In the last segment I briefly outlined the purpose of Cell Therapy as an anti-aging treatment. A fundamental part of the aging process, as well as chronic disease, is the endocrine system. The endocrine system refers to glands and tissues that secrete hormones. Some are transported by the bloodstream and others by nerve tracts. Hormones are very powerful in controlling the body’s physiological and behavioral activities. Endocrine glands are like a feedback loop that work in sequence. When one is out of balance, it affects the whole system. We often think of the hormones most familiar to us, like the thyroid or sexual hormones, but the most foundational of all is referred to as the HPA Axis. HPA refers to the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. All vertebrates have the HPA Axis, although there is a complexity of the adrenal gland that is particular to mammals. The hypothalamus and the pituitary are the “keys to the ignition” of the endocrine system. This controls many bodily functions, such as reaction to stress, digestion, immune response, mood and emotions, sexuality and energy storage and expenditure. The function of both the hypothalamus and pituitary decline with age. The adrenal gland completes this axis and is the regulator of the system, and most at risk from stress, both emotional and physical. Very common complaints we hear at our clinic are attention and memory problems, sleep disturbance and lack of libido. Inflammation and immune response are regulated by the adrenal gland, and when it is exhausted, inflammation runs amok resulting in arthritis, heart disease and fibromyalgia. An unregulated immune response can result in auto immune disorders, where the immune system attacks normal tissue, or, ultimately, in immune deficiency. In modern society, the adrenal gland is extremely overtaxed. Designed to respond to fight or flight situations, we now deal continuously with situations to which neither are appropriate responses. We sit in traffic and miss important appointments, family issues, economic stress and the endless gut-wrenching news from our communities and around the world take a toll on our adrenal gland, We can’t fight or flee so the stress hormone cortisol has no way to “burn off” and  wreaks havoc on our organs. Lest I sound too gloomy, there are things we can do to prevent the damage. While we do what we can to minimize our exposure to stressful situations, some is inevitable. Additionally,  some is unseen and unfelt, like the background radiation and the EMF waves of our WiFi world. These affect the adrenal gland profoundly.  Lifestyle choices like prayer, meditation, exercise, proper nutrition and supplementation and mindfulness go a very long way in protecting us. This is where Cell Therapy can be a very significant part of your wellness plan. By supporting the glands that take the brunt of stress, like the HPA Axis, we can slow or prevent the decline in function that naturally comes with aging. When we’re better able to cope, physiologically, we don’t suffer the life threatening consequences of systemic inflammation and impaired immune response. At ICBR, we administer cells from the entire endocrine system, coded for male or female, and then additional emphasis is given to the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. Not only do we see a slowing of the aging process, but a reduced inflammatory response helps with joint issues and problems like fibromyalgia. The embryonic cells  initiates a strengthening of the healthy glandular tissue and results in a heightened sense of well being and energy level commensurate with a younger age.