diyhealth.com

Here’s How You Can Keep Your Endocrine System in Top Shape

Endocrine System

Your endocrine system helps regulate various functions in the body, such as growth, cellular metabolism, reproduction and digestion. This system consists of endocrine organs and the pituitary gland or “master gland”.  If your endocrine system is at fault, you may suffer from many diseases. So a strong endocrine system will help to regulate bodily functions. Exercising regularly helps your endocrine system to function properly. Read on to find out other ways in which you can keep your endocrine system in top shape:

 Vitamin D

Orange juice 1

Healthy levels of vitamin D are crucial for pituitary function, while low levels can disrupt endocrine functions. According to studies, vitamin D deficient men can suffer from hypogonadism, which is associated with endocrine dysfunction. To maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, your body needs 600 units (international / IU) of vitamin D every day. Being out in the sun for some time every day, dairy products, eggs, fortified orange juice and cereals can help in boosting vitamin D levels.

Iodine and vitamin A

Iodine and vitamin A helps the endocrine system to control thyroid gland functions. Your body needs 1.1 mg of iodine every day, and 3,000 IU (men) and 2,333 IU (women) of vitamin A are required daily.  You can raise levels of vitamin A by eating spinach, carrots, dark leafy vegetables and sweet potatoes. Shellfish, milk, baked potatoes, turkey and seaweed are good sources of iodine.

Vitamin E

The vitamin E in your diet protects the endocrine / pituitary gland from damage. Vitamin E is an anti-oxidant and helps to prevent oxidative damage (especially in the elderly) which might occur in cells, and damage due to alcohol. Vitamin E thus promotes cell function, and 15 IU every day is required by your body. Hazelnuts, almonds, avocados, canola and olive oil – healthy fats are a good source of vitamin E and you should make these a part of your diet.

Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids

The omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are very important for the endocrine system to function well. The fatty acids help in transferring hormones in the entire body. Your endocrine system produces and transfers multiple hormones throughout your body, which allows it to carry out all the functions that it is responsible for. Without hormone transportation and production, your endocrine system will not be of any use. Eating fish and leafy greens or supplements, will provide your body with the required amount of fatty acids.

Avoid stress

Excessive stress

Stress is a cause for many diseases and it disrupts the endocrine system as well. Excess stress causes overproduction of the hormones produced by the endocrine system, which may lead to malfunctioning or failure of the endocrine organs. So relax, manage your stress levels and get enough sleep (6 -8 hours).

Avoid steroids

By using steroids, you could interfere with your body’s hormone production. This can lead to behavioral problems like rage and aggression. It can also cause unwanted facial hair in women and shrunken testicles in men. 

Family history

There are instances of endocrine disorders developing in the twenties. If you are aware of your family’s medical history, you can take precaution against endocrine related disorders and even prevent disorders. 

Contact an endocrinologist

If there is any family history of endocrine disorders or you have some symptoms which might be caused by the malfunctioning of your endocrine system, you should get in touch with an endocrinologist who will guide you and treat you if required.

 

Avoid delay

 Endocrine System

Minor endocrine related problems must never be ignored, as they might develop and cause a lot of damage to your body. 

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep, reducing stress and generally following a healthy lifestyle can keep endocrine disorders at bay. Many people fall prey to endocrine diseases because they do not eat a balanced diet, which fulfils the body’s requirement for vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Exercising to maintain optimal weight, being stress free and healthy sleeping patterns is essential for a healthy endocrine system.

Your endocrine system will function properly if it gets the proper nutrients and you remain calm, reduce stress in your life, and exercise regularly.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top