The thyroid gland is located in the front portion of the throat and helps to regulate our metabolism. The thyroid gland secretes two primary hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones stimulate most of the cells in the body to consume oxygen. Other important functions are protein synthesis, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, tissue and bone growth, increased circulatory flow and higher blood volume.
Proper thyroid function is controlled by thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) secreted from the anterior portion of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located in our brains. When the brain receives messages that metabolism needs to speed up, TSH is secreted. In turn, when the levels of thyroid hormones are too high the pituitary stops putting out TSH.
Thyroid hormones are formed from tyrosine (an amino acid) and iodine (a mineral). Certain proteins in the blood keep the hormones inactive until needed. Then the liver is responsible for the excreting the hormones when they are no longer needed. They are excreted in the stools through the bile.
Hyperthyroidism is characterized by nervousness, weight loss, heat intolerance, extreme hunger, increased pulse rate, and fine tremors.
Hypothyroidism is characterized by low basal metabolic rates, cold intolerance, dry and yellowish skin and weight gain mostly around the waist and hips.
The inability to lose/gain weight, the unexplained lack of energy, chronic cold hands and feet, irritability, arthritic pains, menstrual cycle abnormalities and infertility are just a few additional signs of thyroid dis-health.
The duties of the thyroid gland are so numerous and the need for its services are so vital that thyroid disorders are very common. Any use of toxins, nutritional deficiencies or over-indulgences, and/or infection will affect the thyroid. To diagnose thyroid involvement a careful history must first be taken. Laboratory tests for thyroid evaluations are relatively inaccurate for the sub-clinical cases. The most accurate diagnostic test for hypothyroidism is the basal metabolic temperature. This test is quite accurate when the temperature is tested in the armpit each morning for a week at a time. If done for an entire menstrual cycle it also will demonstrate whether ovulation is occurring or not. If the temperature is consistently low, then there is under-functioning of the thyroid. The temperature is taken immediately upon awakening with the thermometer held in place for a full ten minutes. The normal reading should be 97.8 – 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit. If it differs from that consistently, the person has a thyroid involvement.
Optimal thyroid health is dependent on many factors. Environmental factors include stress levels and proper exercise. Nutritionally the proper intake of protein, especially tyrosine and iodine are essential. Seaweed, kelp and other sea vegetables are natural sources of iodine. This iodine is quickly assimilated and utilized for thyroid hormone synthesis. Iodized salt is one of the only sources of iodine in the typical American diet; without replacing it with one of these other sources or supplementation we are jeopardizing the health of our thyroids. Certain exercises and hydrotherapy increase the health of the thyroid such as inverted postures in yoga and cold applications to the throat. These techniques increase the circulation to the thyroid. Finally, the health of the pituitary is necessary. Proper B-vitamin balance and natural lighting are simple practices to keep proper pituitary function.