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Growth Problems -
Growth Problems 2008
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Written by Frank Mangano
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Tuesday, 01 April 2008 03:02 |
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The pituitary gland is the gland that distributes hormones throughout the body, particularly the growth hormone. Growth problems can and will occur when this gland is not functioning properly. The growth hormone, somatotropin stimulates the growth of muscles and bones throughout your entire body during this distribution process. It is the over or under production of this hormone that can create the growth problems or abnormalities. When too little of the growth hormone is created, the results can be considered dwarfism. On the other hand, too much of the hormone will cause the limbs and muscles of the body to grow in an exaggerated way.
There are many reasons as to why the pituitary gland may malfunction, but the most common reason is a tumor on the gland. Aside from the pituitary gland, several other internal and external factors can play a part in the growth of your unborn baby. Nutrition is one of the most common factors of growth abnormalities; however other glands can be involved as well such as the thymus and the thyroid. Although too much of the growth hormone does happen, what is more common is too little distribution. Dwarfism is generally characterized by abnormal shortness of height. In most cases, individuals are very short but otherwise their body is well proportioned. In some other cases their limbs are shorter compared to the rest of their body.
Pituitary gigantism is the most common form of gigantism, a growth disorder caused by excess cartilage and bone formation at the end of long bones. This is the results of the pituitary gland distributing too much of the growth hormone. Growth problems do not have to stop with the actual height of a person. After the birth of a child, conditions such as obesity, delayed puberty, congenital heart disorders and chronic kidney failure is also a result of growth problems. Your doctor may suggest hormonal therapy during your pregnancy if they see the growth of the fetus is not on schedule. During your pregnancy, speak with your doctor regarding the natural supplements listed below to help you maintain proper nutrition to avoid these growth problems.
- Cod liver oil is a popular natural supplement that contains vitamin A and D, which are needed for proper growth, strong bones and tissues.
- Essential fatty acids are required to promote normal growth and should be taken as directed for safe and effective results.
- Kelp is a natural source of iodine and several medical studies have stated that growth problems are related to iodine deficiencies.
- Calcium and magnesium taken together can help aid in the normal growth of your bones.
- Eating a well balanced diet that is high in healthy sources of protein can help avoid common growth problems and keep you healthy during the pregnancy as well.
- The herb alfalfa is a good source of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals which contribute to the proper function of the pituitary gland. This herb can be taken in tablet or capsule form or eaten in its natural form; alfalfa sprouts.
- Zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc are good because zinc is usually deficient with a growth problem. They should be taken as directed without exceeding 100 mg.
- L-ornithine can help promote the release of growth hormones but should only be taken under a physician's supervision.
- Free-form amino acid complex deficiency is also linked with growth problems and can be taken as directed.
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Since nutritional imbalances play an essential role in development, growth problems and abnormalities like this can possibly be avoided with proper nutrition and a good healthcare practitioner keeping a close eye on your baby. These hormonal imbalances can be caught and treated before they become out of control and past the point of treatment.
It is important to point out that the dosages outlined here are recommended for teens over age 17. Use three-quarters of the recommended dosages for children between 12 and 17 years of age. Use half the recommended dosages for children between 6 and 12 years of age and use only a quarter of the recommended dosages for children under the age of 6 years old.
 
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