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How does the endocrine system work in regards to nutrition and metabolism?
Question Date: 2007-02-07
Answer 1:

The endocrine system directly affects metabolism, and metabolism depends on nutrition.

The endocrine system is the main system that coordinates the chemicals that our body produces to control certain functions. This system affects nearly every cell and organ in the body, and it is comprised of glands. The glands emit chemicals controlling many bodily functions, including cell growth and development, mood, sexual functions, and metabolism (it is the thyroid gland that directly affects metabolism). Metabolism is a collection of chemical reactions that takes place in the body's cells to convert the fuel in the food we eat into the energy needed to power everything we do, from moving to thinking to growing. There are specific proteins in the body to control the chemical reactions of metabolism, and each chemical reaction is coordinated with other body functions. In fact, thousands of metabolic reactions happen at the same time - all regulated by the body - to keep our cells healthy and working.

When a cell produces optimum energy, then it has the capacity to fulfill its many functions involving regeneration, detoxification, and its unique, genetically programmed role (such as might be had by a heart cell, a liver cell, a muscle cell, a brain cell, a nerve cell, and so forth). If cells of like kind have the energy to efficiently fulfill their functions, then the organs or glands they comprise can fulfill their functions. And, if the organs and glands have the energy to efficiently fulfill their functions, then the systems they comprise can efficiently carry out their functions. So, for example, the strength and efficiency of the immune system depends on the strength and efficiency of the organs that comprise it. And, the strength and efficiency of the immune organs depend on the strength and efficiency of the immune organs' cells. And, the strength and efficiency of the immune organs' cells depend in great part on the energy they are able to produce. The life-sustaining processes of the body is fueled by an energy exchange with the environment, whereby the body converts air (oxygen taken in through our lungs), water, light (taken in through the skin and eyes and needed by the pineal gland) and food (nutrition) into energy. From this we can readily see the vital importance of nutrition to health. In fact, medical research has proven that the efficiency of the immune system is highly dependent upon the proper nutritional balance. Without the proper nutritional balance, our bodies are unable to manufacture the energy that is needed for all the life-sustaining processes of metabolism, not just proper immune function.

I recommend you to visit the next web link. It might help you to see more about your question.metab_nutrition

Answer 2:

The endocrine system is regulated by the subcortical structures in the brain. Subcortical structures refer to those parts of the brain below the main white and gray wrinkled material we see when we look at models or pictures of the brain. These endocrine system subcortical structures, mainly the pineal and pituitary glands, are older in terms of brain evolution. This means that they are involved with unconscious regulation of our body. The brain has different feedback loops and hormonal messaging that regulate metabolism, which in turn helps us maintain nutrition.


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