Thyroid

The thyroid is one of the larger endocrine glands, weighing 2-3 gms in neonates and
18-60 gms in adults which increases in pregnancy. It is a butterfly-shaped organ and
is composed of two cone-like lobes or wings, lobus dexter (right lobe) and lobus
sinister (left lobe), connected by a narrow band of the tissue called the isthmus.
The lobes of the gland, as well as the isthmus, contain many small globular sacs
called follicles. The follicles are lined with follicular cells and are filled with a fluid
known as colloid that contains the prohormone thyroglobulin. The follicular cells
contain the enzymes needed to synthesise thyroglobulin, as well as the enzymes
needed to release thyroid hormone from thyroglobulin. When thyroid hormones are
needed, thyroglobulin is reabsorbed from the colloid in the follicular lumen into the
cells, where it is split into its component parts, including the two thyroid hormones
thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Functions
The thyroid gland releases hormones that are important for the body's metabolism
and overall cellular maintenance. It produces several forms of thyroid hormones (T1,
T2, T3 and T4). T3 hormone acts as a signal to our cells to start working and do their
job. If T3 is not available to nerves then depression and anxiety with the destruction
of mood and energy are invariably a consequence. If this hormone is not produced
then these signals are not transmitted and therefore many cells don't function as
they should. It is estimated that T4 provides 20% activity while T3 provides an 80%
activity in cell function activation.
It functions in the ‘junctions' of nerves, particularly in the brain. It fires the furnaces
(mitochondria) in cells, again particularly in the brain. In doing so it controls serotonin
hormone, a feel good hormone, which we rely on for our emotional wellbeing.
Problems
Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goitre (enlarged gland) that
needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. However, the most common thyroid
problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid
hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone
production leads to hypothyroidism.

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Symptoms of hypothyroidism
1. Cold hands and feet
2. Chronic fatigue
3. Lethargy
4. Emotional instability
5. Depression
6. Cold skin
7. Decreased sweating
8. Heat or cold intolerance
9. Weight gain (more than 2 kg)
10. Coarse and/or dry skin
11. Constipation
12. Acne or psoriasis
13. Yellowish coloured palms
14. Slight swelling around ankles
16. Muscle weakness, cramps Left handedness - particularly males
17. Small or large birth weight babies
18. Delayed Achilles tendon reflex return
19. Dry hair or hair loss
20. Heavy and/or painful menstruation
21. Slowed mental activity
22. Impaired memory
23. Thick tongue
24. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
25. Diabetes
26. High cholesterol / or triglycerides
27. Heart enlargement / or palpitations
28. Brittle nails
29. Puffiness under eyes
30. Joint aches, pain or stiffness

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

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 1. Sweating 6. Muscle weakness
2. Shortness of breath 7. Insomnia
3. Weight loss 8. High blood pressure
4. Anxiety and Excitability 9. Racing heart
5. Thirst 10. Hunger

Causes
All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the
condition can occur in several ways:

• Graves' disease: The production of too much thyroid hormone.

• Toxic adenomas: Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete
thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance; some goiters may
contain several of these nodules.
• Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that causes the gland to "leak"
excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts a
few weeks, but may persist for months.

• Pituitary gland: Malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland:

Although rare, hyperthyroidism can also develop from these causes.

Hypothyroidism , by contrast, stems from an underproduction of thyroid hormones.

Since your body's energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a
drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. Causes of hypothyroidism
include:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis : In this autoimmune disorder, the body attacks thyroid

tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones.
• Removal of the thyroid gland: The thyroid may have been surgically removed
or chemically destroyed.

• Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide: Cold and sinus medicines,

the heart medicine amiodarone or certain contrast dyes given before some X-
rays may expose you to too much iodine. You may be at greater risk for
developing hypothyroidism if you have had thyroid problems in the past.
• Lithium : This drug has also been implicated as a cause of hypothyroidism.

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 Thyroid Cleanse
Cleanses to Restore the Function of the Thyroid Gland
1. Cleanse the whole digestive system by means of Colon Cleanse. This is a
foundational procedure to open the main channel to eliminate toxins and stop
their spreading. This cleanse will improve digestion, nutrient absorption and
toxic elimination.
2. Follow a healthy diet regime and do an Acidity Cleanse by drinking green
fresh juices which dilute toxins in the thyroid gland.
3. Do the Liver Cleanse
Following are some remedial measures to improve the functioning of Thyroid.
Ashwagandha
The herb Ashwagandha, also known as Withania Somnifera, Indian ginseng has
properties beneficial for Thyroid health. Studies have reported Ashwagandha to
increase thyroid hormone levels by reducing the production of lipid peroxide in the
liver and increased liver antioxidants, while energising thyroid hormone production.
Iodine
Iodine is the most vital ingredient in thyroid gland hormone production. However,
since the body does not self-manufacture iodine, it must either be ingested through
the diet or through iodine supplements, hence more iodine should be added to salt.
Magnesium
Many people are also deficient in magnesium, which not only plays an important role
in thyroid health, especially with regards to iodine metabolism, but has many other
roles as well. Taking magnesium supplements can help with a severe deficiency and
once you have the proper levels you can obtain the magnesium you need through
food, especially raw nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin D
A big reason for vitamin D deficiency is less or no exposure to the sun, which is the
primary source of vitamin D. For those who are deficient, it usually will be necessary
to supplement with Vitamin D3, while at the same time getting them in the habit of
receiving some sun exposure for at least 15 to 20 minutes each day.

Do’s and Don’ts

Pursue a thyroid friendly diet

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For underactive thyroids, selenium rich foods such as shellfish and fish, goat kidneys
and liver, mushrooms, onions, sesame and sunflower seeds, kelp and wheat germ
should be added to the diet.
Foods that are beneficial for those with overactive thyroids are the raw vegetables
cauliflower, mustard greens, cabbage, broccoli, beans, Brussels sprouts, water cress
and turnips. Soy and soy products also lower thyroid production.
Seek out healthy fats
The fats are the building blocks of hormonal pathways. Given that thyroid conditions,
at a basic level, are issues that arise within the endocrine (hormonal) system,
supplementing the diet with good sources of healthy fats (any of the following) can
provide the raw materials needed to encourage the body to repair itself.
• Coconut oil and other coconut products
• Ghee
• Avocados
• Nuts and nut butters
• Lean meats and fish
• Flax seeds

Avoid Goitrogens

Goitrogens are naturally-occurring thyroid-inhibiting compounds that are found in

several species of plants and vegetables. Anyone experiencing decreased thyroid
function should avoid the following foods:
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
Benefits
• Soft, Smooth Skin
• Calmness

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 • Stabilised Weight
• Efficient Breathing
• Improved Speech Patterns
• Ease in Menstruation
• Regular heart rhythm
• More Energy
• Sense of Well Being and Hope
• Sense of Strength
• No more depressions and mood swings

FAQs
Q: Are Women more likely than men to have a thyroid imbalance?
A: Yes, Thyroid disorders are more common in women. Female hormones, such as
oestrogen, may be a factor in triggering autoimmune conditions, including problems
with the thyroid.
Q: What is a goitre?
A: It is simply a thyroid gland that is bigger than usual. A goitre can be associated
with levels of thyroid hormone that are normal (euthyroid), too high (hyperthyroid) or
too low (hypothyroid).
Q: Which is more common, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?
A: Hyperthyroidism is far more common.
Q: Thyroid disorders are sometimes mistaken for which disease or condition?
A: Thyroid disorders often cause changes in menstrual cycle and mood, the
symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause. If a thyroid problem is
suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether, it is menopause or a thyroid
disorder or a combination of both.
Q: How does radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism leave the body?
A: For most people, one dose of radioactive iodine treatment will cure
hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine leaves the body through urine. Drinking plenty of
fluids during this time will rid the body of radioactivity.

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Q: Is it true that hypothyroidism poses a special danger to new-borns and
infants?
A: Lack of thyroid hormones in the system at an early age can lead to the
development of cretinism (mental retardation) and dwarfism (stunted growth). Most
infants now have their thyroid levels checked routinely soon after birth. If they have
hypothyroid, treatment begins immediately.
A hypothyroid infant is unusually inactive and quiet, has a poor appetite and sleeps
for long periods of time.
Further references:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVSBo065hmw
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftc1-IHwzfY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO1Lxf80atA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4XsInon8OU