Diagram of the thyroid gland
Thyroid disease is a world wide epidemic
Thyroid disease typically means that your thyroid gland is under functioning (hypothyroidism), although in rare cases it is over stimulated (hyperthyroidism)
Some of the following are highlights from Dr Lita Lee’s website regarding this disease. We like her expertise on the subject. This is a long article designed for those serious about the subject.
The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is small, butterfly-shaped and located in the neck. This gland controls our metabolism, or the rate at which food is burned to form energy. Thyroid hormone and vitamin A are required to convert cholesterol into vital anti-aging steroids: pregnenolone, progesterone and DHEA. When thyroid secretion is inadequate, these steroids cannot be produced in adequate amounts. That’s why low thyroid function has so many varied and broad-spectrum symptoms.
Hypothyroid signals
Insomnia, Hyperactivity and Fatigue
How can a hypothyroid person be tired, hyper and have insomnia all at the same time? These symptoms do co-exist in many hypothyroid people and may be remediated with thyroid therapy.
When thyroid hormone is deficient, the nerves require abnormal stimulants to function or the body produces excess adrenalin to keep it going. “The result is that we get tired and tense at the same time.”
Instead of using Ritalin, coffee or other stimulants to raise the energy level of the brain, it seems much more natural to correct the cause of the energy deficit – inadequate thyroid hormone. In the last 20 years, Professor Ray Peat reports almost complete relief of insomnia in hypothyroid patients when their thyroid function was corrected, sometimes with dietary changes alone but usually with supplemental thyroid.
When energy production is slowed due to lack of thyroid hormone, muscles tend to tire or cramp easily and to swell after exercise. Like the brain, all muscles need to restore their energy in order to relax. Whether it is leg cramps or brain fatigue, increasing the rate of energy production, makes relaxation (and sleep) possible.
Weight Gain OR Loss
Weight gain or the inability to lose weight are common hypothyroid symptoms. But some hypothyroid people are underweight, so weight alone is not a determining factor
Skin/Hair Problems
Many skin problems are associated with or aggravated by inadequate thyroid function. The most common symptom is dry skin. Many but not all people who suffer from acne, eczema or psoriasis are relieved on thyroid therapy. Hair loss is common among hypothyroid people. This is especially common in women after childbearing and in women who diet frequently.
Online Resources
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