Hypothyroidism

Your Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a condition which occurs when your thyroid produces too little thyroid hormones- this leads to dry skin, reduced sweating, and affects the function of the oil glands. The functioning of the skin is controlled by hormones. The function of the thyroid gland is to secrete hormones for the cells of the body which need energy.

The thyroid gland is located in the throat. It is a butterfly shaped gland that resides on either side of the windpipe. It helps regulate our weight, cholesterol levels, energy levels, body temperature, and the growth of our bones and hair. Its function is to convert iodine from food into the 2 thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid cells are the only cells in your body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine the iodine with tyrosine an amino acid which creates the T3 and T4 hormones. These hormones are then released into the bloodstream to go throughout the body to control your metabolism. If fact, they control the metabolism for every organ in your body.

The pituitary gland is in control of the thyroid. If your levels of T3 or T4 drop too low the pituitary gland produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). This is why in thyroid function testing the doctors checks the TSH level. So, the Pituitary gland acts as a kind of thermostat to the furnace of your body known as the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland is producing enough heat the TSH level goes down and visa versa. Just like the heating systems in most homes.

Risk Factors

--you are female (6 to 8 times more likely than men)

--family history of thyroid disease or autoimmune disease

--a personal history of postpartum thyroiditis or a personal history of autoimmune disease

--you are a cigarette smoker. Smoking cigarettes suppresses the thyroid gland, along with certain mediations and corticosteroids.

--you have had thyroid surgery

--you have iodine deficiency

--you have been exposed to radioactive iodine treatments

--stress

--you have been exposed to radiation

--you are taking medications or receiving treatments such as Lithium, immunosuppressants, antiretrovirals, bone marrow transplant drugs, Amiodarone, Interferon Beta-lb, Interleukin-4.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism

--weight gain

--weakness

--dry hair

--dry skin

--depression

--Low energy levels

--low body temperature

--hair loss

--muscle pains

--constipation

--irritability

--memory loss

--irregular menstrual cycles

--low sex drive

Possible Causes

--stress

--metal buildup in the body

--a diet full of overly processed foods

--electromagnetic radiation

--immune function problems

Some Things To Do

Watch for UV rays and be sure to wear SPF 15 or higher when outdoors, especially if you are using retinol containing moisturizers.

Readjust your moisturizing routine for the winter by using a better cream in the winter months. You need much more hydration to combat all the dry air.

Remember to take thyroid supplementation on an empty stomach with out soy, iodine, or calcium to interfere with the absorption of supplement.

Read a book about hypothyroidism and what you can do for yourself.

Change your diet to support your thyroid gland.

Foods To Avoid

--kale

--cauliflower

--brussel sprouts

--refined sugar

--cabbage

--broccoli

--walnuts

--No alcohol, less pasta, bread, and starches.

--soy

--rutabagas

--radishes

--turnips

Hypotyroidism Diet

--Selenium, an important antioxidant that helps the thyroid gland. It can be found in brazil nuts and lean meats.

--Vegetables, and make sure to leave some raw!

--Fruits

--Drink plenty of filtered water

--Beans, rice and other grains, whole wheat, and oatmeal

Don't go over 5 hours without eating. Some people have great results with 5 or 6 meals a day of 300 calories each. This helps to balance their blood sugar and support their thyroid gland.

You will definitely need to go to your doctor to be checked for hypothyroidism. This is really important. You need to discuss options for treatment. The treatment usually, but not always, includes supplementation for your thyroid gland.

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