Although it’s just the size of a pea, your pituitary gland is one of the most important components of your endocrine system, a collection of glands secreting hormones that control all sorts of bodily processes. To have a better idea on its importance, it is touted as the “master gland”. That’s because your pituitary glands release hormones that have power over many of the other glands in your body.
Situated at the base of your brain, the pituitary gland may be stricken with certain disorders. One of the most common problems that may strike your pituitary glands is the growth of tumors. The presence of tumors can cause the pituitary gland to secrete more hormones, or keep it from secreting them. However, there are instances, too, when the presence of tumors does not have any impact on the way the pituitary gland produces and secretes hormones.
Certainly, you don’t want to have any problem concerning your pituitary gland. Otherwise, it can cause hormonal imbalance that can have an impact on the other glands of your body — and this can lead to a host of further problems. For example, if your pituitary gland releases excessive amounts of hormones that stimulate the thyroid gland, this will result in the hyperactivity of the thyroid gland, which is known as hyperthyroidism.
According to medical experts, maintaining an ideal weight and having regular exercise are good for your pituitary gland. It is also very important for you to include in your everyday diet foods that contain nutrients especially beneficial for your pituitary glands. In other words, eating the right kind of foods can help ward off various health nightmares that can stem from a problem with the pituitary gland. So what sort of foods should you eat regularly?
Foods Rich in Vitamin D
One of the nutrients that promote normal pituitary gland functioning is vitamin D. Numerous studies conducted on humans and laboratory mice showed that a diet lacking in vitamin D resulted in various reproductive health issues that can be traced to the improper functioning of the pituitary glands. So to keep your pituitary gland in an excellent condition, eat vitamin D-rich foods such as oily fish, mushrooms, dairy products and eggs.
Foods Loaded with Vitamin A
Everyone knows that vitamin A is important for healthy eyes and sharp vision. Did you know that this powerful antioxidant is also vital for your pituitary gland? Experts say that vitamin A is particularly good at regulating your pituitary gland’s ability to control the thyroid gland. Some of the best food sources of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, mangoes, apricots, cantaloupes and dark green leafy veggies.
Foods Containing Vitamin E
Just like vitamin A, vitamin E is an antioxidant. This means that it helps shield your pituitary glands from being damaged. You certainly don’t want the pituitary gland to incur any damage because it can have an impact on your various other glands, resulting in a host of problems. To save your pituitary gland from damage, regularly consume vitamin E-rich foods such as seeds, nuts, avocados, kiwis, dark leafy green vegetables, fish and shellfish.
Foods Packed with Manganese
Manganese, which has superb antioxidant properties, is a mineral responsible for a variety of biochemical processes. It’s so important that the body actually stores a certain amount of it at any given time, and some can be found in your pituitary gland. Luckily, there are numerous foods that contain good amounts of manganese. They include whole grains, whole-wheat bread, seafood, beans, tofu, spinach, nuts, seeds and black tea.
Foods High in Protein
Many of the hormones secreted by your pituitary gland and various other glands are protein-based. This is exactly the reason why a diet that contains good amounts of protein is good for your pituitary glands, and ultimately many other glands of your entire endocrine system. It’s a good thing that there are lots of protein-rich foods out there, animal- and plant-based alike. Some examples are fish, chicken, turkey, lean beef cuts, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds.