Article 5: Endocrine System JB s a chiropractic assistant, some of your re- m M sponsibilities are to promote the growth of J ^ the practice, be knowledgeable about all of ^^■^4 the services that your doctor offers as well m ■ as the benefits of those services, and to be patient advocates. Many times, your patients feel much more comfortable talking to you and telling you things that they may not tell the doctor. It is up to you to help guide them in certain situations and to help explain what the doctor is recommending or can offer. In this article, I will be talking about the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secrete hormones. Some of the functions that the endocrine system is responsible for are stress response, metabolism, absorption, and sexual health. There is a direct link between the endocrine system and the digestive system. So if you have a problem with one, there is a chance you have a problem with both. What is the connection? Hormones must be made in the body and need the raw materials (protein and fat) to do so. If you can't properly digest your food, the glands of the endocrine system cannot produce these hormones appropriately. They can't function optimally, so you will have symptoms as a result. Explain to your patients that eating a balanced diet and improving digestion with food enzymes can greatly improve thefunction of the endocrine system. Since food enzymes predigest your food, they can provide the raw material needed to help your body produce the necessary hormones for proper function. This is why predigestion is paramount, and it should be considered as the first domino in the cascade of optimal health. Without a balanced diet and proper digestion, it is only a matter of time before the body becomes exhausted and symptoms manifest. Here are a few common symptoms that let you know that a patient's endocrine system could be out of balance: History of thyroid disorders Awake after a few hours and can't get back to sleep History of prostate disorders History of menstrual disorders Neck, shoulder, arm, hand discomfort Fatigued, easily tired Be on the lookout for these symptoms as you converse with your patients. Engage your patients with some great follow-up questions once they express a particular symptom to you. First, you want to acknowledge that you heard them by saying something such as, "I am sorry to hear that." Then ask, "How long have you been experiencing that?" "How often do you experience that?", and "What are the intensity of your symptoms?" Then you can add, "I am sorry that you have learned to live with that." Paying attention to the details can go a long way with "wowing" your patients when it comes from your heart and you truly want to help them. Your doctor can do a two-minute exam on patients with unresolved issues to see if their bodies need specific food enzymes that can help speed up their recovery. For more information on food enzyme nutrition, chiropractors may call the Loomis Institute at 1-800-662-2630 to set up an account. See the Loomis Institute's ad to order the "REAL" Test Kit, which teaches chiropractors the screening exam mentioned in this article. Chiropractors have access to the Loomis Institute's director of clinical sciences, who is available to answer questions as they incorporate enzyme nutrition into practice. Dr. Keith Giaquinto has over II years of clinical experience as a Chiropractor and Internal Health Specialist. He frequently lectures to companies and groups in his community on topics of health and wellness. He has created a new patient lecture system for growing your practice through lecturing. You can contact him at www. YourDigestionDoctor.com
