Vitamin D is important for the human body as it fulfills many functions. One of the most significant roles of this component is contributing to the absorption of calcium and phosphor. This element strengthens bones and helps the brain functioning which is especially important for children during their growth period. Shortage of vitamin D leads to the breakdown, slackening of immunity, predisposition to colds, bone and teeth illnesses. According to Meenakshi, vitamin D exhibits a pleiotropic effect in the skin with its role as antiproliferative, prodifferentiative, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulator (82). However, the absorption of vitamin D from the sun in unlimited amounts will not have a positive outcome.
Unrestricted amounts of solar radiation can provoke many diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and melanoma. Therefore, it is important to find the right balance between these two contradicting facts. Kevin Burchell states that “little and often” is the best approach to vitamin D production through sunlight exposure (6). The normal amount of sunlight exposure differs subject to the lightness of the person’s skin. For example, for people with light skin, 10–15 minutes daily during the summer and spring periods will be enough to gain the needed amount of this vitamin for a year (Burchell 6). At the same time, people with darker skin demand 25 to 40 minutes of sun exposure to avoid vitamin D deficiency. The most preferable conditions for sunbathing are in the middle of the day, with uncovered arms and legs for the maximum size of absorption.
The growth hormone is one of the most important hormones in the human body. GH is albumen produced by the hypophysis that consists of amino acids. According to Wasinski, growth hormone secretion is controlled by negative feedback loops meditated by GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) or somatostatin-expressing neurons (4309). Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) lowers the level of GH in blood plasma owing to the negative feedback loop which leads to a decreasing impact of the growth hormone on the liver functioning. GH is important for me because it fastens putting on the muscle mass, and strengthens the potential of such electrolytes as calcium and potassium by activating the processes of burning fat. Recently I started going to the gym to bring myself in shape, therefore, the growth hormone is important for me.
The so-called “fight-or-flight” response is one of the most significant reactions that helped ancient people survive. According to Prasanna Tadi, the parasympathetic nervous system predominates in quiet “rest and digest” conditions while the sympathetic nervous system drives the “fight or flight” response in stressful situations. This response is a physiological reaction of the human body under stress which involves an overproduction of adrenalin and noradrenalin that strengthens the body, increases the reaction speed, pain threshold, and endurance. The perception is not usually involved, therefore, the only way to stop the “fight or flight” response is to calm down and implement logical thinking before acting.
Obesity is one of the most urgent problems of the 21st century. The most common thought is that it is caused by the so-called “food addiction,” however scientists still argue if this type of illness really exists. For example, the characteristics of chocolate such as its macronutrient composition, sensory properties, and ingredients such as caffeine and theobromine were discussed as contributors to addictive-like nature (Meule 6). The preliminary addiction to chocolate might reside in its unique sensory properties that is including the potential craving but bingeing of the same is due to the brain’s neuropharmocological activities (Can Chocolate Be Addictive? 2). Regardless of chocolate’s drug-like nature chocolate cannot yet be counted as an addictive substance as there is no actual proof of it.
Works Cited
Burchell, Kevin, et al. “Sunlight Exposure and Vitamin D: Getting the Balance Right: Sunlight Exposure Advice that Ensures Adequate Vitamin D while Minimising the Risk of Sunburn and Cancer.” Manchester Research Explorer, vol. 5, no. 1, 2019.
“Can Chocolate Be Addictive?” Food and Agriculture Spectrum Journal, vol. 1, no. 2, 2020, pp. 1-8.
Meenakshi, Umar, et al. “Vitamin D the Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Skin Diseases.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 74-86.
Meule, Adrian. Compulsive Eating Behaviour and Food Addiction. Elsevier. 2019.
Tadi, Prasanna, and Tindle, Jacob. “Neuroanatomy, Parasympathetic Nervous System.” NCBI.
Wasinski, Frederick, et al. “Tyrosine Hydroxylase Neurons Regulate Growth Hormone Secretion via Short-Loot Negative Feedback.” The Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 40, no. 22, pp. 4309-4322.