November 16, 2013
Happy Thyroid, Happy Body
The thyroid is a little gland that has big functions in the body – it is a major regulator. It has a major impact on nearly every cell in your body. In addition to regulating your weight and metabolism by managing the fat-burning process, thyroid hormones are also required for the development and growth in children.
Low thyroid function may just be one of the most under-diagnosed health conditions in North America.
Many of its symptoms: lethargy, hair loss, depression and weight gain, can be easily blamed on other factors making it difficult to diagnose. Some reports estimate that around 10-20% of the population has sub-par thyroid function, and a good half of these people have no idea.
Heavy metals, extreme stress, refined sugar, wheat, pesticides, autoimmune issues, environmental toxins, chronic inflammation (and it’s underlying causes), nutritional deficiencies, and many other factors can affect how well our bodies function, which can ultimately have a negative affect on our glands and hormone balance.
When thyroid levels are out of balance, your body is out of balance. Too much or too little hormone secretion in this gland can wreak havoc for your overall health and well-being.
Hypothyroidism
This is when your thyroid gland can’t make enough hormones to function optimally. In hypothyroidism, as the gland’s hormone production slows, your metabolism slows which can lead to weight gain. Hypothyroidism is becoming increasingly common, affecting a significant portion of the population.
Hyperthyroidism
This is when your body makes too much of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and becomes overactive. If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience a fast heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, sensitivity to heat, or sudden weight loss.
