Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease is a common problem that can cause symptoms because of over- or under-function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is an essential organ for producing thyroid hormones, which maintain body metabolism. The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck below the Adam's apple. Thyroid disease can also sometimes lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck, which can cause symptoms that are directly related to the increase in size of the organ (such as difficulty swallowing and discomfort in front of the neck).
See also :

• Thyroid Cancer
• Hyperthyroidism
• Hypothyroidism

Symptoms

Just as the types of thyroid conditions can vary, so can the symptoms of thyroid problems. Here, we have listed ten common symptoms of thyroid disease:

• Nervousness and tremor: These symptoms, along with agitation, can signal an overfunction of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
• Mental fogginess and poor concentration: Mental functioning can be affected in both hyperthyroidism (elevated levels of thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (too low levels of thyroid hormones). While sluggishness and depressed mood are often associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can also lead to a reduced capacity for concentration.
• Menstrual changes: Hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while hyperthyroidism can be characterized by scanty or reduced menstrual flow.
• Feeling bloated: Fluid retention is often a sign of an underactive thyroid gland.
• Racing heartbeat: An increased heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Aches and pains: Muscle aches and pain can accompany different types of thyroid problems.
• Weight gain: A modest amount of weight gain often accompanies conditions in which thyroid gland activity is lower than normal.
• High cholesterol levels: An increase in blood cholesterol levels can occur in individuals with hypothyroidism.
• Heat intolerance: People with an overactive thyroid gland often complain of intolerance to higher temperatures.
• Feeling cold: Conversely, those with an underfunctioning thyroid may feel constantly cold. It is important to remember that none of these symptoms is absolutely specific for thyroid disease. All of them may be caused by a number of different conditions and normal states. Your health care professional can order laboratory tests to evaluate the function of your thyroid gland if you have troubling symptoms.

Natural Remedies

• Fresh, raw, organic produce heals. Produce heals everything.
• Iodine : A lack of iodine inhibits the body's natural detoxification, leads to cancer cell growth, and causes hypothyroidism. The thyroid absorbs iodine and, in doing so, replaces other toxins it has accumulated. It's also important to avoid excessive iodine intake for anyone with Hashimoto's or hyperthyroidism. As stated above, we highly recommend that any iodine consumed come from whole food sources.
• Selenium is required for the body to convert T3 into T4. Without enough selenium in the diet, the thyroid suffers. Seafood and meat are high in selenium, but there are also some vegan choices.
• Vitamin B12 is found in every cell of the body. It is required for cellular metabolism and energy production, so obviously, without B12, the thyroid can't function optimally. B12 deficiencies are very common with hypothyroidism. A lack of B12 can cause and worsen hypothyroidism. Even though most people actually consume enough vitamin B12 in their diets, a deficiency occurs in many due to an inability to absorb the nutrient in the blood. This goes back to gut health. The body cannot absorb and assimilate nutrients properly with a poorly functioning digestive system. In addition, if the liver is not up to par, this radically inhibits the body's ability to utilize B12. Unless a knowledgeable naturopath recommends it for a limited amount of time, do not take vitamin B12 alone. We recommend a B vitamin complex with extra B12.
• Vitamin D : Over a billion people worldwide do not get enough vitamin D. A recent study showed that vitamin D levels were significantly lower in people suffering from hypothyroidism than the general population. While vitamin D deficiencies and hypothyroidism do tend to take place together, a lack of vitamin D and pretty much every other disease coincide as well. It's unlikely anyone's hypothyroidism is primarily caused by a lack of vitamin D, but it's a certainty that the body will not fully heal without enough vitamin D.
• Vitamin A : We all know vitamin A is required for good vision. We also need vitamin A for the immune system, hormone synthesis, and the production of T3. Without enough vitamin A, thyroid hormone levels drop quickly.
• Bromelain is the enzyme that makes pineapple the superfood that it is. Bromelain helps reduce inflammation.
• Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has many benefits, including the ability to significantly improve liver function, and it can help stabilize cortisol levels. This helps stimulate T3 and T4 hormone synthesis.
• Licorice root can benefit the thyroid and adrenal glands for people who have low cortisol (adrenal fatigue).
• Reishi Mushroom is a good source of selenium, and it has a ton of other benefits including boosting the immune system.
• Schisandra chinensis : This is another adaptogenic herb that helps the thyroid and has many other health benefits.
• Zinc : A zinc deficiency has been shown to inhibit T3 production. Zinc also contributes to immune modulation, which may reduce thyroid antibody levels. Additionally, like selenium, zinc also contributes to 5'deiodinase activity.
• Coleus forskohlii(Indian coleus)
• Melissa officinalis(lemon balm)
• Ningpoensis(Chinese figwort)
• Prunella Vulgaris (common selfheal)
• Radix scrophulariae (Xuan Shen)

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.