The endocrine system maintains the organs that release hormones. Hormones influence mood, affect sexual function, stimulate growth and regulate energy, among other functions. The major organs of the endocrine system include the brain, thyroid, adrenal glands and reproductive organs. In some way, the endocrine system impacts most organs and tissues of the body.
Significance
The pancreas, an organ of the endocrine system, guides blood-sugar level regulation. When levels spike, the pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone responsible for stabilizing levels. People who do not have enough insulin have diabetes, which requires strict adherence to a nutritious diet, regular blood sugar checks and insulin therapy to even out the blood sugar. Diabetics who eat large volumes of food are at risk of high glucose levels that destroy blood vessels and increase susceptibility to infections. Alternatively, diabetics who do not eat enough are at risk of low blood sugar, causing fatigue, irritability and lethargy.
Surgery
Bariatric surgery is a procedure for those who need to lose a significant amount of weight and have been unable to through other measures. Bariatric surgery changes the size of the stomach, and the diet following the procedure is much more restricted. According to the Hormone Foundation, bariatric surgery impacts the endocrine system in various ways, including lowering cholesterol levels, improving fertility in women, increasing testosterone levels in men and reducing high blood pressure.
Iodine
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped organ found inside the neck, releases thyroid hormone. This type of hormone influences the body's metabolism, adjusts body temperature and affects weight loss. In order to function properly, the thyroid needs iodine, which it gets from dietary intake; without it, the thyroid may overcompensate and become enlarged, causing a goiter. Iodine is found in eggs, tuna, sea kelp and iodized salt.
Considerations
The endocrine system controls the amount of anti-diuretic hormone, or ADH, the body releases, which manages the volume of water the kidneys secrete. Some foods and beverages affect ADH, resulting in excess body water loss. For example, drinking alcohol affects the pituitary gland, the portion of the brain responsible for secreting ADH. Alcohol affects the kidneys ability to detect how much water to release, resulting in more trips to the bathroom than when you are not under the influence of alcohol.
Recommendations
To maintain a healthy endocrine system, it is important to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, which maintains growth and provides energy. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Dairy products provide calcium that can protect against bone loss and osteoporosis, a negative side effect of a poorly functioning endocrine system. Maintain a healthy weight to avoid obesity, which puts you at risk of developing many endocrine problems, including high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes.
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