Our glands are some of the most important organs in our body. Each of our glands manufacture hormones that perform specific functions.
When our glandular system is healthy, everything performs as it should, and our bodies feel better. But when our glandular system becomes unbalanced, a host of issues can arise. Here’s what you need to know about how to support your glandular system to keep it happy and performing its best!
The Endocrine and Exocrine Systems
You have two main types of glands in your body: endocrine and exocrine. Many of our glands make up our endocrine system. Our endocrine system releases the hormones secreted by the glands in its system into our bodies through our bloodstream, where they help promote our growth and development, control our weight, assist with reproduction, and more.
The endocrine system is comprised of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pineal gland, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, adrenal glands, and the ovaries in females and testicles in males.
The exocrine system secretes hormones directly to a specific site in our bodies via ducts or tubes rather than through our bloodstream. Our exocrine system includes the salivary glands, the glands in our digestive system, and sweat glands.
Issues with the endocrine and exocrine systems present with a variety of symptoms, including infertility, unexplained weight gain or weight loss, lethargy and low energy levels, diminished or deteriorating sexual function, and weak or weakening bones. Although some endocrine and exocrine conditions are genetic, chronic stress, an infection, or other illnesses can temporarily affect the endocrine system as well.
Support for Your Glandular System
To help alleviate or avoid problems with the glandular system, start with these tips:
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet that includes plenty of colorful fruits and veggies, good fats from olive and coconut oils and nut butters, and lean proteins such as chicken and fish.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Try to get a variety of movement in, such as cardio, strength training, and flexibility.
Practice good mental health. Take time to meditate and journal. If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, set up an appointment with a qualified therapist.
Taking natural supplements can be an important part of keeping your glands healthy and balanced. If you’re experiencing some of the glandular conditions listed below, try the suggested supplement to help promote better cellular communication.
The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is butterfly shaped and is located at the base of your neck. This endocrine gland produces a hormone called thyroxine, which regulates your metabolism, body temperature, and the production of protein.
Hyper- and hypothyroidism are common problems that can occur in the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroxine. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness, unexplained weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, swelling of the neck where the thyroid is located, tremors, increased appetite, and an increased sensitivity to heat.
Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid produces too little thyroxine. Watch for symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold, lower heart rate, increased fatigue and tiredness, dry skin, depression, brittle nails, impaired memory, and thinning hair.
Take Thyroid Health to support your thyroid. Thyroid Health is formulated with special herbs, such as Sarsaparilla, that can regulate hormone production, and Bladderwrack, an excellent source of minerals and iodine, which may increase metabolism in those with hypothyroidism.
The Prostate Gland
The prostate is an exocrine gland. It is located just below the bladder in front of the rectum, and it wraps around a tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
As men age, the prostate tends to grow larger. If it gets too large, it can cause several health issues. One of these is benign prostatic hyperplasia which is very common in older men. This condition simply means that the prostate is enlarged but isn’t cancerous.
Some symptoms in men with prostate complications are a frequent urge to urinate, waking up several times during the night to urinate, presence of blood in urine or semen, painful or burning urination, painful ejaculation, frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal areas or upper thighs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away, as these can be signs of a more serious condition such as prostate cancer. When detected early, prostate cancer has a good chance of successful treatment.
To help support prostate health, we recommend Advanced Prostate. This supplement helps support healthy prostate function with all-natural ingredients such as saw palmetto, lycopene, and beta-sitosterol which have been shown in clinical trials to help support prostate health. This supplement also includes stinging nettle root, turmeric root, and pumpkin seed oil which have been shown to be effective at preventing prostate issues.
The Ovaries
The ovaries are an endocrine gland, and secrete the hormones estrogen and progesterone that play an important role in healthy reproductive development and fertility.
Estrogen and progesterone are responsible for the cyclical nature of the menstrual cycle and the accompanying emotional, mental, and physical changes that come with it. When those hormones are not in balance, women can feel worn down, unwell or fatigued. That’s why our FEM-J supplement can help in several ways, whether you are still menstruating or are experiencing menopause. It is formulated with herbs known for their helpful properties to support a woman’s body, such as wild yam, red raspberry, sarsaparilla, black cohosh, and ginger. If you’ve experienced irregular periods, menopause complications, or if you just want to give your health a boost, try FEM-J.
The Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands are small and triangular shaped and are located just above the kidneys. They are made up of two parts — the cortex and the medulla. These endocrine glands work to create stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, certain sex hormones such as androgens and estrogen, and aldosterone, a hormone responsible for regulating blood pressure and the salt and water balance in the bloodstream.
Disorders of the adrenal glands include Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, adrenal gland suppression.
Symptoms of adrenal issues can vary from one person to the next but most commonly include weight loss, muscle weakness, fatigue, darkening of skin, headaches, nausea, craving salty foods, and abdominal pain. High blood pressure could also be a symptom, but this condition can be caused due to other underlying issues aside from adrenal disorders.
Try Adrenal Health to help keep your adrenal glands functioning as they should. Adrenal Health is formulated with Chinese Licorice Root, which can stabilize the adrenal glands without overstimulating the body. The supplement also contains Siberian Ginseng, which can increase energy and concentration.
The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is made up of bone marrow, the thymus, lymph nodes, the spleen, the tonsils, and mucus membranes. Your lymphatic system works to move lymph, a watery substance, back into your bloodstream. Lymph is excess fluid that is left over from the plasma your body has used to deliver nutrients to cells and tissues. Your lymphatic system also helps absorb fat from your digestive tract and protects your body from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.
Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of the lymphatic system going awry and often indicate an infection or other issue within the body.
To keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy, it’s good to try to avoid as many chemicals and environmental toxins as possible, drink plenty of water so that the lymph can easily move throughout the body, and maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes exercising regularly and consuming a healthy diet.
Try Lymphatic Cleanser, which is formulated with herbs that can help detoxify your system and maintain fluid balance and circulatory system function. This supplement will help drain your lymphatic system so it can restore immune system function and eliminate toxins.
As you can see, your glandular system is very complex, and its proper functioning is essential to your health. If you’d like to learn more about the products we offer to support glandular health, give us a call! We’re happy to help you learn more about how you can help keep your glands happy!
(Please note: This is not a guide that is meant to diagnose, cure, or treat any condition or disorder and is meant for informational and educational purposes only. None of these statements have been evaluated by the FDA so if you think you may have an endocrine disorder, consult your doctor for further advice, treatment and medication.)
