There is controversy about the role of natural supplements in the low thyroid
condition, plus some supplement companies claim to "cure" the condition. But
if not natural cures, then what? Let's look closer at the subject of low
thyroid this month.
The Thyroid Gland
This little gland is located in the neck below the Adam's apple
and functions by producing two very important thyroid hormones,
triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine(T4). Their job is to regulate how your
body uses energy, or how your "metabolism" functions. Many diseases can affect
the thyroid gland and result in either the over production or under production
of the thyroid hormones. Another gland, the pituitary gland (sometimes called
the master gland) regulates how the thyroid functions by producing a thyroid
stimulating hormone(TSH). Too much or too little TSH can result in an over or
underactive thyroid gland.
What Is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism means an
underactive thyroid because of too little thyroid hormone. We're limiting our
discussion to hypothyroidism today because it is the most common thyroid
condition. It tends to increase in frequency with age, and is more common in
women than men. Some of the symptoms are:
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Sluggishness
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Depression
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Intolerance to cold
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Weight gain
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Dry skin and hair
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Irregular menstrual periods
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Sluggish bowels and constipation
Causes of Hypothyroidism
There are several different causes of hypothyroidism. For
example surgery, radiation of the gland, or rarely if the pituitary gland
malfunctions and produces too little TSH the thyroid will be underactive. Some
babies are born with an underactive thyroid.
By far the most common cause, however, is an immune condition where your
own system attacks the thyroid gland and damages it so not enough hormones get
produced.
Diagnosing Hypothyroidism
A simple blood test can measure your body's level of TSH and T4
hormones. If the T4 is low and the TSH is high hypothyroidism is present.
Sometimes the TSH is high but the T4 is normal, which means early
hypothyroidism. The pituitary gland is stepping up it's production of TSH to
tell the thyroid it needs more thyroid hormone. The thyroid can still respond,
but over time the T4 can begin to fall.
Treatment of Hypothyroidism
If you are diagnosed with a low thyroid the vast majority of
physicians will begin a supplement of synthetic thyroid (T4) to supplement the
body's low levels. Some controversy exists today as to whether treatment
should be a combination of T3 and T4 thyroid replacement. Some patients feel
better on the combination, but the majority do respond to just the T4
replacement. Usually your health care provider will start with a low dose of
thyroid and work higher every 6-8 weeks after checking the TSH and T4 blood
levels.
There are several companies that have herbal supplements suggesting they
can solve the low thyroid problem. But be careful! Some have brought out
supplements made from animal products, and there is a real question as to
their safety. It's best to have your thyroid function followed by a physician,
including regular blood checks. Mixing such supplements and the prescribed
thyroid medication is not a good idea.
But other types of support for people with hypothyroidism can be
valuable. In my experience it does seem stress may play a role in the
development of the low thyroid condition in women as they age. So a support
program of healthy diet, regular exercise and stress relief can benefit you if
you have an underactive thyroid. Developing ways to cope with any excess
stress by focusing on relaxation techniques can help too. High levels of
stress may play a role in triggering the immune system malfunctions that end
in the destruction of your own thyroid tissue.
A Good Natural Supplement Can Help
A natural supplement such as Core
Health Women or Core
Health Men is a good choice.Core Health comes in 30 packets for a
monthly supply of natural supplements of vitamins and minerals. It includes
daily supplements the B vitamins, iodine, selenium, Vitamin D and
more--critical elements to support good thyroid function. This plus a good
well rounded diet and exercise can go a ways to help the hypothyroid
individual feel much better.