Easy ways to balance to your master gland, for better sleep, better life

By Mercedes Kay Gold, CNP, CPT

The pituitary gland is the master gland of the endocrine system, overseeing the challenging job of controlling hormones. Estrogen, cortisol, ghrelin or melatonin are just a few examples of hormones needed to maintain a state of homeostasis, a fancy word for living in balance.

These two overworked glands are busy bees. Navigating the up-and-downs of life is a full-time job. Even on a good day life is hectic, sending hormones into a frenzy for most people. Ignoring signs of long-term stress may soon leave you hanging by a thread. Sometimes it takes “hitting the wall” to finally address health concerns.

Being in tune with your body inside and out enables you to make changes quickly before it’s too late. There’s a hidden link to the pineal and pituitary glands, and until you hit rock bottom, most doctors in the medical community overlook the tie to overall health. Adding some holistic help now is body-boosting on-the-spot with plenty of positive side effects.

Do you experience any of these symptoms?

• Pain in upper neck
• Edema (water retention)
• Water pooling under eyes (excess puffiness)
• Frequent headaches or migraines
• Excessive urination
• Absence of menstrual cycle
• Feeling out of control
• Vision problems
• Indecisiveness
• Impotence
• Cold hands and feet

Ignoring the warning signs and symptoms can manifest in the body, leaving life potentially unmanageable.

• Depression
• Alienation
• Confusion
• Boredom
• Mood swings

 Aside from medical issues there are other aspects. Let’s get spiritual! Supporting the pituitary gland helps maintain balance in the crown chakra and the third eye chakra, two energy centres in the body which are the centres of intuition and spiritual awareness.

There is also another important small, walnut-shaped gland called the pineal gland. It’s responsible for secreting melatonin, the hormone in charge of regulating circadian rhythm or sleep cycle.

Balance in the third eye and crown chakras is key to understanding, open mindedness and intuition. Thriving is about living in a state of self-knowing. It’s about clarity and finding passion in the little things. Once we let go of pre-programming, we are free to experience our lives fully and honor our existence in the moment. Programming? I’m referring to what we are told and shown from birth. These things fill our daily space and overtake our thoughts. Fear, jealousy and rules set by society can pull us away from our true passion.

At times, of course we lose our way, lacking drive, forever searching for meaning and purpose. In balance, we are at peace and in tune with ourselves and our intuition is strong.

What can you do every day to bring balance to support the pituitary gland and bring balance to the pineal gland? Yes, it’s possible to realign.

• Fluoride blocks the gland. Filter fluoride from water. Switch to all-natural and fluoride-free toothpaste.
• Chlorine disrupts hormones. Avoid tap water as much as possible. Always shower after swimming or hitting the hot tub. Invest in water filters for home or portable ones for one-the-go water bottles.
• Move computer, cell phones or any appliance from your sleeping area. Put the phone on airplane mode.
• Add 100 per cent pure orange essential oil to bath oils and body lotions. It’s linked to the function of the pituitary gland, and can help lower the stress hormone cortisol.

The good news is the body responds well to nutrient diet so let’s add a top-notch nutritional plan!

Foods to add:

• Chick pea milk
• Raw seeds
• 100 per cent pure cacao in recipes or chocolate bar snack
• Garlic from a local source
• Lemon skin and rind
• Fresh organic or home-grown cilantro and parsley
• 2 tbsp of 100 per cent virgin raw extra virgin coconut oil daily
• Seaweed, dulse or kelp due to the iodine content
• Cold-water fatty fish- anchovies and sardines packed in water are top picks
• Avocado
• Beets
• Wheat grass
• Flax oil

Fasting is very beneficial for healing the crown chakra. Long-term fasting helps lead towards enlightenment, but it is NOT a first step. Begin with a 16-hour fast and slowly increase. A long fast is a fantastic future goal.

This holistic nutritionist loves to see clients add two shots of fresh wheat grass to their daily protocol. For those who already live a clean life, taking a day off from food to simply juice, meditate and practice yoga is holistic self-love inside and out. The pituitary also loves juiced beets, lemon, parsley, and cilantro.

Tea is a wonderful way to stay hydrated while fueling cells with a slew of supporting vitamins and minerals: red clover, oat straw and gotu kola top the list.

Increase the greens, adding a daily dose of chlorella, wheat grass, alfalfa, and spirulina.

Living holistic means ditching chemicals. From the air freshener to laundry to skin to the dishwasher, use natural or expensive “DIY” cleaners.

I love an inviting space to work. Choose high-quality incense to open the crown chakra. Look to lavender, pine, frankincense, and cedarwood.

Amethysts and diamonds are stunning on any day, but with their connection to the pituitary and pineal is powerful.

The crown chakra is purple. I find this a fascinating fact. Lay down in perfect stillness with eyes closed fully and relax. In deep mediation mode, it’s not uncommon to see gorgeous purple swirls. Add some purple love with flowers, a painting, a sweater, maybe a new tea mug.

Stress must be addressed! Take time to relax and focus. Make a vision board. Place your board in a high-traffic area. Staring at the board a few minutes a day reinforces goals. Meditation and healing affirmations target the crown chakra. Take time daily to incorporate this ancient practice and feel the body-boosting benefits.  

Whether you are spiritual or believe in vibrations of the universe, step out of your comfort zone. Change brings change.

Mercedes Kay Gold is a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Holistic Nutritionist who loves helping others live their best life when not spending time with her children and grandson, Theodore. She can be reached at mercedeskaygoldfitness@gmail.com 

Photo credit: © rimmabondarenko via Canva.com