Thyroidism comes in two types: hyperthyroidism (overactive) and hypothyroidism (underactive). The former occurs due to the gland’s overproduction of the thyroid hormone, leading to an overactive metabolism (rapid weight loss) among other symptoms like nervousness, fast heartbeat, intense perspiration, fatigue, insomnia, diminished menstrual flow, frequent bowel movement, emotional outbursts, and eventually bulging eyeballs. This condition occurs when a dysfunctional immune system (autoimmune disorder) turns against the body and starts attacking the thyroid gland or when a tumor develops on the gland.

Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, results in insufficient release of the thyroid hormone, giving the opposite symptoms such as unmanageable weight gain, arthritis pains, feeling cold, low body temperature, lethargy, depression, hair and bone loss, dry skin, low blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and sugar levels, constipation, and swelling around the neck (goiter). More women seem to be afflicted with both disorders than men and the condition can go undiagnosed for a long time. Thyroidism can trigger many ailments. That is why today I have chosen to discuss hypothyroidism, the more common of the two disorders.

Hypothyroidism affects the body’s metabolic rate and thermostat mechanism due to the low secretion of the thyroid hormone. Less hormone release means rapid weight gain; inability to control it; fluctuating temperatures; low energy output; and slow growth in children.

Underactive thyroids are usually provoked by a disease, environmental toxins, unbalanced diet, medication (lithium, phenyl-butazane), extended stress, chronic yeast infections, or genetic tendency. Environmental toxins are major culprits. These can come from excess ingestion of fluoride from fluoridated tap or bottled water and toothpaste; mercury in dental fillings; vaccines containing mercury; smoking; chlorinated pesticides; and chemicals in plastics. Drinking too much water with added fluoride and chlorine can provoke hypothyroidism. Fluoride, chlorine, and iodine are chemically similar.

The first two race to cells in the thyroid glands, plugging iodine receptors and preventing iodine absorption.

Deficiency in vitamins A and Bs, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and essential fatty acids disrupt thyroid functions. Hormones and chemicals given to cattle, poultry, dairy, and eggs can inhibit thyroid hormone production in humans. Unfermented soy products, peaches, pears, leafy greens, and generally healthy raw cabbage and broccoli families are thyroid suppressors. They should not be consumed in severe cases as they aggravate the condition. Light steaming neutralizes their thyroid inhibiting compound, but they are only allowed in mild cases.

Stress hormones interfere with the conversion of the thyroid hormone T4 into the active form, T3, thus adding to the disruption.

Carbonate supplements and calcium deter the uptake of thyroxin (T4).

Yeast infections in the intestines, skin, and vagina can disturb the thyroid functions, too.

On the other hand, a balanced nutritious diet is essential to keep the glands in check. Fish is strongly recommended as a dietary supplement for iodine. Include egg yolks, chicken, milk, cheese, parsley, potatoes, prunes, apricots, dates, whole grains, and raw seeds in your diet. Marine salt and iodized salt help improve the condition. Avoid refined and processed foods.

Kelp (seaweed) supplements provide iodine and trace elements to activate the glands’ functions and help the healing process. Supplements such as vitamins A, Bs, C, and E, iron, selenium, zinc, and L-tyrosine (important for thyroid functions) are helpful during the treatment, but your physician should be informed of what you are taking.

Regular moderate physical activity (walking, swimming) along with therapeutic exercises like yoga stimulates thyroid functions, particularly the inversion poses, which also relieves stress effects.

Deep breathing is essential to blood circulation and oxygenation, especially when inhaling iodine-rich sea air.

Reflexology, applied pressure to feet, hands, and earlobes, can unblock energy flow and detoxify organs and glands.  Acupuncture helps as well.

Blood tests and medical checkups are sure methods to detect thyroidism. Should you feel cold (below 37 degrees in the morning), lethargic, and unable to shake off excess weight, pay a visit to your physician. When the condition is diagnosed, he would prescribe medication to supplement the deficient hormone.

Thyroid medication can interfere with the action of certain drugs (antacids, ulcer medication, some antidepressants, some cholesterol drugs). Therefore, they should not be taken simultaneously.

Untreated or undetected, both types of thyroidism can lead to many health-impairing dysfunctions. Thyroid functions should not be underestimated and thyroid malfunctions should not be neglected or underrated. The thyroid glands may be small in size, but they do important operational tasks.
 

 
- Mariam Alireza, [email protected]