Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology of the Endocrine System
· The Endocrine System is a chemical messenger system.
· It affects almost every organ and cell in the body.
· It consists of hormones and groups of glands.
· Hormones are signaling molecules targeting organs to regulate physiology and behavior.
· Glands that selects and removes materials from the circulatory system, process it and secretes the finished chemical product (hormones) for use.
· Major glands include the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pineal body, reproductive glands, pancreas.
· Hormones affect many different processes in the organs and body.
· Examples of hormones are the Growth hormone, Serotonin, Androgens, Parathyroid hormone, Thyroid-stimulating hormones etc.
· Hormonal imbalance will cause problems with growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, mood.
· Diabetes is the most common endocrine disease.
Hormonal imbalance on weight loss:
The Thyroid gland secretes Thyroxine ( T4) and Tri-iodothyronine (T3) which targets most tissues in the body. The hormones acts to regulate the body's metabolic rate--the rate the body processes and converts food and drink into calories or energy.
Nutritional Tips
1. Eat healthy and organic.
2. Skip the junk, sugar, dairy, unhealthy fats etc.
3. Eat quality protein.
4. Eat a balanced/ varied diet containing many vitamins and minerals. It helps in the endocrine system to function correctly.
5. Get mineral iodine. Take adaptogenic herbs.
Consult your physician/endocrinologist. Take prescribes and advised supplements for weight loss and/or hormone replacement and balance. Coordinate with nutritionists and dieticians to plan diet and supplements.
