Thyroid Support Options

The thyroid or thyroid gland is classed as one of the largest endocrine glands within the body and is located in the neck. This gland helps to control numerous parts of the body including the making of proteins, how the body uses energy, and the body’s sensitivity to other hormones. The thyroid gland produces specific hormones which include triiodthyronine and thyroxine (T3 and T4). These two hormones are both synthesized from tyrosine and iodine to help keep the thyroid properly function and working at all times with regulating the body’s system. There are common problems that are associated with the thyroid and these are Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. One of the first signs of knowing you may have a thyroid problem is by a goiter. The goiter is referred to as the enlarged thyroid and can usually be seen as a swelling on and around the neck. This can happen in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

WHAT IS HYPERTHYROIDISM?

Hyperthyroidism is a common problem of the thyroid gland which can cause it to become overactive. This condition is usually caused by an autoimmune response, which increases the amount of thyroid hormones within the body and bloodstream. When a person experiences Hyperthyroidism they may have symptoms of:

• Muscle weakness
• Hyperactivity
• A rapid heartbeat
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Sensitivity to heat
• Increased appetite
• Palpitations
  • Nervousness
  • Light or absent menstrual periods
  • Increased bowel movements
  • Insomnia
  • Hair loss
  • Breathlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Starry gaze appearance

Hyperthyroidism is a common yet serious condition and should be monitored by your local doctor. Nowadays proper testing is done to assess whether you have an overactive thyroid to help with assigning the proper treatment for the condition.

WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM?

Hypothyroidism is another thyroid complication which refers to the thyroid gland being underactive. This condition usually occurs when the thyroid gland is damaged or isn’t working properly. When this happens it can’t release the sufficient amount of hormones needed within the body to properly function resulting in restricted movements and other complications. There are many symptoms of an underactive thyroid and these include:

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Unexplained weight gain
• Puffy face
• Hoarseness
• Increased cold sensitivity
• Elevated blood cholesterol level
• Irregular or heavier than normal menstrual periods
• Slowed heart rate
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
• Dry skin
• Depression
• Thinning hair
• Muscle weakness
• Impaired memory

These symptoms can vary between mild to severe. Nowadays testing can be done to check a person’s thyroid to see whether it is functioning properly. If a thyroid is underactive, treatments are generally needed to help with increasing its activity.

WHAT THYROID SUPPORT OPTIONS ARE THERE?

Thyroid support options can vary depending on the seriousness of the thyroid condition and the type. Some thyroid support options include surgery if there is an extensively large swelling around the neck, medications specifically targeted towards the thyroid, and the use of iodine or kelp tablets and supplements. Because the thyroid works with iodine, it is important to eat an adequate diet with iodine based foods. Foods that possess iodine properties include:

• Table salt with included iodine
• Kelp
• Dried seaweed
• Cod
• Baked Potato
• Milk
• Shrimp
• Fish sticks
• Turkey breast
• Navy beans
• Tuna
• Eggs

If you have an overactive thyroid it is best to check with your doctor first before consuming high iodine foods.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR THYROID SUPPORT:

Thyroid Support Complex 120 caps by Pure Encapsulations

Thyroid Support Complex 120 caps by Pure Encapsulations is a specially manufactured thyroid support supplement which is designed to help promote optimal health of your thyroid gland….more information

Thyroid Support Formula 60 caps by PhysioLogics is a professional quality thyroid supplement which is designed to replenish low thyroid health to reduce the appearance of a goiter and to help reduce the symptoms of an un-well thyroid gland while increasing the output of hormones within the bloodstream…more information