The thyroid gland consists of two
lobes at the base of the front of your neck. It secretes hormones
that control your metabolism -- that is, all the processes that
result in your growth, energy production and waste elimination.
Note that the thyroid gland controls both physical and mental growth.
The thyroid gland also prevents the buildup of calcium in your blood.
It's a very important gland and must neither be underactive or overactive
-- either condition can result in major problems.
A thyroid gland that is overactive results in hyperthyroidism, a
common form of which is an autoimmune disorder called Graves' disease.
Some symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, diarrhea, erratic
heartbeat, high pulse pressure and tremors.
The thyroid gland tends to weaken
with age. However, a nutritionally sound diet will help keep your
thyroid healthy.
Only a doctor can diagnose an
overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). The quiz indicates only the
possibility that you have a thyroid imbalance, which you should
discuss with your doctor. You might want to try the underarm temperature
test for thyroid health (in the box below). Symptoms such as: hyperactivity,
sweating, irritability, nervousness, difficulty gaining weight and
(for women) menstrual irregularities could also reflect other problems.
An overactive thyroid (if symptoms are not pronounced) often responds
very well to diet improvements and supplements. It is essential
to correct any nutritional deficiencies. Eat a diet very high in
green and yellow vegetables (at least five to six half cup servings
daily), brown rice and other whole grains, sprouts, fruits and seafood.
Zinc deficiencies are often associated with an overactive thyroid.
Some good sources of zinc, besides seafoods, are eggs; mushrooms;
wheat germ; brewer's yeast and pumpkin, sunflower, poppy and caraway
seeds. In addition to their high nutrient content, raw vegetables
such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts contain
goitrogens, substances which can help balance an overactive thyroid.
Cut back on stimulants such as smoking,
coffee, tea and chocolate as well as
red meat and other fatty foods, refined foods (such as white bread,
white pasta and other foods made with white flour) and junk foods.
Many over-the-counter diet pills can cause thyroid imbalance as
well.
Nutritional supplements to support
your thyroid include B complex (50mg daily
with a meal), vitamin E (200mg daily
with a meal), vitamin C with bioflavonoids
(500mg 2-3 x daily) and zinc picolinate (25mg
daily with a meal, for two to three months only). Also consider
a strong anti-oxidant such as co-enzyme Q10 (60mg daily for two
to three months) to boost your immune system.
There are a number of herbal supplements
which work extremely well to balance an overactive thyroid (when
used in conjunction with diet improvements), but they should be
prescribed by a holistic doctor such as a naturopath or homeopath.
Regular exercise such as a daily,
brisk walk will also help balance your thyroid. Early morning sunlight
is also very therapeutic.
