The THYROID, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck, plays a significant role in your body’s ENDOCRINE (HORMONE) system. They thyroid makes hormones that control how effectively you burn calories for ENERGY. In other words, your METABOLISM. When these hormones are too low your METABOLISM suffers (HYPOTHYROIDISM), making it nearly impossible to lose weight no matter how little you eat or how much you exercise. When these hormones are TOO HIGH (HYPERTHYROIDISM), it is equally problematic. Understanding thyroid diseases, their symptoms, and the treatments available can be essential to maintaining our health.
Unraveling the Intricacies of the Thyroid
The thyroid gland releases two hormones, primarily THYROXINE (T4) and TRIIODOTHYRONINE (T3), which regulate the body’s metabolism and affect the functioning of nearly all the body’s systems. Consequently, any disruption in its functioning can lead to symptoms that could be indicative of a thyroid disease.
Fortunately, the problem of poor thyroid function can be solved if you know the most effective nutrition to strive for, strategies to manage stress and the cutting-edge technology proven to REMOVE the TOXIC substances that negatively affect THYROID FUNCTION.
Recognizing Thyroid Disease Symptoms
Hypothyroid – Is this your broken Metabolism?
We all know people who can eat whatever they want, and yet they NEVER seem to gain weight.
You, on the other hand, JUST LOOK AT FOOD (from across the street) yet continue to gain weight!
What’s the difference?
Certainly, low thyroid function is one of the many reasons for a poor (or slow) METABOLISM.
Many people (including those diagnosed with HYPOTHYROIDISM) are unaware that low thyroid function frequently occurs when the body attacks its own thyroid gland. The confused immune system forms antibodies against its own normal thyroid tissue, negatively affecting thyroid HORMONE production and resulting in low thyroid function and subsequent symptoms.
This situation is called AUTOIMMUNE or HASHIMOTO’S thyroiditis.
In other words, most people (again, including those diagnosed with HYPOTHYROIDISM) don’t realize that they actually have an AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE.
In order to be able to successfully lose weight, or resolve ANY low thyroid symptom (see a complete list below), you must address your confused IMMUNE SYSTEM. You must calm it down, so to speak, so it does NOT attack your thyroid, or at least, attacks it less frequently.
Fortunately, addressing NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES, managing STRESS and removing CELLULAR TOXICITIES can do this, resolving many symptoms, including the most prevalent one, STUBBORN WEIGHT LOSS RESISTANCE.
Common symptoms when Your Thyroid Is UNDERACTIVE (HASHIMOTO’S) include:
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Unexplained weight gain
- Dry skin and hair
- Sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Depression and irritability
- Memory problems
- Slow heart rate
Hyperthyroidism: When Your Thyroid Is OVERACTIVE (GRAVE’S)
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is the condition where the thyroid gland is overactive, producing excessive thyroid hormones. Just like with HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE, many people are unaware that high or OVERACTIVE thyroid function frequently occurs when the body attacks its own thyroid gland.
This is a condition known as GRAVE’S DISEASE.
Symptoms of overactive thyroid often include:
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Weight loss
- Nervousness, Anxiety, or irritability
- Tremeors in the hands and fingers
- Increased sensitivity to heat
- Changes in MENSTRUAL patterns
- Enlarged thyroid gland (GOITER )
Other Symptoms of Thyroid Disease
While hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the most common types of thyroid diseases, other disorders such as thyroid NODULES, thyroiditis, and THYROID CANCER may also exhibit unique symptoms, such as a lump in the neck, throat pain, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Conventional Treatment Options for Thyroid Diseases
Hypothyroidism Treatment
For hypothyroidism, synthetic thyroid hormone SYNTHROID (levothyroxine) is commonly prescribed. This oral medication replenishes the lacking hormone levels, helping to reverse the symptoms of hypothyroidism. However, it does NOT address the reason WHY the hormones are so low.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Treatment for hyperthyroidism aims to reduce hormone production. Medications like METHIMAZOLE and Propylthiouracil are often used. In some severe cases, RADIOACTIVE therapy or thyroidectomy (surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland) may be recommended.
Thyroid Nodule and Cancer Treatment
Thyroid nodules and cancer are usually treated with surgical intervention. Depending on the severity, this might involve REMOVING THE THYROID, either the nodule, part of the thyroid, or the entire gland. In some cases, radioactive iodine therapy might be used post-surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous cells.
Thyroiditis Treatment
Thyroiditis, an INFLAMMATION of the thyroid gland, can be caused by various factors like autoimmunity, VIRAL INFECTIONS, or postpartum hormonal changes. Treatments vary depending on the type and cause, ranging from observation and symptom control to medications or even surgery.
Monitoring Thyroid Health
Regular health checks, including thyroid function tests, can help in early detection of thyroid diseases. Any symptoms or health changes should be discussed promptly with a healthcare professional.
Dr. Bob was born and raised in Florham Park, New Jersey.
He loved the philosophy of vitalism, which teaches about the incredible, innate intelligence of our bodies and its power to self-heal when given the opportunity.
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