Though it may be tiny, the thyroid gland plays a vital role in your overall health. In many cases however, thyroid complications or disease can go undiagnosed. Referred to as the "under-diagnosed dilemma" or "under-diagnosed epidemic," hypothyroidism is one of the most under-diagnosed conditions today, according to Dr. Theresa Ramsey's Center for Natural Healing. There are currently millions of individuals in the U.S. are living with thyroid problems that may not even know it, and most of them are women.
Here are some important things to know about thyroid health:
Thyroid Disease
Did you know that it's more common for a women to develop complications with the thyroid gland than a man? In fact, females are 50 to 80 percent more likely to experience trouble with this small, butterfly-shaped gland in the throat, according to The Cleveland Clinic. One condition for example, postpartum thyroiditis, develops after giving birth in between 5 and 9 percent of females. Another condition, thyroiditis, which can cause hyperthyroidism for several weeks at a time, also occurs most often in women who have just given birth.
Across the country, thyroid disease impacts nearly 20 million people, noted the source. There are a number of issues that can impact the thyroid gland and cause disease however, the two most common problems are:
- Hypothyroidism: the under-functioning of the thyroid gland, when it does not produce enough hormones and then exerts energy more gradually.
- Hyperthyroidism: an overproduction of hormones resulting in the thyroid using energy faster than expected.
Other issues impacting the gland that can lead to thyroid disease include iodine deficiency, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and thyroiditis itself, noted The Cleveland Clinic.
Regulate with Selenium
The main function of the thyroid gland is to produce hormones, primarily, T3 (liothyronine) and T4 (levothyroxine). These hormones are vital to nearly every organ in the body. However, the issue of hypothyroidism can cause underproduction. And as natural practice and resource Women to Women explained, low levels of selenium make it more difficult for your thyroid to produce hormones. But by adding just a small amount of selenium to your diet, you can aid the regular functioning of your thyroid as selenium helps to create and use the hormones from the thyroid.
With a supplement like the Hallelujah Diet Selenium Glutathione Promoter, you can help to maintain regular thyroid function.
The Importance of Iodine
Along with keeping your selenium levels up to par, you can't forget about iodine. In order for the thyroid gland to effectively produce hormones, iodine is necessary, explained the American Thyroid Association. Worldwide, nearly 4 in 10 people are at risk of iodine deficiency, and this doesn't even take into account the needs of the rest of the body beyond the thyroid. The thyroid needs just tens of micrograms per day, but the rest of the body, especially the glands, also require iodine, so that the real amount needed is really between 1,000 and 3,000 micrograms per day, just for maintenance, according to this article by our Research Director Michael Donaldson, PhD. Needs may be higher during stress or ill health.
Since the body does not naturally create iodine, most people get this vital element from the foods that they eat, including dairy, eggs, meat and seafood. Those watching their salt intake may struggle to get enough iodine even for their thyroid.
And because our food supply doesn't provide iodine in the quantities needed for anyone, everyone should consider getting iodine from a supplement such as Hallelujah Diet's Nascent Iodine, which also helps to boost your immune system.
According to Dr. Ramsey, if you or a loved one is experiencing insomnia, trouble with weight, depression, constipation or body temperature changes and notice changes with your hormones, it may be hypothyroidism. However, lab results won't give you that diagnosis. Rather than medications, consider a natural, alternative that includes a wholesome, natural and primarily raw diet.
