Thyroid dysfunction may be defined as the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. A thyroid gland malfunction is in terms of secretion of the thyroid hormone. As a result, it can over produce the hormone or under produce the hormone. Over production may be called as hyper thyroidism and under production is termed medically as hypothyroidism.

As we all know, iodine is required for the production of the thyroid hormone and any kind of imbalance in the dietary supplementation of iodine hampers the thyroid hormone secretion. But did you know another fact that there are some substances that inhibit the thyroid hormone production. These substances are called as the goitrogens. The normal source of goitrogens is the food itself. There are some foods that are rich in goitrogens and consumption of these foods can result in thyroid gland dysfunctioning.

The goitrogens hampers the thyroid hormone secretion by actively competing in the uptake of iodine molecule in the blood by the thyroid gland cells. Finally as a result, since iodine absorption is disrupted, the hormone secretion is also affected.

Interestingly the mane goitrogen came to existence from the word goitre. Goitre is the enlargement of the thyroid gland due to excessive thyroid hormone secretion. They get enlarged and can be easily visible as a small lump under the neck region. They are approximately 3 cms in diameter lying towards both the sides extensively.

Goitrogen can cause both hypothyroidism as well as hyperthyroidism. Many foods like tofu, soy products, pine nuts, pea nuts, millet, rape seed, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale. Kohlrabi, pear, peaches, spinach, strawberry, radishes, turnips when eaten raw, uncooked can produce goitrogens. It is better to cook all the vegetables at least till tender. This can greatly help to reduce the hypo thyroidism. Chemically, these foods are rich in sulphur and sulphur compounds. As a known fact, copper, sulphur and iron are essential for maintaining the body metabolism and have to be in optimal limits.

In soy foods, the isoflavones cause many kinds of thyroid dysfunctions. They act by blocking the activity of thyroid peroxidase which is responsible for adding the iodine molecule to the thyroid gland for the production of thyroid hormone. Fortunately, studies have found out that the goitrogens are in activated by heat. Thus cooking the food helps to inactivate the goitrogens.

Hyperthyroidism occurs due to the enlargement of the thyroid gland. When the iodine responsible for excess production of the hormone has taken in large amount even unknowingly, can result in further enlargement of the thyroid gland and as a result hyper thyroidism becomes all the more severe.

In addition, caffeine, avocado, coconut and coconut products and saturated fats have known to stimulate thyroid gland. It can be especially useful for persons who are suffering from hypothyroidism. Many thyroid medications and some simple thyroid surgery have also known to correct the disease. In addition to the thyroid treatment, some may also require additional vitamin and mineral supplements to overcome the problem.

Related Articles:

Best Thyroid Supplement

Foods that worsen the thyroid functions

Technorati Tags: hyperthyroidism, thyroid

Thyroid is an important gland that is situated somewhere middle of the front side of the neck. Thyroid gland secrets some of the important hormones, known as ‘thyroid hormones’, that play important role in metabolism of the body. Metabolism is the process through which, the body utilizes the food to get energy. In a case of hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland produces more thyroid hormones than required by the body result of which, the body gets accelerated metabolism. There are many causes of hyperthyroidism.

Generally, it is caused by disorders wherein thyroid cells trap excess iodine and manufacture more thyroid hormone than needed. It can also be caused by disorders that can make the thyroid gland inflamed or swollen. Inflamed, swollen or damaged cells release more thyroid hormone into the bloodstream than required. Excessive presence of thyroid hormone is termed as thyrotoxicosis. However, thyrotoxicosis can occur in other conditions too. One of the causes that can give raise to hyperthyroidism is excessive intake of thyroid replacement hormones or ingesting food or medicines that is contaminated or adulterated with thyroid hormones. This is termed as exogenous thyrotoxicosis and hence it cannot be considered as thyroid disorder.

Another common cause for hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease that records for about 70% of almost all the cases. It is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system manufactures thyroid antibodies called as TSI. These antibodies direct thyroid cells to overproduce the thyroid hormone and release into the bloodstream. Many times thyroiditis (inflammation of thyroid gland) can also cause hyperthyroidism where inflamed cells produce more thyroid hormones. Most forms of thyroiditis are considered to be autoimmune in origin.

Toxic multi-nodular goiter is another common and ‘non-ignorable’ cause for hyperthyroidism. Multi-nodular goiter, as the name suggest, is a condition in which the thyroid gland will develop nodules or some abnormal growths that catches excess iodine and produce more thyroid hormones than required by the body. This is toxic condition because increased levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream create trouble in the metabolism in the body. Toxic multi-nodular goiter generally occurs in people with advanced age and who may have had hypothyroidism some time in their life. Those nodules produce excessive thyroid hormones after a person is exposed to excess iodine in iodine contrast dyes and various radio imagining tests.

Another similar condition known as toxic adenoma is a case wherein the patient develops one solitary nodule or multiple nodules and one of them is significantly larger as compared to others. Such adenomas produce extra thyroid hormones labeled as ‘toxic substance’ to the body. Toxic adenomas are not necessary to be malignant as they are generally benign. However, in rare cases, they might be. Hereditary is another probable cause for hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism that is caused due to heredity is quite similar to Graves’ disease except that thyroid antibodies are absent and patients may not develop the congestive eye disorders, pretibial myxedema, giddiness or vitiligo that some of the Graves’ disease patients do experience.

Related Articles:

Top rated thyroid supplement

Home Remedies for Hyperthyroidism

Technorati Tags: hyperthyroidism

What Causes Hypothyroidism

There are numerous signs, symptoms of hypothyroidism like complications in the thyroid gland, autoimmune disorders and distressed brain activities. The most common cause of this disease is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is characterized by the reddened thyroid gland that at times leads to damaging of the thyroid cells. For more thyroid information try this resource.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland in the neck secretes excess thyroid hormones which in turn results in speeding up of the metabolism of the body. This disease is quite common in women as compared to men and usually affects the person at the age of 20-40.

This disease clutches the human being under the extreme condition of stress or when a woman is pregnant. Some of its common signs are palpitations, increased heart rate, moist skin, shakiness, anxiety, tremors, insomnia, swollen and bulging eyes, short breath and thickening of the skin. Hypothyroidism is the grievous outcome of the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.

Unlike hyperthyroidism which is caused by excess thyroid hormones, there are numerous causes of hypothyroidism, like complications in thyroid gland treatment, autoimmune disorders and distressed brain activities. The most common cause of this disease is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is characterized by the reddened thyroid gland that at times leads to damaging of the thyroid cells. If an individual is frequently exposed to medications which involves the use of radioactive iodine, surgery and lithium then the chances of an individual been prone to hypothyroidism is quite high.

Lithium is like a poison for the thyroid gland as it makes the gland underactive which is at times used for treating depression. If an individual has ever been treated with radioactive iodine can fall under the threat of hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine hampers bulging of goiter which diminishes the secretion of hormones. If more than desired cells are affected by this therapy the chances of an individual to be affected by hypothyroidism multiplies manifold times.

Another reason due to which an individual may fall under the threat of this disease is surgery in past of the patient. If an individual has been operated for treating the thyroid gland or cancer then the chances of an individual falling under the threat is quite high as the thyroid gland that has been removed during a surgery then the insufficient production of hormones may lead to this ailment. Get your thyroid healthy here.

Hypothyroidism can also be caused due to disorder of Hypothalamic-pituitary, though the thyroid gland works efficiently as pituitary gland is the master gland. When Thyroid Stimulating Hormone which monitors the release of thyroid hormones or T4 secreted by pituitary gland is less in number triggers hypothyroidism. Many a times the underdevelopment of thyroid gland is due to heredity and this accounts for congenital hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the outcome of the inefficient immune system which causes the wastage of thyroid cells which leads to hypothyroidism.

It is almost impossible to detect this ailment as it cannot be detected in a normal blood test; the doctors have to diagnose this disease by judging the symptoms. Sensitive blood tests need to be done so as to know the intensity of the disease.

Hypothyroidism can easily be combated by the intake of proper and healthy diet which is rich in various nutrients. The diet must include seafood, radish, beetroot, bananas and oatmeal, whereas cabbage, sweet potatoes, broccoli, maize, soya, parsely, sodium chloride, fats, red meat, sugars and egg should be avoided. Iodine is the best way to fight this deadly ailment. Also, there are few herbs which are quite beneficial in overcoming the problem of hypothyroidism.

Naturally Treating Hypothyroidism

Treating hypothyroidism naturally with herbs and supplements has become very popular in recent years. Due to the advances in medical technology you may no – Natural cures, Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies.

Hypothyroidism Signs

Hypothyroidism. Yes, I has it. I suspected as much since I can’t seem to peel off my pea coat without freezing, am always sleepy, and oh yeah, don’t seem to have a functioning metabolism. So my doctor did some blood work and TA-DA!

Preventing Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism or low levels of thyroid are a very common condition in the sub-himalayan belt and many people in Delhi have this condition. It is also the most common disease among women and if not treated in time it can lead to severe problems.

Holistic Treatment of Hypothyroidism

When under active, the thyroid can cause wide ranging health issues from weight gain to compromised immune function and mental health issues.

Please visit Hypothyroidism Treatment for more information on hypothyroidism.

Technorati Tags: excess thyroid hormones, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, thyroxine hormone

Thyroid Disease Symptoms

A little knowledge may help you avoid a real pain in the neck. Understanding the sometimes subtle symptoms of a thyroid condition can help you get the treatments you need before the situation can grow serious. Go to this page for more thyroid help.

You may be at risk for thyroid disorder if you’re:

1. Female. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are far more prevalent in women than in men.

2. Over 60. Thyroid disease can strike at any time, but the risk of thyroid pain increases with age.

3. Caucasian. Concentrations of thyroid antibodies suggest the presence of autoimmune disease in 14.3 percent of whites, 10.9 percent of Hispanic Americans and only 5.3 percent of African Americans.

4. Someone with a family history of thyroid disease. Up to 50 percent of first-degree relatives are at risk and have thyroid disease symptoms.  Help for your family members thyroid disorders.

5. Pregnant. Women with autoimmune diseases in their family are at increased risk for developing thyroid problems during and after pregnancy.

6. Someone who consumes too little or too much iodine.

7. Exposed to large amounts of radiation, especially during childhood.

8. A smoker. Studies show a confirmed association between smoking and thyroid disease.

9. On certain medications such as lithium and amiodarone.

Thyroid disease symptoms can take several forms. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common thyroid disease in the U.S.; hyperthyroidism, which develops when the body is exposed to too much thyroid hormone; hypothyroidism, or underactivity of the thyroid gland; thyroid cancer; and thyroid nodules, or lumps in or on the thyroid gland. Learn why any of these can become serious.

Symptoms can include:

• Fatigue and thyroid pain

• Forgetfulness

• Difficulty with learning

• Hair and nails that don’t grow properly

• Dry, itchy or delicate skin

• Puffy face

• Bowel problems

• Increased sensitivity to many medications

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat

• Nervousness, anxiety or irritability

• Trembling hands

• Unexplained weight loss or gain

• Intolerance of heat or cold

• Muscle weakness or soreness.

An endocrinologist, a doctor who specializes in glands, may be best able to determine if you have a thyroid disease and the best treatment. This can include medication, surgery or radiation. Many patients have found relief here.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists created a new self-assessment tool as part of its "How’s Your Thyroid? Who Needs To Know?" campaign.

Thyroid Health Problems

Thyroid Problems of People, By People and From People. Here are symptoms of thyroid problem, how your symptoms of problem with thyroid can affect your health, are there any natural remedies for thyroid disorders.

Remedies For Thyroid Disorders

Natural Remedies for Managing Thyroid Disorders. Join now to track to your health and weight loss goals, connect with other members, and more! Dr says that I don’t have thyroid problems but symptoms suggest I do thyroid Tests.

Hypothyroid Problems

Hypothyroid is a form of thyroid disease and refers to an underactive thyroid. Get information about diagnosing and treating underactive thyroid symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue and memory problems.

What Is Hypothyroidism

In case of children the major symptoms of hypothyroidism is acute constipation, undefined tiredness, jaundice, poor feeding and poor growth, while the problem of thyroid is observed in growing kids poor school performance is often a signal.

By: Stacey Moore

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To take the test and obtain more information, visit www.thyroid awareness.com. Take the test. You can help your doctor to determine your risk for thyroid disease. A new self-assessment evaluation is available online at www.thyroidawareness.com. Note to Editors: While January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, this story can run at any time.

Technorati Tags: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, swollen thyroid gland, symptoms of a thyroid condition, thyroid disease symptoms, thyroid pain