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July 2009, Issue #003

Table of Contents

This month's topic: Do You Have Signs of a Thyroid Problem?

  • Thyroid Facts
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • 5 Things To Help Balance The Thyroid

    • Do You Have The Signs of a Thyroid Problem?

    I never really thought much about my thyroid until I started learning about natural health. Thyroid disorders are more common that we think. This amazing little butterfly shaped gland has a big job to do and requires a great deal of support to keep it running at optimal levels.

    My goal here is to raise your awareness level and to briefly highlight two of the most common thyroid disorders that people suffer from, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

    Thyroid Facts

    What Is A Thyroid Gland: The thyroid is the largest of all the endocrine glands and it is located on the trachea in your neck.

    Function of Thyroid Gland: It's kind of like the "gas pedal" of your car, it makes things go. Many people worldwide suffer from some type of thyroid disorder and most are unaware. Your thyroid acts as the thermostat of your body, it determines your metabolism rate.

    Hyperthyroidism

    Hyperthyroidism means your thyroid produces too much thyroxine (hormone). The thyroid is overactive, your metabolism rate is way too high and if not corrected it will burn out.

    Hyperthyroidism can be corrected by using the right combinations of herbs and supplements to balance things out. Synthetic thyroid replacement, may not be necessary in all cases.

    Hyperthyroidism may be the cause of these conditions:

  • Goiter with redness in neck
  • nervousness
  • anxiety
  • heart palpitations
  • being thin, difficulty gaining weight
  • Graves Disease

    • Hypothyroidism

    Hypothyroidism is the opposite. Your thyroid doesn't produce enough thyroxine (hormone) and consequently your metabolism drops.

    Hypothyroidism is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions today.

    It's estimated that 40% of the population suffers from some type of hypothyroidism.

    Hypothyroidism is more common in women and it is believed that up to 50-60% of women may be affected.

    Iodine is critical for proper thyroid function and iodine deficiency is one of the main causes of hypothyroidism.

    Hypothyroidism may be the cause of these conditions:

  • low body temperature*
  • cold hands and feet
  • fatigue
  • depression
  • lethargy
  • hair loss
  • dry skin
  • weight gain
  • loss of libido

    • *Check your temperature (under the arm) before rising in the morning. According to Dr. Jay Vanden Heuvel, if your temperature is 98.2 or lower (track it for a few days), you may be dealing with hypothyroidism.

    Top 5 Things To Balance Thyroid Function

    Cleanse your system from the overload of toxins. Especially from mercury, (tooth fillings), chlorine (tap water) and flouride (tootpaste) because they block iodine receptors in the thyroid. Clean Start is a good general cleanse for toxins and it comes in Apple & Cinnamon Flavor or Wild Berry Flavor

    Emotions and Stress must be under control in order to have a properly functioning thyroid. Stress and emotional issues will compromise your thyroid function regardless of the other efforts you make to support the thyroid.

    Iodine is critical for thyroid function, yet most people are iodine deficient. Iodine can be increased by eating more things from the ocean, fish, kelp, high quality sea salt and you can also get it from supplement sources. Table salt with iodine is not a sufficient source.

    Diet and Exercise are also supportive to the thyroid. Eat whole foods (not processed, make sure you eat breakfast (kickstarts your thyroid), and get at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 times per week.

    Supplement your body with vital nutrients by using a good vitamin and mineral supplement. Super Trio is a well rounded supplement providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega 3.

    These 5 tips are from Dr. Van Heuvel's lecture on Thyroid Imperfections.

    If you want more information on making healthy choices to support your thyroid or other ways to improve your health, please visit my Healthy Choices website and see what's new.

    The information above is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat your health conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.



    Until next month....Enjoy the summer and keep working on building your health, it's never too late!

    To your good health,

    Barb Hughesian

    Not concerned with your thyroid? How about ways to curb inflammation? If so, check out my latest Ezine Article, 3 Ways to Curb Chronic Inflammation.
    Let us know if any of our healthy choices ideas and tips have helped you in your journey to better health.

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