Thyroid Gland Problems   Thyroid gland problems can be helped naturally, some with natural medicines alone and others in conjunction with medications. Thyroid conditions are seemingly increasing and can have profound effects on mood, weight and general wellbeing. Thyroid gland problems are also common after childbirth in the postpartum period and may be related to postpartum depression or ‘baby blues’. Thyroid activity also commonly changes at menopause and can be responsible for many unpleasant symptoms such as weight gain and depression. Under Active Thyroid: The Hidden Epidemic An under active thyroid may be the cause of as many as 40% of unexplained cases of fatigue, depression, weight gain and infertility. Thyroid deficiency generally affects women who are over the age of 40, but it can also affect men and teenagers, especially if it runs in the family. The elderly are particularly susceptible to undiagnosed or subclinical hypothyroidism. Common Causes of Thyroid Gland Problems Why is it so common? Like many other hormone imbalances, low thyroid is due, in part, to our modern lifestyle. Causes include:
What Is a Thyroid Gland & Where Is It? The thyroid gland lies in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. This butterfly shaped gland measures about two inches across and normally cannot be seen. It can barely be felt upon palpation. An enlarged thyroid, known as goitre, can easily be detected by your doctor or naturopath upon examination. The thyroid gland secretes hormones which control the body’s metabolic rate in two primary ways: by stimulating tissue response in the body to produce specialised proteins, and by increasing cell oxygenation. To produce these vital hormones, the thyroid needs iodine, which is ingested from food and water. The regulation of thyroid hormone levels is controlled by several mechanisms. The hypothalamus, located in the brain just above the pituitary gland, secretes thyrotropin-releasing hormone, which triggers the pituitary to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood reaches a certain level, the pituitary will produce less TSH; conversely, when the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood decreases to a certain level, the pituitary produces more TSH. Thyroid Hormones The thyroid gland secretes two significant hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The pituitary gland (located at the base of your brain) sends messages in the form of hormones to tell your thyroid what to do. The hormone messenger is called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and it regulates your two main thyroid hormones - T4 and T3. Thyroid deficiency occurs when the thyroid gland under-produces the T4 and T3 hormones needed to regulate the body’s metabolic rate. In a healthy person, T4 converts to T3. It is T3 that is very important for weight loss. It boosts your metabolism and prevents your body storing fat. If T3 levels are low, this can lower your basal (resting) metabolic rate, which alone can lead to weight gain. In some people, the thyroid does not properly convert T4 to T3, the metabolically active form; and instead converts into an inactive form, called reverse T3. If reverse T3 levels are elevated, your metabolism is affected, causing greater weight gain. Selenium is necessary for the conversion of T4 to T3.
At Last! The Natural Thyroid Diet Is |
