By:Jennifer Abrefa

 The thyroid secretes hormones that control how fast and efficiently cells convert nutrients into energy so that the cells can perform their functions. This chemical activity is known as metabolism. The main hormones are thyroxine (also known as T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Besides metabolism, thyroid hormones influence growth, development and body temperature. During infancy and childhood, adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development.  The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland with two lobes that sits on the front of the neck, below the Adam’s apple. It weighs less than an ounce and when it is its normal size, you can’t feel it.

Very important!!  It controls the rate at which every cell, tissue and organ in your body functions. That means your brain, heart, muscles, bones, skin, digestive tract and more.

Thyroid disease is usually associated with signs and symptoms such as weight gain or loss, sensitivity to hot or cold, bowel movement changes and menstrual irregularities. Thyroid conditions include goiter, thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), hyperthyroidism (excessive production of thyroid hormones) and hypothyroidism (low production of thyroid hormones).

Hyperthyroidism develops when the body is exposed to excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are  Mild to severe fatigue  Depression  Restlessness  Irritability  Fast heart rate, often more than 100 beats per minute  Nervousness, anxiety or an irritable and quarrelsome feeling  Trembling hands  Weight loss, despite eating the same amount or even more than usual  Intolerance of warm temperatures and increased likelihood to perspire  Loss of scalp hair  Rapid growth of fingernails and tendency of fingernails to separate from the nail bed  Muscle weakness, especially of the upper arms and thighs  Loose and frequent bowel movements  Thin and delicate skin  Change in menstrual pattern  Increased likelihood for miscarriage  Prominent “stare” of the eyes  Protrusion of the eyes, with or without double vision (in patients with Graves’ disease)  Irregular heart rhythm, especially in patients older than 60 years of age  Accelerated loss of calcium from bones, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Hypothyroidism, or under activity of the thyroid gland, occurs when the thyroid gland produces less than the normal amount of thyroid hormones. This results in the slow down of many different bodily functions. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:  Constant tiredness  Cold intolerance  Loss of appetite  Weight gain  Slow pulse  Enlarged thyroid gland  Brittle fingernails  Hair loss  Constipation  Joint pain  Heavier menstrual periods Symptoms that are more common in older people include:  High cholesterol  Heart failure  Joint pain  General muscular pain  Dementia  Bowel movement changes  Diarrhea  Constipation.

 Sea Weed-Naturally rich in iodine as well as trace minerals, sea weed has long been considered a food that supports thyroid function.  Coconut Oil-Coconut oil also supports proper thyroid function as it slightly stimulates thyroid hormone production and the metabolism.  Shellfish-Shellfish, like sea vegetables, are naturally rich in iodine – the nutrient that is critically important to thyroid function as iodine molecules are used in the production of thyroid hormones.

 Fermented Soy Foods-Soy is very goitrogenic. A strong suppressor of thyroid hormones, some research indicates that soy may even be more effective in thyroid suppression than anti-thyroid drugs.  Raw Cruciferous Vegetables-Raw cruciferous vegetables also suppress thyroid function. Cruciferous vegetables like kohlrabi, cabbage, cauliflower, rapini, turnips and Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens that interfere with iodine uptake and, in that way, also interfere with production of thyroid hormones.  Millet-contains goitrogens and interferes with iodine uptake. Cooking millet, as well as goitrogen-rich cruciferous vegetables

Thyroid conditions can be treated. So if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hyper- or hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor right away

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