THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
So already we see how every part of our body is interdependent on another and all need looking after and supplied with the correct nutrients to help function properly. As already mentioned these nutrients need to be
circulated round the body to get to the parts that need them. Therefore as well as a healthy digestive system to process the foods into the required nutrients, we need a healthy circulatory system to get them round the body to organs, joints, brain, lungs, bone, etc.
circulated round the body to get to the parts that need them. Therefore as well as a healthy digestive system to process the foods into the required nutrients, we need a healthy circulatory system to get them round the body to organs, joints, brain, lungs, bone, etc.
The Circulatory System consists of the heart and the network of arteries, veins and smaller blood vessels. Blood is pumped out from the heart continuously to carry oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body. At the same time removing harmful waste products from tissues for disposal.
The other important part of the system is the Hepatic Portal System, where the blood from the stomach, spleen, intestines and pancreas drains into a number of veins which then merge into one large vein, the portal vein. This vein takes the blood to the liver, which absorbs and stores nutrients and removes toxins. So a healthy heart and liver are a must.
Like us, without oxygen all cells in the body would die. The oxygenated blood from the lungs circulates through the arteries into smaller and smaller vessels which connect with capilliaries. The blood also transports nutrients and waste products so we need healthy free flowing arteries (not blocked ones) and veins.
If our arteries are lined and blocked with cholesterol and other fatty deposits the nutrients our cells need find it hard to get through. Again an example of the inter dependence of all the body's workings. Also blocked arteries are a cause of hypertension or high blood pressure. All avoidable with proper diet and lifestyle.
Whether it is the liver, stomach, heart, kidneys, pancreas, etc they all need caring for and maintaining as they are all part of the whole. Just like a car has a motor, steering system, cooling system, brakes, etc all dependent on each other to keep the car going.
The digestive system and circulatory system are not the only systems functioning and needing nutrients. Every cell, organ, bone, gland, skin, etc needs nutrients. The Endocrine System is another example of how everything in our bodies are connected.
It is a collection of hormone producing glands and cells situated in various parts of the body. They are all important to health, for instance the parathyroid gland produces a hormone that regulates blood calcium levels. The pancreas hormones regulate glucose levels in the blood. All affected by the diet and nutrition.
That is enough technical detail on the body. Obviously it is much more complex and technical than I have gone into here. Whole books can and are written on any part and can provide all the technical information you want. However this book is about diet and nutrition at a simple level for you to be
healthy, lose weight if necessary and begin to understand the importance of good nutrition so you can make the decisions that will give you the desire to change your diet and lifestyle.
healthy, lose weight if necessary and begin to understand the importance of good nutrition so you can make the decisions that will give you the desire to change your diet and lifestyle.
