Signs of a Thyroid Problem

This page is not a thorough nor technical description of all the signs of a thyroid problem. Rather it is just a guide to help you understand the thyroid a little more so you can make healthy choices and hopefully prevent potential thyroid problems.

This page will only highlight two of the most common thyroid disorders which are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

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 and most are unaware. Your thyroid acts as the thermostat of your body, it determines your metabolism.

This condition is called hyperthyroidism. This is just a long work that basically means your thyroid produces too much of the hormone, thyroxine. Your thyroid is overactive, burning energy all the time and 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 a synthetic thyroid replacement drugs may not always be necessary. However the signs of a thyroid problem should be addressed by your health care provider.

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

This is called hypothyroidism. It is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. In this disorder, your thyroid isn't putting out enough thyroxine and consequently your metabolism slows down significantly.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions today. In fact, it is estimated that about 40% of the population suffers from some form of hypothyroidism.

Interestingly, this condition is more prevelant in women with estimates of 50-60% of women unknowingly being affected by it.

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

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

This is an interesting clue I learned from Dr. Vanden Heuvel. Take your temperature (under the arm) before rising 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.

Keep in mind, you probably won't have every symptom mentioned above. But if you have and of the signs of a thyroid problem, prevention is the key so the sooner you address it the better.

If you have the symptoms of underactive 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.

If you skip breakfast you delay the function of the thyroid gland. Eating breakfast in the morning kick-starts your thyroid function. Remember that when you're tempted to run out without having breakfast.

Cleanse Mercury from fillings, flouride, chlorine (in tap water,)coffee, alcohol are all substances that affect the function of the thyroid. Particularly, flouride and chlorine as they block the iodine receptors causing hypothyroidisim. Cleanse your system at least once a year with a good cleansing product like Dieter's Cleanse or Clean Start.

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 Distress Remedy and Stress Relief.

Iodine is essential for proper thyroid function. Most of us are deficient but aren't even aware of it. I mentioned ways to increase your iodine intake above. A Thyroid Activator and Dulse Liquid are a few other ways to get more iodine into your system.

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.

Supplements. Getting foundational nutrition by supplementing is important. Super Trio is a well rounded vitamin mineral supplement with antioxidants and Omega 3. Thyroid Support is good but should be use along with Adrenal Support. Sandlewood Oil mixed with another oil (olive, grapeseed or a massage oil) is very calming and helpful for emotional stress.

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.

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