11 Body Systems: What you can do to support your Endocrine System

Written by Cliff Harvey, Nuzest Product Formulator,  Registered Clinical Nutritionist, Researcher and Author (ND, Dip.Fit, PhD(c))

The 11 body systems are a collection of organ systems made up of parts that are able to work together to serve a common purpose – growth, reproduction and survival. Each part of a system depends on the other parts to perform tasks that can’t be achieved by single parts acting alone and help to improve our chances of survival by maintaining a stable internal body environment. This stable environment is known as homeostasis. Our series, 11 Body Systems goes into depth about each body system and how it relates to the rest of the body.

Why is the endocrine system important?

The endocrine system is our internal messenger system. It involves chemical messengers (hormones) released by various glands into the circulatory system and acting on target receptors on organs. These chemical messages trigger actions within cells to allow us to function.

What is it made up of?

The endocrine system comprises of glands that produce hormones and receptors that receive these hormones. The major endocrine glands are the thyroid and adrenal glands and the hypothalamus (in the brain) is the major regulator of the endocrine system.

How can I support the endocrine system?

Any system in the body relies upon all others and a nutrient-dense diet to provide optimal amounts of macro- and micronutrients. The endocrine system benefits from many micronutrients, herbs, and foods that can be seen in their effects on ‘functional outcomes‘ like blood sugar control (via insulin and glucagon homeostasis) and in the regulation of sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and more.

Endocrine supporting ingredients in Nuzest Good Green Vitality

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is involved with blood-sugar regulation and better glucose control (shown by a reduction in HbA1c - a measure for average glucose) has been demonstrated in those with metabolic disorder (pre-diabetes), (1) there is reduced hospitalisation and cardiovascular mortality for those people with diabetes taking vitamin E supplements. (2)

Vitamin K

Vitamin K might help to manage insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. (3) Supplementation with both the more common vitamin K1 (found in vegetables) and the less prevalent forms of vitamin K2, reduce bone loss and may assist in reducing the incidence of bone fractures, partially through endocrine actions. (5, 6)

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved with blood glucose regulation and while the research is equivocal in those without diabetes, people with metabolic syndrome and diabetes might achieve positive changes in blood glucose, insulin levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides from magnesium supplementation. (7-10)

Green Tea

Green tea catechins can help to reduce body-fat levels, and it has been hypothesised that this is due to synergistic effects including those of caffeine and green tea catechins on fat oxidation, (11-13) and there are also positive effects on blood glucose and insulin. (14)

Ginseng

Evaluations of randomised trial data show promising results for ginseng improving blood sugar control, (21) and helping to modulate immune responses. (22)

Cocoa

There are many purported benefits to overall health from the traditional use of Cocoa and Cocoa-containing foods and drinks for cardiovascular, neurological, oral, endocrine, immune, respiratory and reproductive systems, and these are beginning to be shown in modern, scientific studies.(25, 26) Reviews of the research have shown that Cocoa and its plant phenols can improve insulin function and sensitivity, blood pressure, and improve flow-mediated dilation, (27, 28) important for proper blood-flow and overall health of the cardiovascular system.

Rosemary

Rosemary extracts could also be useful for the treatment of diabetes and metabolic disorder. (32, 33)

Turmeric

In vitro and animal studies suggest that curcuminoids from turmeric have high biological activity and improve many aspects of health, including benefits to the endocrine system. Many pharmacological actions are considered likely, including blood-glucose control, reductions in cholesterol and blood lipids, and improved immune function. (36)

Alpha-lipoic acid

Lipoic acid improves blood-sugar control by reducing glucose levels, fasted insulin levels, and improving insulin sensitivity. (37-39)

Resveratrol

A meta-analysis of the effect of resveratrol in diabetes showed dose-dependent and significant reductions in glucose and insulin concentrations. (40)

Beta-glucans

Beta-glucans have demonstrated the ability to reduce blood glucose from either high doses (~ 6 g per day) or longer-term use of lower doses. (41)

Globe artichoke

An extract of globe artichoke has also resulted in improved blood glucose and insulin homeostasis in another randomised, double-blinded trial. (44)

Milk Thistle

It is hypothesised that milk thistle might also help in the treatment of metabolic syndrome (pre-diabetes). (45)

Ginger

Ginger also likely has anti-diabetic properties; improving insulin sensitivity, reducing blood glucose, increasing HDL-cholesterol, reducing LDL-cholesterol, reducing triglycerides, weight and BMI, (46-50) and reduces the inflammatory marker c-reactive protein. (51)

Liquorice

Liquorice can help to preserve cortisol and might have beneficial effects for those with a distorted HPA-axis (commonly known as ‘adrenal fatigue‘).

Kelp

Kelp is high in iodine, a mineral that is essential for the creation of thyroid hormones and traditional medicinal use has typically been for the nutritional support of the thyroid gland. Pre-clinical evidence has also suggested that there might be anticoagulant and anti-diabetic effects of kelp supplementation. (53)

Zinc

Zinc is required for the function of hundreds of enzymes and thousands of transcription factors in the body. Because of the relative abundance of zinc and its use in so many enzyme reactions, zinc is essential to endocrine function. Zinc status is often low in those with metabolic syndrome and zinc has been shown to reduce fasting and post-meal glucose, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and c-reactive protein, (54) and improves insulin resistance in both men and women. (55)

Selenium

Selenium is a non-metal essential mineral. It is a component of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase and is a component of deiodinase enzymes which convert T4 (thyroxine) to the active thyroid hormone T3 (triiodothyronine), a key endocrine messenger that helps to govern metabolic rate. Selenium is required in small amounts but many soils (like those in New Zealand) are sparse in selenium.

Chromium

Research shows that chromium supplementation (specifically chromium picolinate)
significantly reduces high blood sugar and insulin levels in patients which
diabetes. (56-58) 

References

1.            Suksomboon N, Poolsup N, Sinprasert S. Effects of vitamin E supplementation on glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics. 2011;36(1):53-63.
2.            Patel N, Amin P, Shenoy A. Is vitamin E supplementation effective in reducing mortality related to cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus? A systematic review. IJC Metabolic & Endocrine. 2016;12:42-5.
3.            Manna P KJ. Beneficial role of vitamin K supplementation on insulin sensitivty, glucose metabolism, and the reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: a review. Nutrition. 2016;32(7-8):732-39.
4.            Evans CE GK, Ivy DR. Proposed critieria for the use of low-dose vitamin K supplementation in patients using vitamin K antagonists: a literature review of a clinical controversy. Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 2017;31(2).
5.            Cockayne S AJ, Lanham-New S. Vitamin K and the prevention of fractures systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(12):1256-61.
6.            Iwamoto J SY, Takeda T, Matsumoto H. High-dose vitamin K supplementation reduces fracture incidence in postmenopausal women: a review of the literature. Nutrition Research. 2009;29(4):221-8.
7.            Verma H, Garg R. Effect of magnesium supplementation on type 2 diabetes associated cardiovascular risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2017;30(5):621-33.
8.            Morais JBS, Severo JS, de Alencar GRR, de Oliveira ARS, Cruz KJC, Marreiro DdN, et al. Effect of magnesium supplementation on insulin resistance in humans: A systematic review. Nutrition. 2017;38:54-60.
9.            Veronese N, Watutantrige-Fernando S, Luchini C, Solmi M, Sartore G, Sergi G, et al. Effect of magnesium supplementation on glucose metabolism in people with or at risk of diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of double-blind randomized controlled trials. European Journal Of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;70:1354.
10.          Simental-Mend√≠a LE, Sahebkar A, Rodr√≠guez-Mor√°n M, Guerrero-Romero F. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effects of magnesium supplementation on insulin sensitivity and glucose control. Pharmacological Research. 2016;111:272-82.
11.          Rains TM, Agarwal S, Maki KC. Antiobesity effects of green tea catechins: a mechanistic review. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2011;22(1):1-7.
12.          Thorne A, Matthews LJ, Lanosa M, Phung OJ, Baker WL, Coleman CI. Effect of green tea catechins with or without caffeine on anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009;91(1):73-81.
13.          Thavanesan N. The putative effects of green tea on body fat: an evaluation of the evidence and a review of the potential mechanisms. British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;106(9):1297-309.
14.          Thielecke F, Boschmann M. The potential role of green tea catechins in the prevention of the metabolic syndrome ‚Äì A review. Phytochemistry. 2009;70(1):11-24.
15.          Kim A, Chiu A, Barone MK, Avino D, Wang F, Coleman CI, et al. Green Tea Catechins Decrease Total and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2011;111(11):1720-9.
16.          Onakpoya I, Spencer E, Heneghan C, Thompson M. The effect of green tea on blood pressure and lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2014;24(8):823-36.
17.          Khalesi S, Sun J, Buys N, Jamshidi A, Nikbakht-Nasrabadi E, Khosravi-Boroujeni H. Green tea catechins and blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Eur J Nutr. 2014;53(6):1299-311.
18.          Momose Y, Maeda-Yamamoto M, Nabetani H. Systematic review of green tea epigallocatechin gallate in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of humans. International journal of food sciences and nutrition. 2016;67(6):606-13.
19.          Jin X, Zheng R-h, Li Y-m. Green tea consumption and liver disease: a systematic review. Liver International. 2008;28(7):990-6.
20.          Shin HR, Kim JY, Yun TK, Morgan G, Vainio H. The cancer-preventive potential of Panax ginseng: a review of human and experimental evidence. Cancer Causes & Control. 2000;11(6):565-76.
21.          Sievenpiper JL, Djedovic V, Cozma AI, Ha V, Jayalath VH, Jenkins DJ, et al. The effect of ginseng (the genus panax) on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. PloS one. 2014;9(9):e107391.
22.          Shergis JL, Zhang AL, Zhou W, Xue CC. Panax ginseng in Randomised Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review. Phytotherapy Research. 2013;27(7):949-65.
23.          Shergis J, Zhang T, Zhou W, Xue C. P04.27. Panax ginseng in randomized controlled trials: a systematic review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2012;12(1):P297.
24.          Lee DC, Lau AS. Effects of Panax ginseng on tumor necrosis factor-Œ±-mediated inflammation: a mini-review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2011;16(4):2802-16.
25.          Araujo QRD, Gattward JN, Almoosawi S, Parada Costa Silva MdGC, Dantas PADS, Araujo J√∫nior QRD. Cocoa and Human Health: From Head to Foot - A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016;56(1):1-12.
26.          Mart√≠n M√Å, Ramos S. Health beneficial effects of cocoa phenolic compounds: a mini-review. Current Opinion in Food Science. 2017;14:20-5.
27.          Cassidy A, Abdelhamid A, Kay C, Rimm EB, Cohn JS, Kroon PA, et al. Effects of chocolate, cocoa, and flavan-3-ols on cardiovascular health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012;95(3):740-51.
28.          Bauer SR, Ding EL, Smit LA. Cocoa Consumption, Cocoa Flavonoids, and Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: An Evidence-Based Review. Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports. 2011;5(2):120-7.
29.          Kobler D, Schuler G, Thiele H, Eitel I, Schmidt J, Sareban M, et al. Effect of Cocoa Products on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. American Journal of Hypertension. 2010;23(1):97-103.
30.          Zhang I, Lin X, Liu S, Li A, Wang L, Sesso HD, et al. Cocoa Flavanol Intake and Biomarkers for Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. The Journal of Nutrition. 2016;146(11):2325-33.
31.          Ellinger S, Stehle P. Impact of cocoa consumption on inflammation processes - a critical review of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients. 2016;8(6):321.
32.          Hassani FV, Shirani K, Hosseinzadeh H. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: a review. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology. 2016;389(9):931-49.
33.          Sedighi R, Zhao Y, Yerke A, Sang S. Preventive and protective properties of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in obesity and diabetes mellitus of metabolic disorders: a brief review. Current Opinion in Food Science. 2015;2:58-70.
34.          Amalraj A, Pius A, Gopi S, Gopi S. Biological activities of curcuminoids, other biomolecules from turmeric and their derivatives ‚Äì A review. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine. 2017;7(2):205-33.
35.          Hosseini A, Hosseinzadeh H. Antidotal or protective effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and its active ingredient, curcumin, against natural and chemical toxicities: A review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2018;99:411-21.
36.          Fallah Huseini H, Zahmatkash M, Haghighi M. A review on pharmacological effects of Curcuma longa L.(turmeric). Journal of Medicinal Plants. 2010;1(33):1-15.
37.          Akbari M, Ostadmohammadi V, Lankarani KB, Tabrizi R, Kolahdooz F, Khatibi SR, et al. The effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on glucose control and lipid profiles among patients with metabolic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Metabolism. 2018;87:56-69.
38.          Haghighatdoost F, Hariri M. Does alpha-lipoic acid affect lipid profile? A meta-analysis and systematic review on randomized controlled trials. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2019;847:1-10.
39.          Mousavi SM, Shab-Bidar S, Kord-Varkaneh H, Khorshidi M, Djafarian K. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Nutrition. 2019;59:121-30.
40.          Zhu X, Wu C, Qiu S, Yuan X, Li L. Effects of resveratrol on glucose control and insulin sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition & Metabolism. 2017;14(1):60.
41.          Andrade EF, Vieira Lobato R, Vasques de Ara√∫jo T, Zanger√¥nimo MG, de Sousa RV, Pereira LJ. Effect of beta-glucans in the control of blood glucose levels of diabetic patients: a systematic review. Nutr Hosp. 2015;31(1).
42.          Pins J, Kaur H. A review of the effects of barley beta-glucan on cardiovascular and diabetic risk. Cereal Foods World. 2006;51(1):8.
43.          Ho HVT, Sievenpiper JL, Zurbau AL, Mejia SB, Jovanovski E, Yeung FA, et al. The Effect of Oat Beta-Glucan on Clinical Lipid Markers for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. The FASEB Journal. 2016;30(1_supplement):289.5-.5.
44.          Rondanelli M, Opizzi A, Faliva M, Sala P, Perna S, Riva A, et al. Metabolic Management in Overweight Subjects with Naive Impaired Fasting Glycaemia by Means of a Highly Standardized Extract From Cynara scolymus: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial. Phytotherapy Research. 2014;28(1):33-41.
45.          Tajmohammadi A, Razavi BM, Hosseinzadeh H. Silybum marianum (milk thistle) and its main constituent, silymarin, as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: A review. Phytotherapy Research. 2018;32(10):1933-49.
46.          Arablou T, Aryaeian N. The effect of ginger on glycemia and lipid profile: a brief review. Razi Journal of Medical Sciences. 2014;21(125):94-103.
47.          Ebrahimzadeh Attari V, Malek Mahdavi A, Javadivala Z, Mahluji S, Zununi Vahed S, Ostadrahimi A. A systematic review of the anti-obesity and weight lowering effect of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and its mechanisms of action. Phytotherapy Research. 2018;32(4):577-85.
48.          Maharlouei N, Tabrizi R, Lankarani KB, Rezaianzadeh A, Akbari M, Kolahdooz F, et al. The effects of ginger intake on weight loss and metabolic profiles among overweight and obese subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2018:1-14.
49.          Zhu J, Chen H, Song Z, Wang X, Sun Z. Effects of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Components of the Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018;2018:11.
50.          Daily JW, Yang M, Kim DS, Park S. Efficacy of ginger for treating Type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Ethnic Foods. 2015;2(1):36-43.
51.          Mazidi M, Gao H-K, Rezaie P, Ferns GA. The effect of ginger supplementation on serum C-reactive protein, lipid profile and glycaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Food & Nutrition Research. 2016;60(1):32613.
52.          Yousefi R, Saidpour A, Mottaghi A. The effects of Spirulina supplementation on metabolic syndrome components, its liver manifestation and related inflammatory markers: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2019;42:137-44.
53.          Catherine U, Ethan B, Heather B, Julie C, Dawn C, Samantha C, et al. Seaweed, Kelp, Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus): An Evidence-Based Systematic Review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2013;19(4):217-30.
54.          Wang X, Wu W, Zheng W, Fang X, Chen L, Rink L, et al. Zinc supplementation improves glycemic control for diabetes prevention and management: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2019.
55.          Cruz KJC, Morais JBS, de Oliveira ARS, Severo JS, Marreiro DdN. The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Obese Subjects: a Systematic Review. Biological Trace Element Research. 2017;176(2):239-43.
56.          San Mauro Martin I RLA, Camina Martin MA, Garicano Vilar E, Collado-Yurrita L, de Mateo-Silleras B, Redondo del Rio MdP. Chromium supplementation in patients with type 2 diabetes and high risk of type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutricion Hospitalaria. 2016;33(1):156-61.
57.          Broadhurst CL DP. Clinical studies on chromium picolinate supplementation in diabetes mellitus- a review. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics. 2006;8(6).
58.          Balk EM TA, Lichtenstein AH, Lau J, Pittas AG. Effect of chromium supplementation on glucose metabolism and lipids: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Care. 2007;30(8):2154-63.
59.          Suksomboon N PN, Yuwanakorn A. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of chromium supplementation in diabetes. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2014;39(3):292-306.
60.          Marmett B BNR. Effects of chromium picolinate supplementation on control of metabolic variables: a systematic review. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 2016;4(10):633-39.
61.          Onakpoya I PP, Ernst E. Chromium supplementation in overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Obesity Reviews. 2013;14(6):496-507.
62.          Fazelian S RM, Bank SS, Amani R. Chromium supplementation and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology. 2017;42:92-6.
63.          Maes M, Leunis J-C. Normalization of leaky gut in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accompanied by a clinical improvement: effects of age, duration of illness and the translocation of LPS from gram-negative bacteria. Neuro Endocrinology Lett. 2008;29(6):902-10.
64.          Sturniolo GC, Di Leo V, Ferronato A, D'Odorico A, D'Inc√† R. Zinc supplementation tightens ‚ÄúLeaky Gut‚Äù in Crohn's disease. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. 2001;7(2):94-8.

 

The information provided on Nuzest is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please speak to your qualified healthcare professional in the event that something you have read here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.