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

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in human body. Thyroid gland manufactures hormones for the body, these hormones control the metabolism of the body. Thyroid gland is also important when growing up, the hormones created by this gland help in proper growth of the body and is especially important during child to adults transformation of children.

However, at times the thyroid gland does not perform as desired. At times it may release more hormones causing an havoc with overall health of a person, at other times it may release less quantities of hormones again causing small problems with the person.

Here we deal with the stage of hypothyroidism, this is the stage when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones and therefore can cause mild to severe effects on a person’s health. Though there is a possibility that at least 3-5% of population suffers from hypothyroidism, this illness often goes unnoticed.

The reason why hypothyroidism goes unnoticed is because the symptoms are often misunderstood for some other illness, at times the diagnosis does not happen until the lack of hormones reaches an extreme stage. Hypothyroidism can happen at any age during the lifetime.

For the thyroid gland to function normally it has been found that our diet requires mineral called iodine. Iodine deficiency can be filled by including iodine rich foods in the diet, you will find iodine enriched salt, some sea vegetables and fishes too are found to be rich in iodine.

Hypothyroidism is not just in adults, it can exist in children between the ages of 10-12, this can affect their natural growth speed and cause several health and mental problems. Hypothyroidism also exists in pregnant women, at times this stage develops during pregnancy, other times it might be present at the time of pregnancy already. Doctors all around the world are trying to find out whether or not this problem would affect the fetus and later the child in his developmental process.

There are several symptoms of hypothyroidism, during the initial stages these symptoms are mild as the hypothyroidism advances the symptoms too could become extreme. Extreme cases of hypothyroidism can result into coma and death. Since the thyroid gland is related to metabolism of the body, the symptoms at times may seem to be just a natural condition. Let us first see the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

1) Mild increase in weight is the first symptom of this condition; this is rarely noticed as people deem it normal to put on weight.

2) Constipation, this is another symptom, which often gets misunderstood as lack of fiber in body.

3) Fatigue

4) Ability to concentrate diminishes considerably, it is difficult to pay attention to a single subject for a long time.

5) You may not be able to withstand cold climate.

6) There could be swelling in legs and loss in sensation at finger tips of hands and legs.

7) You will find a change in your hair quality, it could look dry and coarse.

As the condition continues, these symptoms continue. However, if hypothyroidism becomes severe above conditions too will become severe.

Related Articles:

Top rated thyroid supplement

How does L-Tyrosine relieve hypothyroidism symptoms?

Technorati Tags: hypothyroidism, thyroid, Thyroid Supplement

Anti Aging Supplements – What to Know Before you Start

As we age, taking vitamins and supplements are important. You may have heard of anti aging supplements, but before you go out and stock up on what you think you need, a few basic tests are necessary. Find more information on thyroid treatment and aging.

Why Should You Test First?

Everybody ages differently. Some people may have insufficient nutrients in certain areas than others. Others may be getting enough and extra supplementation may tamper with with certain processes.

Taking incompatible or the wrong amounts of supplements can be the difference between feeling okay or feeling beyond compare (or maybe even feeling not-so-good).

What Tests Should You Take?

Although consulting a doctor is generally recommended, many tests nowadays can be ordered online, done at home, mailed back to the lab and results are viewed online. Many insurance companies may not cover preventative testing and there are less expensive options online. If cost is a factor try this treatment.

Organic Acid Testing

Will indicate what vitamins and minerals you require. You can use it when you are first starting a supplement program or to "fine tune" what you are already doing. It can unveil a variety of needed nutrients, such as co enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, carnitine and others. (If you don’t know what these are, I’ll be covering them in my next article.) This test is done with a morning urine specimen.

Salivary Hormone Testing

Although there are other methods for testing hormones, using saliva has proven to be very effective. The five hormones typically tested for are testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, cortisol and dhea.

These hormones usually become imbalanced as we age. Getting these hormone levels in the correct balance can result in:

• increased energy
• memory improvement
• better weight control enhanced sexuality
• improved sleep

Once more, these tests can be performed at home, although some states may want a physician referral.

Food Allergy Testing

Food allergies are more widespread than you think and can clash with a nutritional program. Even some of the healthiest foods can be a issue if you have an allergy. A simple finger stick done at home is sent to a laboratory with the results returned in a couple of weeks.

Iodine Sufficiency Test

This is a litmus test for thyroid disorders which are becoming increasingly more prevalent today. If you have symptoms of weight gain, moodiness, or thinning hair, you may have a thyroid disorder and not even realize it. This is a urine test. Go here to find a proven thyroid treatment.

Vitamins and anti aging supplements are an important for any anti aging program and the benefits are great if it’s done correctly.

Want to regain your youthful vigor? This is the first in a series of articles on anti aging supplements. Get updates on the series, current research in the aging field and the free book.

Anti-Aging Yoga

More and more research is finding that people who practice a vigorous form of yoga just three hours a week are investing in maintaining a youthful glow by switching on the anti-aging hormones that slow down the process from the inside.

Anti Wrinkle Anti Aging Products

Don’t buy anti wrinkle anti aging products, unless you know a little something about the ingredients. The average anti-wrinkle creams on the market have caused many adverse reactions.  

Do Anti Aging Natural Supplements Work?

This is all about anti aging natural supplements. Now it is beyond doubt that, anti aging natural supplements work very well with any kind of skin complexion. Intentionally or otherwise, everyone use some natural supplements everyday.

Health Information For The Aging

The anti aging industry is booming, and with that boom comes a number of products with claims to improve health, both physical and brain, through various ingredients. Longevity is a capsule based supplement.

Anti Aging News Updates
The latest anti aging news and research

Technorati Tags: anti aging method, anti aging secrets, anti aging vitamins, iodine, salivary hormone, thyroid