Thursday, August 2, 2012

Endocrine Health by Joseph Wessels, ND


The endocrine system influences almost every cell, system, and function of the body.  It works with the nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys, gut, liver, pancreas, and fat to help maintain and control homeostasis, body energy levels, reproduction, growth and development, and responses to surroundings, stress, and injuries.  In this month’s newsletter, we’re going to address two specific glands of the endocrine system that we see in our practice: the thyroid and the adrenals.
The thyroid, a small butterfly shaped gland located just above the collarbone is one of the essential parts of the endocrine system.  This gland produces thyroid hormones whose main job is to regulate metabolism.  These hormones affect every system in our body and help to control its functions.  The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine from foods and convert it into thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4) and triodothyronine (T3).  These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T4 and T3.  Every cell in the body depends on T4 and T3 for regulation of their metabolism.  The thyroid gland, in turn is measured by a test called the thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH.  Under the influence of the TSH, the thyroid will manufacture and secrete the T4 and T3.

In the United States, over 25 million people are diagnosed with some type of thyroid disorder and it is estimated more than 15 million may have an undiagnosed thyroid problem.  In addition, a majority of thyroid problems may be caused by autoimmune factors.

The adrenal glands are tiny organs that rest on the top of each kidney.  They’re comprised of two parts, the cortex and the medulla.  The medulla or the inner part of the adrenal gland, produces the hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine, which regulate the “fight or flight” response.  The cortex produces several hormones that affect blood pressure and blood sugar.  The hormones produced by the adrenal glands must respond to all stresses including illness, substance abuse and chronic health conditions.
In practice these two conditions, hypothyroidism and hypoadrenia or adrenal fatigue, can present in various ways.  Symptoms of fatigue, weight gain or weight loss, hair loss, anxiety, constipation, dry skin, high cholesterol, cold hands and feet, low libido, chronic low-grade depression, heart problems, and acne may all be related to low thyroid or low adrenal function.

A detailed case history, thorough physical examination, and lab testing can confirm the diagnosis.  Once this step is completed, there are a number of options available to the practitioner to start a treatment program for the patient.
Tyrosine and iodine both provide support for the thyroid as stated above to make T4 and T3.  The pituitary and hypothalamus are also important for optimal thyroid support.  BioThyro contains all of these plus thyroxine free thyroid support and magnesium, zinc, and copper which are known to support thyroid function.

In most cases of endocrine dysfunction, the adrenals must also be supported.  BioGenesis has three excellent products to support adrenal function.  BioAdaptogen ULTRA, which is a vegetarian formula for adrenal fatigue, provides the adaptagonic herbs licorice, ginseng, ashwaganda, and rhodiola.  This is an excellent formula for your stressed out patient.  BioAdreno contains glandular extract of adrenal cortex and vitamin C and pantothenic acid.  This is a good product to use for rebuilding stressed adrenal glands.  For full-spectrum support, Adrenal Support Plus offers a comprehensive vitamin, mineral and herbal support, as well as the hormones DHEA and pregnenolone for the adrenal cortex and medulla.
As with any alternative protocol for treating the endocrine system it is important to take into account the patients diet and lifestyle habits.

*This article was given to us by BioGenesis and first published in their August 2012 newsletter

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