Hyperaldosteronism results when one's adrenal glands create elevated levels of the hormone aldosterone. Causes of hyperaldosteronism include a benign tumor in an adrenal gland (Conn's syndrome) or enlarged adrenal glands. Elevated levels of...
The adrenal glands are important for hormone production. Like all hormone-producing organs, the adrenal glands are carefully regulated by chemical signals produced by the pituitary and kidneys. As a result, any perturbation to this system can...
You may be craving a certain food for a number of reasons. Cravings could be psychological or physical. Various situations that trigger an emotional response can kick-start a craving you associate with stress relief. To normalize an imbalanced...
The condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia. Most potassium in the body is located in the cells and organs, not in the bloodstream. Potassium is an essential nutrient that aids in proper function of...
Aldosteronism is the condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone targets the collecting ducts in the kidneys and increases sodium and water reabsorption and the secretion of potassium. Renin, an...
The human body needs potassium for normal functioning of the muscles, cells and nerves. When blood levels of potassium fall, serious problems such as abnormal heart rhythms or cardiac arrhythmia can occur. Muscular weakness and stomach...
The body needs potassium for normal tissue, organ, cell, muscular and even digestive function. It is found in much of the food you eat, primarily meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, certain types of fish and legumes. While it is important...
The adrenals are a pair of triangular-shaped glands that sit atop the kidneys. They are in charge of secreting hormones that modulate the body's stress response and fluid and electrolyte balance. One of those hormones is aldosterone....
The endocrine system produces hormones---chemicals produced in one part of the body to regulate another part of the body. Hormones regulate nearly all cellular functions. The adrenal glands, a pair of glands located above each kidney, work within...
The adrenal glands release two important hormones, cortisol and aldosterone, responsible for maintaining blood pressure, alertness and a sense of well-being, fluid balance and metabolism. In an article published in the March 2010 "American Nurse...
Hypocalcemia is a condition that indicates poor calcium levels in the body. An imbalance in bodily electrolytes is a common cause of low calcium levels. In order to balance electrolytes and raise calcium levels, it is important that the diet...
Potassium is a charged mineral that is very important for proper electrical conduction in the body. As such, it is particularly important for nerve and muscle cells. Its levels are very tightly regulated in the body. One source of regulation is...
Proper functioning of the human body requires potassium. Potassium plays an important role in blood pressure regulation and water balance in the body. However, too much or too little of this substance can cause health problems. Aldosterone on the...
Calcium channel blockers, also called calcium antagonists, are mainly prescribed for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. Renin is an enzyme that the kidney cells release in certain situations, and one function of renin is to raise...
The adrenal gland is one of a number of hormone-producing organs that make up the endocrine system. Gary Thibodeau, PhD, author of the book, "The Human Body in Health and Disease," describes the adrenal gland as consisting of two individual...
A high level of potassium, known as hyperkalemia, is a potentially dangerous condition that can cause an irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest and other problems, according to Medline Plus. Symptoms include changes in heart rhythm, nausea and slow,...
Aldactone is the brand name of the drug spironolactone. The drug is a potassium-sparing diuretic, according to Drugs.com. It prevents the body from absorbing high levels of salt and prevents potassium levels from dropping too low. Drugs.com...
The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys and are responsible for producing a variety of chemicals. One hormone, called cortisol, is produced by the adrenal glands only when stimulated by other hormones from the pituitary. Diagnosis of...
The adrenal glands are responsible for making several different hormones. Adrenal insufficiency is the result of the adrenal glands not making enough of their hormones, either because of a problem with the adrenal glands or as a result of...
Americans have gone overboard when it comes to salt consumption. Even children are surpassing the 2,300 mg daily limit recommended in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The plethora of salty snacks and drinks surely contributes to this...
Heart problems occur when the amount of potassium in the bloodstream is severely high. Potassium is a nutrient the body needs for the nerves, muscles and heart to function properly. Normally, most of the potassium in the body is found inside the...
Potassium is an alkali metal similar to sodium. In its elemental form, it is a soft, silver-white metal that reacts strongly with water and air. Potassium is important for basic cell function, and is present in all living cells. Its natural form,...
A benign adrenal adenoma is a non-cancerous growth of the glandular tissue of the adrenal gland. Under normal conditions, a pair of adrenal glands--which sit atop the kidneys--help regulate hormone levels, producing hormones to meet the needs of...
The human body needs sodium and potassium to remain healthy. These two electrolytes have many functions including maintaining nerve and muscle function. A decrease in blood sodium concentration, also called hyponatremia, can cause seizures, while...
Drexel University College of Medicine reports that potassium helps the nerves and muscles in the body communicate effectively, helps provide nutrition to the cells and move waste out of the cells. Potassium levels can be checked with a simple...
Potassium is an electrolyte required for the normal functioning of cells. Most of your body's potassium is located inside of cells with levels of potassium in the blood tightly regulated by several mechanisms. High levels of potassium can result...
Extracts taken from the Glycyrrhiza family of plants have medicinal effects. Better known as licorice, this herbal remedy plays an important part in Chinese traditional medicine. Glycyrrhiza roots can help fight inflammation, cancer and aging,...
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and secrete a variety of hormones. Masses within the adrenal glands will often not cause any symptoms if they do not cause any changes in hormonal secretion. Masses that secrete hormones, on the...
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys and play a prime role in the body's endocrine system. The endocrine system uses special chemicals called hormones to help regulate many important processes in the body. Conditions such as...
Limiting potassium in your diet can help patients with Addison's disease. Learn how to adjust your diet to fit your specific health and nutrition needs in this healthy shopping video.
