Friday, September 4, 2009

Thyroid Disease Symptoms - Start the Treatment Before it is Too Late

An underactive or overactive thyroid is often one of the major reasons of many diseases especially weight gain, fatigue, insomnia or depression. The list of diseases caused by malfunctioning thyroid is long enough but it is somewhat surprising that thyroid problems go unnoticed or undiagnosed unless they take severe forms.

Millions of Americans silently suffer from thyroid problems without even knowing it. Thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces hormones for proper functioning of different organs in our body. It is known to be the master gland of metabolism therefore it can cause any disease that is triggered by slow metabolism.

When thyroid doesn't work properly; it can either be underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism). Hypothyroidism is somewhat more common than an overactive thyroid. Following are some symptoms of Hypothyroidism.

- Fatigue and low energy levels and poor concentration.
- Constipation and poor digestion.
- Excessive weight gain without any valid reason
- Itchy skin and thinning hairline.
- Infertility, increased menstrual flow and frequent periods.

Common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

- Increased heart beats
- Perspiration, panic disorder, nervousness and muscular weakness that causes shaky hands.
- Insomnia
- Increased bowel movements
- Weight loss despite eating good food.

These symptoms are very common and often people do take them seriously. In advanced stage of thyroid problems; you may start noticing enlargement or swelling of necks. However by the time your thyroid issues are diagnosed; you are already suffering from many diseases like obesity, hair loss, fatigue etc.
Do no keep suffering from undiagnosed thyroid conditions.

Start taking care of your thyroid before it is too late. The good news is; now you can start treating your thyroid without running the risk of any side effects.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism

When I read that according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 27 million Americans have either an overactive or underactive thyroid, I was astounded! In addition, over half of these people don't even realize their thyroid is at risk because of the general symptoms which can be recognized as a variety of other health problems. The following is a list of symptoms associated with thyroid disease, specifically Hypothyroidism:

*weight gain
*increased sensitivity to cold
*constipation
*muscle weakness
*joint pain
*depression
*moodiness
*difficulty concentrating
*fatigue
*hair loss
*dry skin
*water retention in the hands and feet
*low sex drive
*hoarse voice
*high cholesterol
*thick or brittle fingernails
*excessive menstrual bleeding

If you have 3 or more of any of these symptoms, you may have an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid, which is a tiny, butterfly shaped gland at the base of your throat, produces hormones that control every function in your body. Thyroid hormones help to improve mood, skin, hair, nails, sex drive, heart function, cholesterol, and so much more. Therefore, it is vitally important to take good care of your thyroid. Below I have made a list of several natural cures and remedies you can use to heal and maintain a healthy thyroid:

1. Nutrition: Specific nutrients for your thyroid are Iodine, Selenium, Omega 3 fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamin E and Vitamin D. The best source of Iodine is found in sea vegetables, including marine phytoplankton. The best source of Selenium is found in Brazil nuts. Getting plenty of sun for vitamin D and eating foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish like salmon and sardines is a very good diet for hypothyroidism. Certain foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), peaches, strawberries, peanuts, radishes, spinach, and millet are considered goitrogenic, which mean they can hinder thyroid-hormone production by reducing the amount of iodine in your body. Many people with underactive thyroids are sensitive to gluten, which is found in certain grains, and soy products, which is also considered goitrogenic and estrogenic.

2. Focus On Your Adrenals: The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which includes the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and reproductive glands. These glands work together to produce the hormones that keep us alive. When one gland is suffering, they all feel it. If you have thyroid disease, you have to ask if it's purely a thyroid problem or is your thyroid suffering because the adrenals are suffering? This may be the actual underlying cause of your thyroid issues. When the adrenals become imbalanced - from too much mental, physical or emotional stress - it alters the production of cortisol, which encourages the thyroid to slow down its hormone production. He Shou Wu, Ginseng, Schizandra, Cordyceps and Ashwagandha (which is good for both the thyroid and adrenals) are great herbs for your adrenal system.

3. Do A Chemical and Metal Detox: According to David Wolfe, the thyroid and throat area is the most negatively charged area in our bodies and as a result is the most susceptible to attracting positively charged particles and substances such as heavy metals and chemicals, environmental toxins, chemicals, pesticides, and pollutants. All these can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Using liquid zeolites and sweating (sauna and steam baths) helps to detox these substances. The chlorine and fluoride found in unfiltered tap water can also interfere with iodine absorption in the thyroid. Airborne mold, allergens and pollutants can wreak havoc on the immune system and may cause autoimmune thyroid diseases. Look into buying a good HEPA air filter. Certain essential oils can help eliminate these harmful substances as well.

4. Get Chiropractic Care: Incorrectly aligned neck vertebrae can interfere with the nerves that aid thyroid function. A good chiropractor can straighten that right up for you.

5. Do Inverted Yoga Poses: Inverted poses, such as the headstand, shoulder stand, plough, camel, and bridge pose, stimulate the thyroid and increase hormone circulation. Doing yoga can also help reduce stress which can contribute to thyroid malfunction.