Melanocyte-stimulating hormone is a name for a group of peptide hormones produced by the skin, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. In response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, its production by the skin and pituitary is enhanced, and this plays a key role in producing colored pigmentation found in the skin, hair, and eyes. It does this by making specialized skin cells called melanocytes produce a pigment called melanin; melanin protects cells from DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancer (melanoma).

MSH secretion from the pituitary is increased by exposure to UV light. Unlike most hormones, MSH release is not thought to be controlled by a direct feedback mechanism. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone is produced from the same precursor molecule as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) It is produced by the pituitary gland, and Its key function is to stimulate the production and release of cortisol from the outer part of the adrenal gland.

A direct…

Mouthwash destroys bacteria in your mouth that can contribute to the growth of cavities and other dental diseases. Unfortunately, mouthwash kills all types of bacteria, including the beneficial ones that help produce nitric oxide.

Special bacteria in the mouth convert nitrate to nitric oxide. In fact, humans cannot produce nitric oxide from nitrate without these bacteria. Research has shown that mouthwash kills the oral bacteria needed to produce nitric oxide for up to 12 hours. This leads to a decrease in nitric oxide production and, in some instances, an increase in blood pressure.

Nitric oxide (not nitrogen oxide or nitrous oxide) is produced by nearly every type of cell in the human body and one of the most important molecules for blood vessel health. L Arginine is a precursor for nitric oxide. It's a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the inner muscles of your blood vessels, causing the vessels to widen.…

Have you ever experienced a sugar headache? That blood sugar spike caused by simple carbs (and the subsequent drop in blood glucose) is one of the least understood migraine triggers. This reaction is referred to as reactive hypoglycemia.

If we don’t eat enough calories for our bodies’ needs, then our blood-glucose levels drop too low. This can happen if we skip meals, fast, diet, or exercise on insufficient food. Eating a high-sugar meal can cause ‘reactive hypoglycemia’ because the sudden rise in blood glucose from the sugary food triggers an over-production of insulin, which in turn makes the blood glucose levels fall too low.

The brain not receiving enough glucose causes most of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include: headache, migraine, confusion, nausea, and sweating.

Craving sweets is human, built into our taste buds and bodies, and even mother’s milk. Sweet foods make our brains release a hit of dopamine,…

Atmospheric pollution is a hot topic right now, but did you know that the air quality in your home can be 5x worse than the outside air. New peer-reviewed data clearly articulates that air pollution, especially ultrafine particles generated from burning natural gas, wood, and incense (who knew?) has the potential to harm every organ in the body.

Chemicals from carpets, paints, cleaning products, scented air fresheners, and dryer sheets, can also linger in the air and cause health issues. Anything in your home with that "new smell", is outgassing chemicals in the air 24 x 7. The particles of concern are the ones you can’t see.

Some of the other airborne culprits are; hairspray, perfume, dry shampoo, and anything coming from an aerosol can.

Air-quality sensors that allow users to gauge the level of impurities in their homes are also becoming more accessible to the average consumer. Now, you…