A great performance: The Endocrine System
The allure of a great orchestral performance is the way in which all musicians play beautiful music, harmoniously. There is something quite exquisite about a good performance that penetrates deep into our soul and enriches our lives. In our body, we also have an orchestra that needs to work harmoniously so that our inner beauty, our inner soul, our inner peace is expressed in such a way as to embody the feeling of a good performance. Well, we don't usually feel the performance as it happens, but the essence of it when we feel wonderful!
How we think, react to stress and the energy we have is determined by our endocrine system. It is vital that we do what is necessary to keep that system humming along and finely tuned. Like an orchestra, as long as all the instruments are tuned, and all the musicians are playing the music as directed, it is absolutely lovely to behold.
The Endocrine System is a complex system composed of the organs and glands responsible for control and secretion of the many hormones in the body. It has an elaborate bio-feedback mechanism that controls many physiological functions. It is an information system, but works differently than our nervous system. It regulates many functions such as growth and development, tissue function, emotions, digestion, sexual functions and even our heart.
For that system to run in harmony, it has to have all the nutrients necessary for function. In an orchestra, if the brass instruments are missing, the orchestra can still play, but something is missing. In the body, if something is missing, it may still play (function), but not up to par. It doesn't mean it's diseased, but left neglected long enough, disease can result. We're talking about sub-optimal performance. For instance, I play piano. I didn't take my first lesson until I turned 50. Now a number of years later, I can play piano, but put me in an orchestra and the results would be (put mildly) sub-optimal.
In order for the endocrine system to work optimally, we need essential fatty acids. The composition of hormones is mostly made from fats. If we eat a fat-free diet, we will be deficient. However, eating good fats, not harmful fats, is essential.
We also need minerals. The thyroid needs iodine, the pituitary needs manganese, the adrenals need copper, the stomach needs zinc, etc. Minerals are the activators for many functions in the body, especially when it comes to the endocrine system. If we continue to eat a diet devoid of minerals, how do we expect our system to function harmoniously? It's like missing the brass.
There is beauty in harmony. All parts are necessary. All parts need to function up to par. Missing elements equates to sub-optimal performance. That is in complete opposition to what we really want - a good performance - vitality!
Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with more than 32 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d'Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.