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
No comments:
Post a Comment