Wait, wait, wait. Hypothalamus is not a food, and you cannot eat it (That's for sure), because it is part of our brains. Remember in my previous post, I mentioned that our HYPOTHALAMUS is the most crucial part in our brain? That's right!

Today, I am going to share some information regarding the human HYPOTHALAMUS.
Those who studied biology, you may have came across 'HYPOTHALAMUS", "PITUITARY GLAND' and also 'ENDOCRINE SYSTEM'. Those who are not familiar with these jargon terms, fret not, because I am going to keep these post short and simple.

The hypothalamus is a one small section of the brain responsible for the production of many of the body's essential hormones, chemical substances that helps to control different cells and organs. It is a size of an almond that is located in your fore brain. Although our hypothalamus is small in size, it is connected to many parts of the brain and controls most of our body activities.

In a nutshell, the HYPOTHALAMUS is:

• part of the human limbic system (A brain strucutre which involves in our emotions)
• Interconnected with other parts of the central nervous system  and also the autonomous nervous system
• It is also connected to the amygdala and septum 
• Receives many input from the brain stem 
• A link between the endocrine and the nervous system

The primary function of Hypothalamus is homeostasis. This is to maintain the body's status quo system-wide.
The Hypothalamus also regulates necessary processes of the body, including behavioral, autonomic and the endocrine functions. In order to maintain internal body balance,it helps to inhibit many of your body's key processes:

• Electrolyte and fluid balance
• Body temperature
• Blood pressure and heart rate
• Body weight and appetite
• Glandular secretions of the stomach and intestines
• Production of substances that influence the pituitary gland to release hormones.
• Sleep cycles

Do you know what are the hormones secreted by your Hypothalamus?
The hormones from the hypothalamus governs the physiologic functions such as temperature regulation, thirst , hunger, sleep, mood, sex drive, and the release of other hormones within the body.

1. Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)
2. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
3. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GDH)
4. Growth Hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH)
5. Oxytocin
6. Prolactin-releasing hormone (PRH)
7. Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)

Now you have already know that our human hypothalamus is very crucial as it controls most of our body activities. But do you know that, nowadays, many people suffer from hypothalamic disorder?

Hypothalamic disorder symptoms:

1. Unexplained fatigue / lethargy
2. Body temperature dysregulation
3. Sudden weight gain
4. Changes in sleep pattern or difficulty/interrupted sleep
5. Painful muscles (especially in trigger points)
6. Bouts of depression / mood swings / irritable / highly sensitive
7. Low libido
8. Lack of determination / drive

If you want to read and know more about HYPOTHALAMUS and the functions of hormones, you can visit SWO & Healthline

Do not hesitate to email us if you have any inquiries about your health and lifestyle issues.

Cheers.