Aldosterone - a hormone which is synthesized by the adrenal cortex (paired endocrine glands) and adjusts the concentration of sodium and potassium in the body. What other hormones produced by the adrenal glands? Find on this page.
Description and norm
The hormone is involved in the water-salt balance of the body. By increasing or reducing the sodium content of potassium blood pressure falls, the kidneys produce renin protein. It cleaves angiotensinogen (a hormone that causes narrowing of blood vessels) is formed as a result of another protein - angiotensin. It acts on the adrenal cortex, and activates the production of aldosterone. Normal body - from 100-400 pmol / L in adults and 500-5480 pmol / L in neonates and infants.
Aldosterone and food
To reduce the amount of hormone in the body is recommended to eat foods rich in potassium. Eat dried fruit, which are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C (dried apricots, prunes, raisins). Pay attention bran, beans, Brussels sprouts, peas, lentils. Eat nuts, which in addition to potassium rich in calcium and magnesium - peanuts, pine nuts, almonds and hazelnuts. From meat and fish products - beef, pork, halibut, tuna. Prefer potato, use mustard.
To normalize the level necessarily discard products with a high content of salt. Avoid caffeine, do not expose the body to bad habits: alcoholism, smoking and other harmful dependencies. Stick to diet nutrition.
Aberration
hormone level increased in Conn syndrome. The disease is a tumor of the adrenal cortex, which synthesizes excessive amounts of the hormone. Aldosterone holds sodium in the kidneys and throws potassium, it breaks the water-salt balance. Also, the level rises in liver cirrhosis, various diseases of the kidney and heart failure. Taking certain medications can also cause a decrease in aldosterone.
The low level due to Addison's disease - gipokortitsizm, or otherwise of chronic insufficiency of the adrenal cortex. Also hormone decrease occurs in renal failure, diabetes, and acute alcohol intoxication. sodium level falls, the body is dehydrated. Acceptable reduction of the hormone in the period after surgery to remove a tumor of the adrenal cortex.
