Your endocrine system controls how your body functions.
Your endocrine (tissues that make and release hormones (chemicals) that travel in your bloodstream and control the actions of other cells and organs) glands release hormones into the bloodstream, they help control mood, growth and development, the way your organs work, metabolism (body balance) and reproduction. The endocrine system regulates how much each hormone is released. I am going to go over just one hormone which may affect you over Xmas.
This hormone is called Dopamine. Dopamine is the feel-good hormone; it gives you a sense of pleasure. It also motivates you to do something when you feel pleasure. It is part of your reward system. Dopamine activates the reward pathways of your brain leading you to desire these activities. So when you eat, and especially eat sugary foods and drink alcohol your brain releases extra dopamine which prompts you to continue eating and drinking.
Tips
- Eat and drink in moderation. If you are with parents or other family members over Christmas by all means enjoy yourself, but do ask for smaller portions of food on the plate. That way you control your eating.
- Take frequent walks over Christmas and if you are sitting, sit up with a cushion or 2 cushions behind you.
- Come to Get Back Health Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic over the next 2 weeks and get your nervous system realigned so you take back full control of your endocrine system and enjoy Christmas
Yours in Health,
John Keane Spinologist