Levels change in response to infection, stress and changes in chemical composition of the blood. There is a constant, fine control in this system. For example, the hormone that controls water excretion is itself controlled by the amount of water in the body. Stress can also interfere with the glands and may cause an overproduction of some hormones. Additionally, in the absence of a proper spark from various hormones produced by the pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid and adrenal glands, we cannot achieve optimal aerobic conversion of food to energy.
Trace minerals are crucial to proper endocrine function.
Overworked and depleted soils worldwide have exhausted the minerals in our food supply, making it practically impossible to ensure adequate mineral intake. The thyroid gland, for example, is able to maintain proper metabolic rates and body fluid levels when it has ample iodine. A similar need has been established for chromium in the pancreas and its control of blood sugar levels. Eating food rich in trace minerals will help nutritionally support the glandular functions of the body. Unfortunately, many of the foods that are a mainstay of the modern diet are devoid of trace minerals.