Make use of your hormones to improve execise result...the natural way!!! (Part 1)
February 18th 2008 09:46
Introduction
Exercise, as we all know, refers to bodily exertion for the sake of training or improvement of health (de Lisa et al., 1998). This improvement has been brought about by various adaptations by the body, including increased muscular strength, better blood circulation and blood pressure management, and other systemic responses. Aside from this, the bodyÂ’s ability to provide energy is also continuously modified with sustained training in order to keep up with the energy demands of the activities involved. And in order to do these, all of the systems must work synergistically. One of the systems that contribute in the process is the endocrine system.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is one of the several types of communication systems in the body interplaying to coordinate the multiple activities of cells, tissues, and body organs. This system is composed of glands or specialized cells that release into the circulating blood, chemicals known as hormones that influence the functions of cells at another location in the body (Guyton and Hall, 2000). Through various hormones, the endocrine system is able to provide stability to the bodyÂ’s internal environment, since these substances exert biological response affecting humanÂ’s growth, development, reproduction, and even augmenting the bodyÂ’s capacity for handling physical and psychological stress (Marks and Kravitz, 2000).
Classifications of Hormones
According to John Scott (Scott Fitness Personal Training), there are four general classes of hormones: (1) proteins and polypeptides, (2) steroids, (3) biogenic amines, and (4) eicosanoids. These classifications are based on their chemical structures or organizations.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids while proteins are much larger and more complex arrangements of amino acids or peptides. Examples of which are insulin secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas, somatotropin or the human growth hormone and the thyroid stimulating hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland, parathormone from the parathyroid gland, antidiuretic hormone by the posterior pituitary gland, and many more.
Steroids, on the other hand, are distinguished structurally by their basic four-carbon ring backbone. Examples are cortisol coming from the adrenal cortex, estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries and placenta, and testosterone from the testicles.
Biogenic amines are structurally the simplest hormones. Modifying single amino acid forms these hormones. Some of the variations include the catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) released by the adrenal medulla, triiodothyronine secreted by the thyroid glands, and histamine secreted by platelets and mast cells.
Eicosanoids are primarily synthesized in cell membranes of almost all cells by adding oxygen atoms to arachadonic acid. They include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and lipoxins.
Endocrine Glands, Hormones, and their Functions and Structures
Table 1 briefly discusses the functions of each of the endocrine glands and how their hormones contribute in maintaining the bodyÂ’s homeostasis or internal balance. It would be advantageous if we take note of those endocrine glands and hormones that control glucose, fat, and protein metabolism, since knowledge of those could be helpful when we discuss endocrine responses to exercise.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Exercise, as we all know, refers to bodily exertion for the sake of training or improvement of health (de Lisa et al., 1998). This improvement has been brought about by various adaptations by the body, including increased muscular strength, better blood circulation and blood pressure management, and other systemic responses. Aside from this, the bodyÂ’s ability to provide energy is also continuously modified with sustained training in order to keep up with the energy demands of the activities involved. And in order to do these, all of the systems must work synergistically. One of the systems that contribute in the process is the endocrine system.
The Endocrine System
The endocrine system is one of the several types of communication systems in the body interplaying to coordinate the multiple activities of cells, tissues, and body organs. This system is composed of glands or specialized cells that release into the circulating blood, chemicals known as hormones that influence the functions of cells at another location in the body (Guyton and Hall, 2000). Through various hormones, the endocrine system is able to provide stability to the bodyÂ’s internal environment, since these substances exert biological response affecting humanÂ’s growth, development, reproduction, and even augmenting the bodyÂ’s capacity for handling physical and psychological stress (Marks and Kravitz, 2000).
Classifications of Hormones
According to John Scott (Scott Fitness Personal Training), there are four general classes of hormones: (1) proteins and polypeptides, (2) steroids, (3) biogenic amines, and (4) eicosanoids. These classifications are based on their chemical structures or organizations.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids while proteins are much larger and more complex arrangements of amino acids or peptides. Examples of which are insulin secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas, somatotropin or the human growth hormone and the thyroid stimulating hormone released by the anterior pituitary gland, parathormone from the parathyroid gland, antidiuretic hormone by the posterior pituitary gland, and many more.
Steroids, on the other hand, are distinguished structurally by their basic four-carbon ring backbone. Examples are cortisol coming from the adrenal cortex, estrogen and progesterone secreted by the ovaries and placenta, and testosterone from the testicles.
Biogenic amines are structurally the simplest hormones. Modifying single amino acid forms these hormones. Some of the variations include the catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) released by the adrenal medulla, triiodothyronine secreted by the thyroid glands, and histamine secreted by platelets and mast cells.
Eicosanoids are primarily synthesized in cell membranes of almost all cells by adding oxygen atoms to arachadonic acid. They include prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and lipoxins.
Endocrine Glands, Hormones, and their Functions and Structures
Table 1 briefly discusses the functions of each of the endocrine glands and how their hormones contribute in maintaining the bodyÂ’s homeostasis or internal balance. It would be advantageous if we take note of those endocrine glands and hormones that control glucose, fat, and protein metabolism, since knowledge of those could be helpful when we discuss endocrine responses to exercise.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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