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Thyroid 101

Thyroid

What is the thyroid gland?

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped endocrine gland located in the lower neck.  Thyroid hormones secreted by the thyroid gland act on nearly every cell in the human body.

Why are thyroid hormones important?

Let’s create an analogy that mimics the function of a central heating and cooling unit. Think of thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, as the fire burning in your furnace at home.  Let’s say your ideal temperature in the house is 70 degrees.  This number represents proper metabolic regulation.  We can understand the implications of a dysfunctional furnace on temperature control.  Similarly, the effects of thyroid hormone on the body dictate metabolic function, energy homeostasis and an overall feeling of WELL BEING.  Therefore the most noticeable effects of a dysfunctional thyroid can be CHANGES OF MOOD and FATIGUE.

The thermostat is represented by your anterior pituitary gland, which sends regulatory instructions to the thyroid gland.  Via feedback loops, the pituitary can sense the amount of circulating T3 and T4.  It then has the ability to decipher this information and sends instructions to stimulate or suppress the release of additional thyroid hormone.

The bottom line? To feel good you NEED a to produce proper amounts of thyroid hormone.

What are symptoms of thyroid disorders?

As stated, thyroid hormone has regulatory effects. The pendulum can swing in two directions, overactive and underactive.  Excessive hormone production is called hyperthyroidism, which includes the autoimmune condition known as Graves’ disease.  Inadequate hormone production is known as hypothyroidism, which includes the autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Fatigue, changes in weight, anxiety, depression, changes in bowel habits, menstrual complaints and changes to skin and hair are all signs of thyroid disorders.

Iodine is an essential nutrient for proper thyroid function.  Many toxic agents and processes can disrupt the normal function of iodine in the thyroid.  Halides, which include bromine and fluorine, have this ability.  Nutrition and lifestyle also have major implications on the thyroid gland.  By offering a comprehensive protocol, optimal thyroid function can be achieved.  We are able to confirm progress of proper thyroid function with specific lab testing and, of course, by seeing an improvement in OVERALL SENSE OF WELL-BEING.

We offer a comprehensive thyroid protocol that will optimize hormone production and leave you feeling ENERGIZED and PRODUCTIVE.  If you would like to learn more about ways to optimize thyroid function with nutrition and supplementation, schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors.