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Signs of a Thyroid Problem

How do you know if you have signs of a thyroid problem? 

Tired, cold, depressed, just can't seem to lose weight?

Nervous, anxious, underweight, palpitations?

Your thyroid gland is located in your neck and is one of the largest glands of the endocrine system.  The general information may help you get the some of the answers to your questions. 

We will focus on the two most common thyroid disorders. 

They are the under active thyroid or hypothyroidism and the overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism.

Watch for the special tip later on down the page. 

You can learn how to do a simple test at home to determine if your thyroid is under active.

Thyroid Gland Functions

The thyroid is the largest of all the endocrine glands and it is located on the trachea in your neck. It is shaped sort of like a butterfly.

It's main function is to control the metabolism of your body.

On the back side of the gland there are four parathyroid glands that are responsible for the calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.

Many people worldwide suffer from some type of thyroid disorder.  Most people are totally unaware that they are suffering from signs of a thyroid problem.

Your thyroid acts as the thermostat of your body, it determines your metabolism.

Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid

 This condition called hyperthyroidism is just a long word that basically means your thyroid produces too much of the hormone, thyroxine.

Your thyroid is overactive and burning energy all the time.  If not corrected it will burn out. Many allopathic physicians will consider removing or radiating the thyroid for this condition.

However, this condition can sometimes be corrected by using the right combination of natural herbs and supplements to help balance things out.

So synthetic thyroid replacement drugs may not always be necessary. However the signs of a thyroid problem should be addressed by your health care provider (Allopathic or Natural).

If you suffer from the symptoms of an overactive thyroid, you might experience the following:

• Goiter with red area in neck
• rapid heartbeatheart
  
• palpitations
• anxiety
• nervousness
• underweight and thin
• difficulty gaining weight
• Graves Disease

Symptoms of Under Active Thyroid

Iodine is crucial for proper thyroid function.  Most American diets are deficient in iodine.  This is thought to be one of the main causes of hypothyroidism.

If you suffer from the symptoms of under active thyroid, you might experience the following:

• low body temperature
• cold hands and feet
• fatigue
• depression
• lethargy
• hair loss
• dry or scaly skin
• loss of libido, especially in women
• weight gain

Test Yourself for Signs of a Thyroid Problem

This is an interesting way to get an idea of whether you have an under active thyroid.  I learned this in a seminar from Dr. Jay Vanden Heuvel.

Take your temperature (under the arm) before rising or moving about in the morning. According to Dr. Vanden Heuvel, if your temperature is 98.2 or lower, you are most likely dealing with hypothyroidism.

Of course you may want to do is a few mornings in a row to make sure you didn't get a fluke reading.  If it's low, it would be a good idea to seek out a healthcare professional that can help you bring your thyroid back into balance.

Other Thoughts on Thyroid

You probably won't have every symptom mentioned above. But if you have any of the signs of a thyroid problem, get further help from a health care professional.   If you're not sure, start some prevention techniques.  The sooner you address it the better.

If you have the symptoms of under active thyroid, one thing you can do is get more iodine in your diet.

Iodine consumption can be increased by eating more things from the ocean, fish, kelp high quality sea salt as well as other thyroid supporting supplements.

Don't skip breakfast!  If you skip breakfast in the morning, you are delaying the function of the thyroid gland. Eating breakfast in the morning kick-starts your thyroid function.

Remember that tip when you're tempted to run out without having breakfast, especially if you're trying to lose weight.

5 Ways to Balance The Thyroid

1. Cleanse: Mercury from fillings, fluoride, chlorine (in tap water,) coffee, and alcohol are all substances that affect the function of the thyroid. Particularly, fluoride and chlorine as they block the iodine receptors causing hypothyroidism.

Cleanse your system at least once a year with a good cleansing product.  I like to use Dieter's Cleanse or Clean Start from Nature's Sunshine.

2. Manage stress and emotion: If you do Yoga, the "downward dog" pose is a good one to use. This is important because if you get everything else right and neglect this one, you still have problems.

Make time to deal with emotional issues and de-stress. Remedies that can help are the Bach Flower Remedies (can be found at  health food stores).  Sandlewood Oil mixed with another oil (olive, grapeseed or a massage oil) is very calming and helpful for emotional stress.

3. Iodine: is essential for proper thyroid function. Most of us are deficient but aren't even aware of it. Again, eating things from the ocean like fish, kelp, sea weed and sea salt are all ways to increase your iodine intake above.

4. Diet and Exercise: Never skip breakfast, it jump starts your thyroid. Eat whole foods not processed. Exercise at least 30 minutes 5 days a week.

5. Supplements: Getting foundational nutrition by supplementing is important. Look for a natural well rounded vitamin mineral supplement.  Adding in a good antioxidant and Omega 3 supplement makes a good foundation.  It is not uncommon to add in some adrenal support when working on the thyroid. 

The signs of a thyroid problem may involve other glands as well.

The thyroid is in constant communication with the adrenal glands which sit on top of your kidneys.

If you are having thyroid problems, chances are your adrenal glands may need additional support as well.

But that's a subject for a future page.

If you have any questions regarding the line of supplements I referenced above, please feel free to contact me using the form below.

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