The Amazing Body Systems: Endocrine System

The System functions:

The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones directly into the circulatory system to be carried towards distant target organs. Hormone levels that are too high or too low indicate a problem with the endocrine system.

Glands are controlled directly by stimulation from the nervous system as well as by chemical receptors in the blood and hormones produced by other glands.

Hormones regulate many different processes such as:

• Cellular metabolism
• Reproduction
• Sexual development
• Sugar and mineral homeostasis
• Heart rate
• Digestion

Associated organs:

Pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testicles, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, gastrointestinal tract and adrenal glands.

What you can do to help support a healthy Endocrine System:

Recommended Dietary Supplements: Adaptuit, Adaptuit Sleep, Balanced Woman, Essential D, Omega3 Prime, Prostate Health Formula, Slow Dissolve B-12 or Super B-12.

Amazon Herb Supplements: Fortify, Illumination, Rejuvenate, Serenity, Warrior.

Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Adaptogenic herbs, Carotenoids, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K.

Foods to include:

Fruits

Strawberries, Pear, Apple, Banana, Figs

Vegetables

Spinach, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Artichoke, Carrots

Protein/Dairy

Organic Pasture-Raised Chicken, Turkey, Wild-Caught Salmon, Cod, Shrimp, Eggs

Nut & Seeds

Brazil Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Flaxseed, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds

Miscellaneous

Black Beans, Oats, Brown Rice, Quinoa, Seaweed

Daily morning cleanse: 8–12oz of lemon water.

Foods you should avoid or limit:

Do your best to read the labels on packaged food. If the names are too hard to pronounce, they are likely chemical-based ingredients and not very good for you.

• Processed and high-sodium foods such as cured ham, bacon, sausage, and potato chips.
• Foods that contain all-purpose flour such as pizza, bagels, pretzels, white bread, and tortillas.
• Foods containing artificial sweeteners like Sucralose in yogurt, cereal, whole grain muffins, and microwave popcorn.
• Beware of “reduced sugar” labels which are usually loaded with artificial sweeteners in juices, ketchup, jams, jelly, syrup, soda, sports drinks, ice cream, and dressings.

Artificial sweeteners you should try to avoid:

Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium, Alitame, Cyclamate, Dulcin, Equal, Glucin, Kaltame, Mogrosides, Neotame, NutraSweet, Nutrinova, Phenylalanine, Saccharin, Splenda, Sorbitol, Sucralose, Twinsweet, Sweet N Low, Xylitol.

Recommended activities:

Physical activity is essential for good health. New studies show even 15 minutes of elevated heart rate from activity has numerous benefits. Find activities you enjoy doing and aim for at least 15 minutes 4 to 5 times per week.

• CARDIO: Biking, Hiking, Walking, Running, Swimming, Dancing, Zumba
• STRENGTH: Weight Training, Pilates, Vigorous Yoga, P90X, Crossfit, Barre
• FLEXIBILITY: Yoga and Stretching

Additional information:

Common symptoms:

Fatigue, cold/heat intolerance, hair loss, weight fluctuation, irregular heartbeats, menstrual cycle irregularities, pelvic pain, and infertility.

Common disorders:

• Addison’s Disease / Adrenal Insufficiency: Adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones.
• Hyperthyroidism: Overproduction of thyroid hormones.
• Hypothyroidism: Insufficient production of thyroid hormone.
• Obesity: Body fat 20% or more above recommended weight.
• PCOS: Hormone imbalance causing cysts, pain, and infertility.
• PMS: Hormonal fluctuations causing symptoms before menstruation.
• Prostatitis: Swelling of the prostate.
• Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: Impaired glucose processing and insulin response.

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