Are You Fit but Unhealthy? The 10 Systems of the Human Body

As a Holistic Personal Trainer it is important to understand that the body is made up of a system of systems.

All the systems are related. If one system fails or is affected by disease then this effects the other systems.

For example: Respiratory issues will effect the Nervous System and induce anxiety. Absorbing unnatural foods through the Digestive System may trigger off an auto-immune disease in the Immune System. An over worked Nervous System will suppress the Reproductive system.

A fit person is not necessarily a healthy person. Just because you look good in the mirror and have ripped abs doesn’t mean all your systems are functioning well.

I have dealt with many clients that look great but are suffering from digestive issues, depression, skin problems, poor sex life, adrenal burnout, fatigue etc.

The following 10 Systems make up the Human Body and should all be addressed if you want to live a long, happy and healthy life.

 

# 1 – Skeletal System

The framework of the body. Not only do the bones of the body act as protection for the vital organs but also as anchor points for all our soft tissue. Your bones are alive and constantly regenerating, placing stress on your bones is vital for their health.

Watch out for:

Problems with the Joints like the Spine, Pelvis, Ankles/Wrists. The bones connective tissues, Cartilage and Ligaments.  Bone Fractures. Also, Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid Arthritis.

# 2 – Muscular System

The muscular system attaches to the skeletal system and produces movement. The body is basically a system of pulleys moving around your joints. The muscles have a rich supply of blood enabling them to repair and recover quickly.

Watch out for:

Muscle and Tendon Strains, Tears, Tendinitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

# 3 – Nervous System

The nervous system is the body’s computer sending messages quickly around the body. You have an automated system that governs things like breathing and heart rate. The nerve endings of your body relay information back to the spine or brain for immediate reaction.

Watch out for:

Problems with vision. Bad Sleep Cycles. Nerve Damage that includes dead spots on the skin. Anxiety. Smell, Taste, Touch and Hearing problems. Balance issues. Strokes, Migraines, Meningitis.

# 4 – Endocrine System

The hormonal system of the body. Hormones originate from the glands. Hormones send messages around the body.  Hormones cause  specific reactions in the body like the release of Adrenalin or Insulin.

Watch out for:

Adrenal Fatigue and Anxiety Issues. Pancreas, Thyroid & Parathyroid problems. Issues related to the Testes or Ovaries.  Diabetes level 1 or 2.

# 5 – Cardiovascular System

The cardiovascular system involves the blood stream and the transportation of oxygen to the working tissues. The more economical the oxygen transportation system the more efficient the muscles can continue to work.

Watch out for:

Problems with the Blood, Arteries, Veins, and Capillaries. Heart issues including attacks, angina, atherosclerosis, valves disorders, embolism, thrombosis, arrhythmia, and hypertension (or high blood pressure)

# 6 – Respiratory System

Breathing in and breathing out oxygenates the blood as well as removing the waste carbon dioxide. The better the respiratory system the more oxygen in the blood and the more efficient the muscles can work. Incorrect breathing patterns will directly affect the Nervous System.

Watch out for:

Problems with the Lungs, Common Colds, Influenza, Bronchitis, Asthma, and Emphysema.

# 7 – Urinary System

The body’s purification system with the assistance of the Kidney’s. The more you drink the more the kidney’s have to work. The more toxins you drink the more your kidney’s are stressed.

Watch out for:

Problems with the Kidney’s, Incontinence, and Kidney Stones.

# 8 – Digestive System

Often referred to as existing outside of the human body the Digestive system runs from mouth to anus. In many ways the digestive system is blocked off from the rest of the body to avoid things that shouldn’t be eaten entering into the blood stream. The digestion system is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing the nutrients into the body.

Watch out for:

Problems with Mouth & Throat, Salivary Glands, Teeth, Stomach, Small Intestines, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Large Intestine or Colon, Digestion, Enzymes, Peptic Ulcers, Gastritis, Hiatus Hernia, Alcoholic Liver Disease, Portal Hypertension, Gallstones, Pancreatitis, and Diverticular disease.

# 9 – Lymph & Immune System

The immune system keeps us healthy and fights off those deadly bacteria with the help of the white blood cells. The lymphatic system is a separate system that transports lymph or recycled blood plasma. Also absorbs and transports fatty acids.

Watch out for:

Viruses, Bacteria, Superbugs, Malaria, Fungi, Parasitic Worms, Allergies, and Immunization.

# 10 – Reproductive System

Helps us reproduce offspring. Often one of the first systems to be affected when other systems are not functioning well. Nature does not want unhealthy people to reproduce!

Watch out for:

Menstrual Cycle issues, and Contraceptive pills. Prostate, Testicular cancer, Hydrocele, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Breast Lumps, and Prolapsed Uterus.

The Problem with Western Medicine

The western style of medicine often uses a reductionist style of treatment, focusing in on the symptom and removing it or treating it with drugs. This approach only pushes the problem deeper down only to raise its ugly head elsewhere.

In my opinion, only way to achieve optimal health is to look at the body as a complete whole and not as a separate collection of systems.

Is this how you approach your health?