There are a large number of endocrine diseases associated with our different organs like diabetes, thyroid disease, sexual dysfunction, growth disorders, and other diseases.
What is an endocrine system?
The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, helping in controlling important body functions. It influences how the heart beats? How the bones and tissues grow, and also your ability to make a baby? The endocrine system affects the body functions because it works with the nervous system and the immune system to help the body cope with different events and stresses.
What are the glands that make up the endocrine system?
The endocrine system is made up of different glands, and each gland releases specific hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones travel through the blood to other cells and help control or coordinate many body processes.
• Adrenal glands- Adrenal glands are on top of the kidneys that release the hormone cortisol
• Hypothalamus- Hypothalamus is a part of lower middle brain that tells the pituitary gland when to release hormones
• Parathyroid- There are four tiny glands in the neck that play a role in bone development. • Pineal gland- Pineal gland is near the center of the brain and is linked to sleep patterns. • Pituitary gland- Pituitary gland influences other glands, especially the thyroid. This gland is at the base of the brain behind the sinuses. Problems with the pituitary gland can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, bone growth, and the release of breast milk.
• Testes- Testes are the male reproductive glands that produce sperm and sex hormones. • Thyroid-Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck that controls metabolism.
A slight imbalance in the function of one or more of the glands mentioned above can disturb the delicate balance of hormones in the body and lead to an endocrine disorder.
Types of endocrine disorders:
Various problems can occur in the endocrine system. These can be due to excessive or deficient hormone production. Organs of the endocrine are also prone to tumors, which can overproduce hormones. However, diabetes is regarded as one of the most common endocrine disorders diagnosed in the United States. There are other endocrine disorders, which are as follows:
• Adrenal insufficiency- The hormone cortisol is released in a little amount by the adrenal gland. Symptoms of this disorder include stomach upset, dehydration, fatigue, and skin changes.
• Thyroid problems- Overactive gland is hyperthyroidism, and underactive gland is hypothyroidism.
• Cushing’s disease- Endocrine disorder also includes the overproduction of a pituitary gland hormone that leads to an overactive adrenal gland. A similar condition called Cushing’s syndrome occurs particularly in children, who take high doses of corticosteroid medications.
• Pituitary adenomas- These are the tumors of the pituitary gland that can make too much of a certain hormone or cause deficiencies of hormones.
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia- Multiple endocrine neoplasia is a rare and genetic condition that is passed down through families. This condition causes tumors of parathyroid, adrenal, and thyroid glands, leading to overproduction of hormones.
Endocrine health diet:
The endocrine system is a bunch of hormones releasing glands that helps in controlling the vital body functions. There are certain endocrine foods and supplements that assist in regulating the metabolism, sleep, reproduction, blood pressure and heart rate. These are as follows:
Foods for thyroid health:
The thyroid gland is crucial and is the largest endocrine gland. In case, there is a problem related to thyroid like inflammation it can affect the overall functioning of the endocrine system. To cope up the illness, it is advised by the experts to get sufficient vitamin D, as it helps in controlling the overall thyroid hormone production. There are various sources of vitamin D like the Sun, and foods including organic eggs, fortified dairy products and cereals, cod liver oil, mushrooms and oily fish.
Iodine is necessary for improving the metabolic processes of the body. It is an essential mineral that makes thyroid hormone. To fulfill the needs of iodine, you can eat foods like wild salmon, sea vegetables, scallops, sardines, shrimps, whole grains and plain yogurt. Foods for adrenal health:
Adrenal glands are important during stress, as they secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine to trigger the various responses. During stress, the adrenals release cortisol hormone that regulates blood pressure, metabolism, blood sugar, immune response and anti-inflammatory actions.
A study conducted in the year 2009 suggested that anti-inflammatory foods like fresh fruits, veggies, seeds, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fatty fish support adrenal health. Foods for hypothalamus health:
In metabolism and weight management, hypothalamus plays a significant role. Various researchers have shown diets that are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including a 1:1 ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s have improved hypothalamus health. People can add foods in their diet that rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids like hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed oil, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon, eggs, sardines, and tuna.
Conclusion: The endocrine system is an important part of the body, as it controls various functions. So, try to maintain a healthy endocrine system by following the tips mentioned above and lead a risk-free life.
Amelia Smith
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