Jun 29 '10 Thyroid Health Problems How, Why, and What to Do Next

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The thyroid gland is a precision instrument that is vital in growth and metabolism. This means that not only is the thyroid gland essential for the function of our bodies, but also that it needs to be working perfectly for optimum health.

One of the most common forms of thyroid problem is hypothyroidism or an under active thyroid gland. The most prevalent form of hypothyroidism is thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s Disease, an auto immune disease affecting the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by a thyroid gland that is inflamed or sluggish. Thyroid problems can be due to iodine deficiency, an after effect of surgery or medication, or dysfunction of the pituitary gland. First, let’s look at the symptoms and diagnosis of thyroid problems more closely.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

One of the first signs is usually weight gain, especially if the pounds pile on quickly and are almost impossible to remove. The skin could become dry and rough, the hair dry and coarse, and constant tiredness are also symptoms of this thyroid problem. There could also be memory loss, cramps and constipation. All of these symptoms or just a few can be present, which means diagnosis of a thyroid problem by your physician I recommended.

A blood test for levels of thyroid hormones TSH and T4 is the most precise way to diagnose a health problem. Now, most precise does not necessarily mean very precise, and in fact there is no specific level of thyroid hormones that is “normal” for everyone. Thyroid problems can appear in someone who has the same levels as someone else who seems perfectly fine. The range of thyroid levels considered normal is quite wide. Nevertheless, a blood test remains the best way to diagnose a thyroid health problem, such as hypothyroidism.

Treatment of hypothyroidism

The conventional treatment for thyroid health problems is Levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone. This treatment can be often very hit-and-miss, with constant monitoring needed as to how levothyroxine levels are affecting the condition. An alternate method of treating thyroid health problems is using a natural thyroid hormone, such as an extract from cows. Here however, there is always the fear of virus contamination. In both cases it is hoped that changing the thyroid hormone levels will treat the causes of the thyroid problem, rather than just temporarily relieve the symptoms.

Natural treatment of hypothyroidism

Vitamins and supplements are also vital when treating thyroid health problems, and for general thyroid support. Vitamins A and C help a lot, as does an increased intake of copper. It’s best to cut out stimulants like alcohol, tea and coffee, as well as smoking. Food with additives and preservatives should be avoided, while fresh vegetables and fruit should be increased to restore balance to your body.

There are also natural remedies being used to treat various thyroid problems. Kelp is said to be very effective and has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. However, if you are using it to for thyroid support, you must be sure that the kelp comes from a reputed source as it can be contaminated with effluents if it has been harvested too close to the shore. Go-ji or the lyceum berry is also said to be good for thyroid problems, as is avena sativa, a wild oat plant.

The causes of thyroid problems are numerous, so the best way to maintain thyroid health is by taking a holistic approach to health and nutrition. In addition, various herbs and natural remedies are available that are believed to actively treat the problem. Only Mitamins can create a vitamin supplement that combines the essential vitamins and minerals needed for thyroid health with herbs that are known to help in the treatment of thyroid problems.

Jun 29 '10 Why Am I Fat? Diet, Exercise, or Thyroid Problem?

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Big bones, genetics, thyroid problems. All three are often given as reasons for unexplained weight gain, or for being overweight. Often these three are cruelly dismissed by others as “excuses” and that the real reason a person is overweight is simply because they are too lazy or too greedy, or both. Of course, big bones do not cause the sort of fat you can grab hold of and wiggle about, and the link between genetics and obesity is not yet proven. However, thyroid problems certainly are real, and one symptom of an under-active thyroid gland is unexplained weight gain. In a country that has 65% of its population overweight or obese, it is time to investigate whether thyroid problems might be a bigger cause than once thought.

The Symptoms of Thyroid Problems

The thyroid gland is located beneath the voice box and produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth and metabolism. An imbalance in thyroid levels in the body leads to thyroid health problems. There can be a number of thyroid problem symptoms, but the most noticeable is reflected in the weight of the patient. An over-active thyroid gland is called hyperthyroidism, and leads to rapid weight loss. An under active thyroid, hypothyroidism, is much more common and leads to sometimes dramatic weight gain.

To properly diagnose an underactive thyroid, or any thyroid problem, a physician is needed. However there are a number of symptoms, besides weight gain, that can indicate a thyroid problem:

Cold hands and feet

Headaches, insomnia

Puffy eyes

Dry skin

Dizziness or a ringing in the ears

The Cause of Weight Gain: Diet, But Not As We Know It.

A publication issued by the American Thyroid Association to educate people about thyroid health problems has proved beneficial to the over seven million women who are afflicted with thyroid health problems. Thyroid problems are sometimes the result of ingesting fluoride in the drinking water which leads to fluoride poisoning.

Iodine is crucially important in correct thyroid support and function. A lack of iodine in the diet causes a number of thyroid problems, including goiter. Goiters are no longer a problem in most developed countries, but other thyroid problems still do and it is thought that it may be due to incorrect levels of iodine. It was once assumed that iodized salt, commonly available, would be the solution to these problems but it that has not been the case. There are a number of foods that block iodine from being absorbed, including peanuts and soybeans. In addition, our diets having changed so much from the time of our ancestors, and these new foods – heavily refined and processed – work our thyroid gland to exhaustion. This can lead to thyroid problems, and of course weight gain.

We hear a lot about how our modern American diet is making the country, and the world, fat. This may be the case, but not simply through eating too many calories and not burning off enough excess. It is possible that your weight gain could be caused through thyroid problems. You can take control of your thyroid gland through supplementation, either using a combination of B vitamins and other natural extracts. Don’t let people tell you that you’re lazy or that you eat too much. Consider the cause of your weight gain could be thyroid related and take positive steps.