The importance of the thyroid gland for good health

The thyroid gland is a very small gland found in the neck. The thyroid gland produces a hormone known as thyroxine, which in turn stimulates every cell in the human body. The body needs a sufficient and stable amount of thyroxine to function properly, so the role of the thyroid gland is extremely important for good health.

Approximately 15% of the adult population suffers from an overactive or underactive thyroid. More women are affected by thyroid conditions. This disease has also been linked to several autoimmune disorders that are becoming more common. It is believed that these illnesses may be due in part to the overabundance of toxins we are exposed to in the food, water, and products we use on a daily basis. The thyroid gland is very sensitive to stress. This is important to understand because we live in a society plagued with high levels of stress.

The daily burdens of living in our fast-paced culture have caused all of us to experience high levels of stress from time to time. There is simply no way around it. As a result, the thyroid gland suffers. Because the thyroid gland functions as the “thermostat” of the body, if it is not working properly, the entire health system of the human body is greatly affected. Some of the functions of the thyroid gland are to maintain a stable metabolism, regulate body temperature, and regulate energy levels in the body. If the thyroid is overactive or underactive, it can have deleterious effects.

Underactive thyroid: A low-functioning thyroid can cause cholesterol to rise dramatically. Some symptoms of an underactive or hypothyroid condition include the following: fatigue, weight gain, muscle aches, susceptibility to colds and flu, and various other symptoms. Some causes of low thyroid can include toxic exposure and insufficient iodine in the body. There are medical tests that can be done to determine if you have an underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid causes the adrenal glands to work harder, which ultimately puts more stress on the body.

Overactive Thyroid: A high-functioning thyroid is also known as “hyperthyroidism.” The opposite of low thyroid, this condition occurs when too much thyroxine is produced. Some symptoms of an overactive thyroid include weight loss, irregular heartbeat, trouble sleeping, and nervousness. This condition can be managed under the care of a doctor.

How to treat thyroid problems: There are many things you can do to help recover from a thyroid problem. Start by changing your diet. You should eliminate all white flour products and all processed foods if possible. There are certain foods that also suppress thyroid function and include foods like broccoli, collards, peaches, and pears. Try to avoid these too. Eat a more balanced one; healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables and this will improve your metabolism and thyroid levels. Also try to include iodine-rich foods like fish. You can eat sea vegetables like kelp and dulse. These products can typically be found in the Asian section of most grocery stores. Also, foods rich in zinc are very helpful in helping a sluggish thyroid.

Increase physical activity to combat low thyroid: Exercise can greatly improve a thyroid condition. The power of exercise lies in its ability to improve overall oxygen levels. The increased oxygen will naturally boost thyroid levels and provide you with the energy you need to get through the day. Good exercise includes cardio and can be as simple as a 30-minute workout per day.

Reduce stress: With this condition, the adrenal glands are already overworked. High stress levels will also increase your cortisol levels. This will make you hungrier and will also increase your insulin levels. Often this will be accompanied by weight problems and further deterioration of thyroid levels. Therefore, it is important to incorporate stress management techniques that work for you. Exercise is an answer. You can also learn techniques to reduce stress, such as deep breathing. By breathing more deeply, you will naturally increase your oxygen levels, which will help reduce stress. As with any medical condition, an underactive or overactive thyroid is something that needs to be addressed under the care of a physician who can help you create a treatment plan that will return your thyroid to a healthy level.