Hypothyroidism

The Thyroid is a gland located in the neck that produces hormones, regulates your metabolism, and affects the function of each organ in the body.  Hypothyroidism refers to the thyroid gland being underactive.  When the gland is underactive, it doesn’t produce a sufficient amount of thyroxine, the hormone that regulates the body’s metabolism.  Hypothyroidism is also known as low thyroid or underactive thyroid.  The condition slows down the body’s metabolism, disrupting several of the body functions.  Hypothyroidism can lead to other health issues such as heart complications, weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, bone issues, and even depression. 

The signs and symptoms associated with Hypothyroidism can vary like most conditions.  Some of the symptoms associated with Hypothyroidism can often imitate signs of other health issues.  People can experience symptoms that range from simple traits to extreme characteristics.  It’s always best to diagnose Hypothyroidism as opposed to determining whether or not you’re experiencing the condition.  Hypothyroidism can affect anyone at any age, but it is more common for women to experience it after age 60.

• Weight Gain (that’s not contributed by any diet changes)
• Difficulty loosing weight
• Enlarged Thyroid (Goiter or Thyroid Nodules)
• Eye issue (bulging, inflammation, excessive tearing, swelling)
• Exophthalmos (protruding of the eyes)
• Fatigue
• Hoarseness in voice
• Increased Cholesterol levels
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nervousness or Anxiety
• Nerves Tremors
• Issues sleeping
• Irritability or mood swings
• Hair Loss, thinning or change in texture
• Skin issues (dryness, thinning, itchiness)
• Body Temperature fluctuations
• Sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Issues with concentration
• Irregular menstrual cycle (for women)
• Low sex drive

The pituitary gland is the master gland, which controls other glands like the thyroid.  The pituitary gland produces the thyroid stimulating hormone and sends the message to the thyroid gland to produce the thyroxine and triiodothyronine hormones.  Hypothyroidism occurs when there is an inadequate amount of these hormones being produced.  These two hormones control most of the main body functions.  The most common cause of Hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's; in which your immune system that attacks the thyroid gland.  Other causes of Hypothyroidism are related to existing health conditions or factors that contribute to the underproduction of the hormones.

• Hashimoto's (autoimmune disease also known as chronic autoimmune thyroiditis)
• Pregnancy (after childbirth hormonal issues like Hypothyroidism can occur or inflammation within the thyroid)
• Thyroditis (inflammation of the gland, caused by antibodies that damage the thyroid, viral or bacteria infection, childbirth and other unknown reasons)
• Problems with the thyroid can occur at childbirth
• Treatments to help Hyperthyroidism can also backfire on the production of hormones leading to Hypothyroidism
• Thyroid Goiter or Nodule (the adenoma part of the gland that walls itself from the rest of the Thyroid, forming a benign lump or cyst)
• Removal of Thyroid Gland (when a nodule, goiter or large portion of the thyroid is removed it can alter the production of the hormones)
• Iodine Deficiency (not consuming enough foods with iodine can throw off your hormonal production)
• Hormonal issues
• High amounts of radiation
• Unbalanced diets (nutrient deficiencies can provoke irregular activities of the Thyroid Gland)
• Medication (lithium, amiodarone, interferon alpha, sunitinib are some examples of medication that is known to cause Hypothyroidism)
• Pituitary Gland damage or disorder (from brain injuries)

https://www.dherbs.com/news/4823/4669/Thyroid-Gland/d,ai.html

https://www.dherbs.com/news/4658/4669/Grave-s-Disease/d,ai.html

• Eating foods that are high in iodine and selenium helps assist with the conditions of Hypothyroidism, but it has to be consumed moderately.  It helps the thyroid carry out it’s normal function (fish, Iodized salt, etc.).
• Increasing the amount of protein in the diet can help nourish the gland into functioning properly.  Protein is vital to any diet and also helps to carry the thyroid hormone to the tissues of the body.  Foods that are high in protein include almonds, broccoli, spinach, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, Swiss chard, snow peas and much more.
• Decrease the amount of sugar, caffeine, dairy and processed foods.  These foods often contain gluten and increase hormones within the body.
• Exercising helps increase your blood flow and can help speed up your metabolism from Hypothyroidism.  The releasing of endorphins also helps to boost your overall wellbeing.
• The thyroid gland is very sensitive to stress, so decreasing the amount of stress in your life benefits your immune system.  When you’re stressed, it causes your immune system to change almost instantly.  Keeping your stress levels down helps the thyroid carry out its normal function. 
• Mercury is a chemical element found in rocks that contaminates the air and water.  This particular element is also present in numerous foods such as fish, high-fructose corn syrup, and rice.  Mercury interferes with a variety of the minerals that are essential to the thyroid gland and the production of the hormone.  It’s also commonly used for dental fillings in which a high amount is used to correct cavities.  Removing the silver fillings (amalgam) helps to decrease the amount of mercury present in the body, in addition to rationing out the amount of foods that contain high amounts of the element.
• Decreasing the amount of radiation around you relieves the thyroid.  Radiation is everywhere and in a lot of the things we use daily.  Things that give off the most radiation are x-ray machines, airport scanners, cell phones, tobacco, microwaves, laptops, and more.  
• The use of magnets helps stimulate the thyroid gland.  Magnets help reduce any inflammation around the gland. 

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries etc.)
• Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage.  These types of vegetables should also be consumed moderately.)
• Sea Vegetables (kelp, dulse, agar, seaweed, nori, spirulina, Irish moss)
• Foods high in chlorophyll (spinach, snow peas, kiwi, cucumbers, parsley)
• Shiitake or Portobello Mushrooms
• Turmeric
• Olive Oil
• Almonds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Walnuts
• Brazil Nuts
• Chia Seeds
• Sunflower Seeds
• Sesame Seeds