The endocrine system regulates hormones within the body. Consisting of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, thyroid, parathyroid, pineal, ovaries, testes, and pancreas. These ductless glands work together to secrete special hormones that produce different results. For example, ovaries secrete estrogen and the pituitary secretes growth hormone. Without the endocrine system, the body would not be able to function. Because the endocrine system is vital to human life, keeping it healthy is important. There are certain things you can do to keep your endocrine system in top condition.
Avoid steriods. Steriods interfere with natural hormone production, such as males producing testosterone. Steriod use can cause women to grow facial hair, men to have shrunken testicles and behavioral problems such as aggression and unwarranted anger.
Get plenty of rest. Sleep is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Our bodies need at least eight hours of sleep every night in order to function properly. While the body is resting, the endocrine system secretes hormones and repairs different parts of the body.
Eat a healthy diet. Foods rich in vitamins, iodine, and calcium help to keep hormones at proper levels. Overeating and consuming foods high in fat inhibit functioning of the endocrine glands.
Engage in a regular exercise program. People who lead a sedentary life are prone to obesity as inactivity and overeating usually go hand in hand. Obesity retards the influence of insulin and leads to Adult Onset Diabetes.
Relax and slow down. Stress causes illness and disease. Quite often a disorder is the result of long term stress. By the time the patient seeks treatment, the body has already been compromised. Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, drinking eight glasses of water daily, exercising, and eating a healthy diet.
Writer Bio
Ashlee Simmons has written professionally for more than 10 years. Her writing focus is travel, equestrian and health and medical articles, but she enjoys writing human interest stories as well. Simmons graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a liberal arts degree.
