thing is not to fall asleep at night, that is, going to bed at a reasonable time. This allows you to maintain the circadian rhythm and proper production serotonin and melatonin. As with all other organs of the human body, it is important no toxinsSo it’s a good idea to carry out a cleansing or detox diet from time to time.
It is also recommended to hydrate the body properly and make sure that the daily diet does not lack magnesium, iodine, vitamin K and B vitamins.
Melatonin supplements are available in pharmacies, but its effectiveness has not been fully confirmed in laboratories.
Interesting facts about the pineal gland
- the pineal gland was not fully understood until the 130th century, descriptions of its anatomical location are found in the writings of Galen (c. 210-c. XNUMX AD), a Greek physician and philosopher,
- despite the fact that the pineal gland is located in the brain, it is actually a key part of the endocrine system that regulates major body processes such as growth, metabolism and sexual development through the release and control of hormones.
- the gland converts nerve signals from the sympathetic nervous system into hormonal signals,
- The XNUMXth-century French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes was fascinated by the pineal gland, considering it a place where – all our thoughts. Scientists now assign this function to the nerve cortex,
- the pineal gland was commonly called – with the third eye. This was due to its location deep in the center of the brain and its connection to light. Mystical and esoteric spiritual traditions suggest that it serves as a metaphysical link between the physical and spiritual worlds.
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