A healthy endocrine system is essential for the body to function efficiently. When any part of it is malfunctioning, the entire system is affected, which hinders overall wellness and sets the stage for future health risks.
The endocrine system does a lot. It works as a messaging network within the body and regulates many important functions, including your emotional state, physical development, reproductive function, and metabolism.
Glands and hormones are the primary components of the endocrine system. Hormones, which are produced by glands, are chemicals that travel through the blood stream to cells. Upon reaching them, the hormones direct the cells to take specific action – controlling many things. For example, the kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin which enables the body to produce red blood cells. There are many conditions that can develop when the endocrine system is not functioning properly.
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Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas, a gland controlled by the endocrine system, does not produce enough insulin or when the body is unable to properly use insulin.
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Growth disorders
Growth disorders occur when the pituitary gland produces either too much or too little growth hormone (GH). An excess of GH can result in gigantism or acromegaly, while too little GH can cause children to grow more slowly than normal.
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders can cause rapid weight gain or weight loss – ultimately affecting your mood and overall health.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome is among the most common endocrine disorders and affects between seven to 10 percent of women ages 15 to 45. It is caused from insulin resistance and the ovaries producing too much male hormone. Conditions of this disorder include infertility, disruption of menstrual cycles, acne, and body hair.
There are precautions that can be taken to avoid these risks. Supporting a healthy endocrine system starts with living a healthy and balanced life – eating properly, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest. Reducing the unnecessary stressors in your life also goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy endocrine system.
Our food supply is polluted by toxins, estrogenic substances, and hormones. One should be able to recognized polluted foods and know how to avoid them.
Always wash your produce and be aware when reading food labels. Buying certified organic products and hormone-free foods when possible is a good idea too – they may cost more, but the health benefits outweigh the small price difference.
Our endocrine system is remarkable for all that it does – and it does a lot, all of it vitally important. This is why we need to be careful and considerate about our lifestyle and what we put in our body.
Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center in Waltham.
