9 Hyperthyroidism Symptoms You Must Know About

By Tarun Yadav

A vital part of the endocrine system, the thyroid aids in the production of many important hormones and proper functionality of the human system. Butterfly-shaped, the gland smartly sits just above the collarbone, in the neck. There are a number plausible thyroid diseases and disorders that can affect the normal working of the gland.
Two most common disorders include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The former marks a condition wherein the gland over produces thyroid hormones against amounts needed. The latter on the other hand, is a condition wherein the gland fails to make sufficient quantities of needed hormones. Understanding hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism symptoms is a good way of diagnosing the problem.
Though hypothyroidism is more common that its counterpart, but knowing about hyperthyroidism symptoms is equally important.
Common hyperthyroidism symptoms
Sleeping Disorder and Fatigue - People with hyperthyroidism find it difficult to fall asleep too easily, and hence, feel more tired and exhausted. An overactive thyroid triggers insomnia due to restlessness and anxiety, and makes sleeping hard.
Weight Loss - One of the major hyperthyroidism symptoms is weight loss. No matter if a person eats his/her normal diet or more than usual, with hyperthyroidism constantly loses weight.
Mood swings and Mental Changes - In hyperthyroidism, a person is more likely to experience anxiety and panic attacks - typically feel he/she cannot relax at all. Also, the presence of excess quantities of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream causes difficulty in concentrating.
Muscle Pain - The condition is known to cause a variety of joint and muscle problems, typically including firmly holding objects, reaching arms above the heads and even climbing stairs.
Irregular Periods and Infertility - Those who experience infrequent, shorter, and lighter periods are likely to suffer from infertility problems. Having regular and normal periods is very important.
Skin Changes and Hair Loss - The condition of hyperthyroid can cause hair loss usually on the head and even lead to thin, fragile skin.
Cholesterol Levels - With this disorder most people are likely to experience unusually low cholesterol levels.
Blood Pressure Levels - In the event of the presence of hyperthyroidism condition, the systolic, upper value of blood pressure reading rises, while the diastolic or the lower reading remains constant or goes down.
Heart Rate - The heart beats faster than usual and a person is likely to experience heart flutters or palpitation. Immediate care is recommended.
Besides these, excess consumption of alcohol, regular smoking, lethargic lifestyle and an imbalanced diet make for some causes of hyperthyroidism, which lead to surfacing of these, above listed symptoms.
The author is a senior writer who works with a renowned medical centre.He is well versed with various types of infections, diseases, and conditions that surround us, what are their implications, tests, and how to effectively can they be treated. Here, in this blog, He focuses on enlightening everyone about the hyperthyroidism symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is a chronic condition most common amid women.
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All About Hypothyroidism And Weight Gain

By Rob V Timothy

The thyroid is a small endocrine gland found in the lower part of our neck. This organ functions to produce thyroid hormones that will regulate our metabolism, temperature, and the use of other hormones and vitamins. Metabolism is the ability of our body to break down our consumed calories and convert it into energy. Food fuels our body; the calories that we consume generally provide energy to our body cells so our organs can physiologically perform properly.
When our thyroid malfunctions, our body's ability to metabolize food is generally affected. Thyroid and weight gain definitely has a relationship; overactive thyroid can leave people with difficulty gaining weight while an underactive thyroid will make a person struggle with weight gain.
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones. An underactive thyroid will under produce necessary hormones to regulate certain body functions including our ability to metabolize food. Altered metabolism in hypothyroidism will result in weight gain; the body's ability to produce energy from the food we eat is slowed down.
Stress and iodine deficiency are some factors that are considered to be the cause of this condition. Early stages of hypothyroidism will produce mild signs and symptoms but can be asymptomatic as well. Some symptoms aside from weight gain includes increase sensitivity to cold, constipation, depression, fatigue, sluggish reflexes, water retention, decreased vital signs and decreased sweating. Your doctor will require a diagnostic test to reveal the condition of your thyroid function; a blood specimen will be extracted and measured.
The results will help doctors diagnose you with any thyroid problems that will explain the symptoms that you might be experiencing. Synthetic thyroid hormones in a form of pills will be prescribed in an attempt to bring the thyroid hormones into normal functioning. It should be taken daily and regular laboratory test will be performed to monitor thyroid levels and to also give way to medication dosage adjustments.
Gaining weight must be one of the struggles a hypothyroid patient could face. Diet in conjunction with increase physical activity is highly recommended to these patients. Limiting one's caloric intake and performing regular exercise are one of the few things that must be done aside from the daily intake of medications. Practicing a healthy lifestyle for these patients is necessary to take them away from the risk of becoming overweight or obese. Obesity and overweight will increase the likelihood of another health problem, which will add complexity to the primary condition of hypothyroidism. A patient suffering with hypothyroidism will definitely need great motivation to gain control over his diagnosis.
Malfunctioning thyroid and weight gain can be a big problem for the victims of this illness but always remember it is definitely controllable with medications and healthy lifestyle. Losing weight while being hypothyroid might be difficult and frustrating, weight loss will be slow in pace due to the current misbehaving hormones. It is best to combine pharmacotherapy, diet and exercise to combat this illness and avoid secondary diseases that you might get along the way if you have an uncontrolled hypothyroidism.
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9 Common Causes for Thyroid Problems

By Dr Kristen Bobik Halland

How you sleep, how easy it is to wake up, and how much energy and stamina you have during the day is directly related to the levels of the thyroid hormones. The thyroid is heavily involved in so many more processes in the body as well!
Hypothyroidism is a common health condition in the U.S. and means that the thyroid gland is not active enough. It may cause symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, pale and cold skin, constipation, high cholesterol levels, weakness, and joint pain. The opposite condition is called Hyperthyroidism in which the thyroid gland is too active. This may result in symptoms such as weight loss, tremors, heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat, difficulty sleeping, and so forth. But naturally, the thyroid is a sneaky organ and your symptoms typically won't be "textbook" as described or all occur at the same time. It could be something as subtle as noticing you just can't make it through a day without coffee anymore.
The blood work performed by doctors is typically a "basic" or "expanded" thyroid panel, and can include variety of measurements. Normal values are constantly changing. As a physician, I am only interested in the optimal, ideal specific range of these values, whereas many outdated laboratory values have a great range and a different motivation and view point for what's normal.
Here's briefly how the thyroid gland works and don't worry, I won't bore you with science! The thyroid is like middle management in the corporate world. His office is located in the throat, wrapped around our windpipe as two lobes. His big time boss is the brain, who works up at corporate headquarters. That's how body works - the brain is the master control of every organ, tissue, muscle, and cell in the body. The thyroid's upper management is the pituitary gland, whom he also takes orders from. Thyroid manages many functions of the corporation especially the customer service teams, but instead of sending out memos all day from his desk, he sends out hormones. Hormones are the messages that act out what the brain commands. So he send out hormones (messages) to his customer service team to go out into the body and check in with every single cell (customers). They stop at every cell to see if its doing okay - does it need more nutrients? More oxygen? Anything? More important than that, the hormones get to call on some large important customers. For example hormones help the heart utilize cholesterol. His best customer service representatives are T3 and T4 and are his right hand team. For that reason, T3 is the most active thyroid number measured. This is certainly not the complete picture, just an overview of what the thyroid does.
Did you know that there's a real definition of "being healthy?" It's the definition adopted by all major medical textbooks, including Gray's Anatomy (the textbook that's the corner stone of the entire medical profession, not the television show). Being healthy is the ability to function at one hundred percent mentally, physically, and socially. This definition tells me that health is more than just the physical body, it's all encompassing. And health is about function. Nowhere in that definition did it discuss how someone feels. It's about how well the body works beneath the surface and adapts for you.
Here are 9 causes of thyroid levels that are off on your blood work, and what further steps might you want to explore:
1) Environmental Factors. The body is shutting down because it's exhausted. The two most common examples of environmental factors affecting the thyroid gland are high stress levels and a lack of sleep. Sleep is literally the body's time to heal itself and depriving ourselves of that has a much greater effect than we realize. High stress levels will cause excess cortisol in the body, which is a hormone linked to increased risks of heart disease (and other conditions) and keeps your body in the "flight or fight" response mode. These are the two first things that I recommend all of my patients to address. Here are some tips for sleeping well and lowering stress:
a. Deep breathing exercises
b. Use of essential oils like lavender
c. Eliminate tvs, cell phones, etc. in the bedroom
d. Yoga, meditation, or stretching to promote a calm, clear mind
2) Gastrointestinal Function. Not only does our digestive system break down food to use as nutrients, it also contains almost 80% of our immune system! Food Intolerances are a common cause of digestive problems and there is a strong link in the research to Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease with thyroid imbalances. Many people with suspected gluten intolerance also have many other hidden undetected food intolerances that mimick similar symptoms.
3) Toxicity. A common sign of toxicity in the body can be bags underneath the eyes. Liver is our main organ responsible for detoxing the body and preventing any garbage from hanging around to destroy our tissues. If a need for detoxing exists, it can involve dietary changes, adding more vegetables to the diet in the form of Juicing in order to make the internal body conditions inhospitable for toxins, infrared saunas, and acupuncture to balance energy meridians corresponding to these organs. One of my tips is to drink a mug of warm water with half a fresh squeezed lemon every morning 15 minutes before breakfast. It gets the liver active and ready to work!
4) Hormonal Imbalances such as pregnancy, contraceptive use, estrogen / hormone replacement therapy, or bowel dysfunctions. Too much estrogen will increase the activity in the thyroid gland. Estrogen is also used as a medication for which the effects are over played and risks minimized. Research and results on Hormone Replacement Therapy now show that it does not protect anyone from incontinence, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and so forth but it actually increases your risk for cancer. Other natural ways to resolve a hormonal imbalance, especially around menopausal age are acupuncture or a physician grade nutritional supplement prescription.
5) Consumption of soy products and non-organic dairy. Soy and non-organic dairy both will increase estrogen in the body and therefore affect the thyroid gland. I would recommend anyone (regardless of your health condition) to eliminate both of these items from your diet. Remember, both of these are very sneaky and hidden in many processed foods.
6) Constipation. Too many toxins being recycled in our bowels from lack of elimination will put extra estrogen into system. My favorite, most effect and natural solutions for constipation are acupuncture, dietary changes like eliminating sugar and grains, probiotics supplementation, food intolerance testing, other lab measurements that could enlighten the reason for constipation.
7) Nutritional Deficiencies such as B12 or Iron deficiency. Some of the signs of nutrient deficiencies are similar to symptoms of hypothyroidism. Reasons that one could have nutrient deficiencies could include lack of nutritional dietary habits or heavy metal toxicity (which is actually much more common than it sounds). Hair analysis is the best long term blueprint of the body to assess for heavy metal toxicity or nutrient deficiencies.
8) Immune System Dysfunctions such as adrenal problems which increase cortisol in the body, increase your risk for heart disease (among other conditions) and keep your body in constant "flight or fight" panic mode. Adrenal problems are typically measured with easy, at home saliva testing.
9) Chronic Candidiasis which may cause symptoms such as white patches in mouth, memory problems, issues with sugar handling, gas and bloating, mucous in the stool, and cold hands or feet. Ask your doctor about an easy blood test to see if you have an acute or long term candida problem. Solutions for candidiasis may involve dietary changes, detoxification, and using natural herbs or supplements to resolve candida imbalance.
To discover more valuable information, tips, articles, and more from Dr. Kristen, please join our free E-Wellness Community by clicking this link or visit us at www.TheBalanceDoc.com now!
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Hypothyroidism Diet Restrictions - The Perfect Diet You Must Know

By Kayla Alves

It is very essential to be familiar with the right hypothyroidism diet restrictions if you have hypothyroidism. You should know the types of food to take and the ones to avoid in order to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
A nourishing diet for a sufferer of hypothyroidism should consist of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, natural foods, seafood and lean protein. It is important to reduce the intake of fatty meats and a multivitamin supplement should be taken adequately if you are not taking it currently.
Selenium is the most significant nutrient in a diet of someone with hypothyroidism. It is an antioxidant and is useful for converting the thyroid hormone produced by the body, T4, into its active form, T3. Brazil nuts are the major source of selenium and they are also available in lean meats. The consumption of these nuts and lean meat will go a long in reducing the effect of the disease.
Weight gain is a major challenge of hypothyroidism and you can take a lot of fiber in order to lose weight. Taking fiber will make you feel full and will also prevent constipation which is another major symptom of the disease. Fiber can be ingested in pill form or by the means of over-the-counter fiber concoctions, but getting it naturally from foods like rice, beans, oatmeal and whole wheat is much better. You should prefer whole grains above refined grains because they help better to maintain stable blood sugar and will make you feel fuller. You should avoid alcohol because it can lead to blood sugar fluctuations.
Furthermore, you should take light meals that are spread out through the day instead of taking three big meals. Eating about five or six meals daily will assist in balancing the slow metabolism that is a characteristic of hypothyroidism. Each meal should be kept at around 300 calories and you should be involved in regular exercise in order to lose weight.
Zone Diet is recommended by some doctors and it has to do with balancing out your insulin reaction to food which will limit the spikes and crashes. Carbs are a major component of this diet especially refined grains. You should take a lot of water as well as vegetables and fruit. Bread, pasta, lean protein and starches should be taken in small quantity and majority of your carbs should come from fruit and vegetables. The interval between your meals should not be more than five hours.
It is important to follow the hypothyroidism diet restrictions in order to boost the status of your health. You should stay away from foods that are not perfect for the condition and take those that will be useful in ameliorating the discomfort that come with the disease. You should follow your doctor's recommendation regarding what to eat and what not to eat if you are having any challenge with your thyroid gland. In addition to your medication, you must get your diet right and you will discover that your condition will improve with time.
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3 Things You Should Know About Thyroid Systems and 9 Hypothyroidism Checklist Symptoms

By Samantha Rein

Our thyroid system, just like the many parts of our human body, has its own defence mechanism against sickness and diseases.
However, if our body's natural defence against sickness fail to recognize the thyroid gland as part of our body it will start to attack it like a foreign object. This will cause the thyroid to produce less hormones as needed. This lead to a disease called hypothyroidism.
What are the 3 Things You Should Know About Thyroid Systems?
1. Radiation Exposure
If you ever been into any radiation treatment near the neck or chest, this can excessively damage your thyroid gland causing overactive thyroid.
2. Surgery
The second main causes of thyroid disease concerns the pituitary gland. This gland is the one that stimulates the function of the thyroid gland.
If and when the pituitary is damage due to surgery, production of hormones would be less as well.
3. Insufficient Iodine
Iodine is the most needed component of the thyroid gland to produce necessary hormones for it to function properly. If you don't eat enough iodine in your diet, secretion of thyroid hormones suffers. This is most commonly results in swelling or goiter.
What are the 9 Hypothyroidism Checklist Symptoms?
If you got one or more of the following symptoms, you might be suffering from Hypothyroidism.

• Fatigue - under active thyroid may cause your body so much stress that makes you feel weak. It may seem impossible then to not get some sleep or nap during the day.
• Joint or Muscle Cramps - painful moving of your joint muscles, difficulty reaching objects, aching arms and legs, clammy hands.
• Constipation - hypothyroidism slows the function of the digestive tract making it hard to have a normal bowel movement.
• Weight Gain - unusual weight gain or the difficulty to lose weight can be due to an under active thyroid gland.
• Poor appetite - loss of interest in foods
• Dry skin and hair loss - hairs that are brittle, course and falling out easily, skin that feels thick, scaly and dry.
• Heavy menstruation - infertility, irregularities, frequent and painful menstruation could be caused by thyroid problem.
• Depression and memory loss - sudden onset of panic and or anxiety attacks and the inability to concentrate.
• Shortness of breath - this is due to higher level of heart palpitations, making you sweat excessively as well.

Always keep the hypothyroidism checklist symptoms in mind. If left untreated, thyroid system disorder can significantly affect your lifestyle. Do you want to use natural therapies to significantly change your health condition?
Here's How!
The honest truth is, your body will heal itself. You just need to give it the right environment for this to happen. Find out how by visiting http://www.hypothyroidism-solution2.blogspot.com. You can be just a few minutes away from getting your healthy life back!
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7 Things A Thyroid Patient Should Consider

By Walter T

Patients diagnosed with a thyroid condition may have any one of the eight types. Goiter, thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism, graves disease, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodule, thyroid storm. This tiny gland which is located below your adam's apple can have a significant impact on your health and the way you feel. Having a thyroid condition is not the end of the world though!
Your doctor may have given you some guidelines and medicines to manage your condition. With your doctor's advice and this list of do's and dont's, you can get your body and health back on track sooner. Managing your condition may help you feel better.
Educate yourself
Not every medication works the same for every patient. The first diagnosis is not necessarily the only or right diagnosis. Thyroid condition has often been misdiagnosed or overlooked. Different opinions may be necessary before your condition is properly diagnosed.
Maintain Your Thyroid Charts
To make sure your medicines are actually working, and that your hormones are back on track keep accurate notes and charts. Doctors will always ask for these records and can assist your doctor in making any necessary changes to your medication. Knowing your history will help you to better manage your condition.
Manage What You're Eating
If you've gained weight because of a thyroid condition, and your doctor has given you medication to manage your condition, it doesn't mean you're free to eat whatever you want. It's important that you still regulate your thyroid diet and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Eating unhealthy food will be a main cause which could be adding many calories and weight to your body! Eat less fast foods, and stick to a healthier, greener diet. Weight gain is one of the ways your body is telling you that you need to eat better. Even though this is easier said than done now is the right time to change your diet.
Fitness Comes First
A thyroid condition shouldn't be your only motivation to be fit and healthy. You don't need to go to a fancy gym to exercise. Taking a brisk walk for an hour everyday and exercising will help you keep in shape and be healthy.
Yoga is one of the more trendy ways to keep in shape, so you can indulge yourself and exercise with Yoga. The Breathing Techniques called pranayam, as well many other postures can be performed under the supervision of a yoga instructor. If you get yourself to practice yoga you'll have more energy and feel rejuvenated.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Have you ever felt really angry or been in a bad mood? Sometimes we feel upset for no reason and other times it could be due to the stress in our lives. We've all felt angry, cranky, or irritable it's just a part of our lives. Insistent bad moods are not healthy for you or those around you. When everything seems to be falling apart get outside, exercise and do something you enjoy to change your mood. Stay upbeat and motivated it is better for your health.
Help yourself by talking to someone you trust and respect. Teachers, counselor, friends and family are great listeners. Problems can seem more worst then they really are if you keep your negative feelings inside, so talk about them. Most importantly don't sweat the small stuff!
Keep current
Research and read what the medical community has to say about your thyroid condition. Search the internet for others that are dealing with your same symptoms and see what they have found out. Ask your doctor if there are better medications or alternatives.
There are many articles that have been written about thyroids by knowledgeable professional and novices searching for information on this topic. So keep up with what is going on and educate your self. The things that may work or help you may not work for someone else. Most importantly get regular checkups and have open communication with your Doctor. Here are some sites that may help you, http://www.webmd.com, http://www.solve-the-thyroid-puzzle.com.
Don't Fall For Myths!
There are a number of myth's regarding thyroid disease. Here is one you should be aware of, hypothyroidism will only cause you to gain a few pounds. In reality, reduced energy to exercise, reduced metabolism, and other metabolism may actually cause you to gain many more pounds and weight gain could be as much as 20 to 40 pounds or more for some people.
If you come across something that sounds bizarre or even remotely questionable, consult with your doctor, let them know how you feel and what your concerns are. Do your research and gather information from credible sources before accepting a conclusion.
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Steps On How To Lose Weight While Having Hypothyroidism

By Jennifer Vu

Doctors have known for a long time that there is a complicated relationship between thyroid disease, metabolism, and weight gain. It is the thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolism in both humans and in animals. People with overactive thyroid glands (hyperthyroidism) have higher metabolic rates, while those with non-functioning thyroids have lower metabolic rates (hypothyroidism), and are often left wondering how to lose weight while having hypothyroidism.
While more predominant in women over the age of 60, the condition of hypothyroidism spares no age group. People living with the sluggish metabolism of hypothyroidism are no doubt, often frustrated with their efforts to combat excessive weight issues.
Currently diagnosed in more than 27 million Americans, hypothyroidism is a condition widely undiagnosed or under-diagnosed and definitely a condition that is under treated. So, how then, do people living with hypothyroidism go about losing weight?
Step #1:
The first step to successfully learning how to lose weight while having hypothyroidism is to visit your doctor. A visit to your doctor will ensure you are properly diagnosed before you begin any major changes to your lifestyle. A quick blood test will determine your levels of thyroid hormones as well as your level of free T3 and T4 thyroid-stimulating hormones. The American Thyroid Association says that a result of TSH of 2.5 mIU/L or greater suggests hypothyroidism.
Step #2:
If your doctor decides to prescribe thyroid hormones, it is imperative that you follow his or her instructions exactly. Eating certain foods can interfere with the absorption of your medication, which in turn, means it will not work properly. If your doctor says you must avoid combining diary, calcium or iron with your medication, then you will need to create a schedule where you eat at least fours hours apart from taking your meds.
Your doctor may also explain that eating common goitrogenic foods such as lima beans, certain raw vegetables, and legumes can also interfere with the absorption of your thyorid medication and instead, certain foods will need to be cooked. Doing your homework on how to make your thyroid medication work best will go a long way to effective weight loss.
Step #3:
Eat breakfast. This is not a time to just do your best, but is a time to 'just do it'. That means eating balanced, calorie-controlled meals at all times. This is a key factor for those wanting to learn how to lose weight while having hypothyroidism. Your meals should consist of 20 g to 30 g of healthy protein throughout the day, which studies show, is an effective way to curb hunger for longer amounts of time over fats and carbohydrates. Aim for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of food, especially first thing in the morning when your body needs protein more than any other time of the day.
Step #4:
Cut out the refined sugar products and bad carbohydrates. Instead, you need to eat foods that are high in fiber. Refined foods only provide your body with empty calories that will surely stunt your weight loss efforts. Eating fiber is an excellent way to deal with hypothyroidism-induced constipation. Your goal should be to consume between 25 g and 30 g of fiber each day.
Step #5:
Now that you have your medication and food schedule sorted, you will need to implement exercise. A 15-minute walk a few times a day can be enough to begin boosting your metabolism. You can mix your exercise choices by walking up a flight of stairs (instead of taking the elevator), a light jog around your park, or even walk the dog to the corner store. The important thing is to get up and get moving.
Not only will exercise help boost your metabolism, it is also a good way to keep your digestive system in working order, not to mention burn those unwanted calories.
Jennifer Vu is a public health expert and she usually writes about topics concerning health issues such as weight loss, yeast infection, hypothyroidism. She is now mainly writing for best diet for hypothyroidism to lose weight [http://bestdietforhypothyroidism.com/] blog.
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A Special Diet For Hypothyroidism Makes A Significant Difference

By Jia Mata

Hypothyroidism, an under-active thyroid, has numerous health issues associated with it. Women are ten times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men, and the condition is most common in the 40 to 50 age group. The symptoms, as well as the basic problem, are manageable with regular exercise, a special diet, and medication in cases where the condition is severe.
People suffering from hypothyroidism experience sluggishness, fatigue, constipation, dry skin, unexplained weight gain, elevated blood cholesterol, aches, muscle tenderness and stiffness, joint pain, joint stiffness and swelling, heavier menstrual periods, brittle fingernails and hair, depression and so on. Most symptoms go unnoticed because women will assume that these are simple side effects of growing older. Many of these problems, however, are a result of a sluggish thyroid, and can be controlled, if not cured, by the right diet.
The right foods in your diet can make a big difference to how you feel and help control your symptoms and your weight. Sudden and overwhelming weight gain is one of the biggest and often the most visible side effect of hypothyroidism. The condition makes it difficult to lose the weight you gain. So finding a suitable diet is among the first things you need to do to fight the condition. Conventional crash diets and exercise do not to make a difference, and the best idea is to combine a hypothyroidism recommended diet with a suitable exercise regime, and medication if necessary, for best results.
A good recommended diet must include whole grains, seafood, fruits and vegetables, and lean protein. Foods like carrots, spinach, olive oil, apricots, bananas, avocado, asparagus, sunflower seeds, whole grain, and oily fish are good. On the other hand, foods like broccoli, sweet potato, cabbage, kale, lima beans, mustard, linseed, soy products, and peanuts are bad. This sounds strange, because the "food to avoid" list is chock full of food that is generally considered good for you. However, if you have hypothyroidism, these foods interfere with the absorption of iodine in your body.
Make sure to include Selenium in your diet as this trace mineral acts as an antioxidant helping to convert thyroid hormone T4, into the active T3 form. Fiber is also essential a hypothyroidism diet, especially if you are trying to lose weight. It gives you a feeling of fullness and helps with the constipation as well. It is best to get your fiber from foods rather than from a supplement pill. Include beans, and grains like rice, whole wheat, and oatmeal. Whole grains are a better choice so choose brown or whole wheat bread, brown rice.
It is better to avoid stimulants like coffee, and cola, and give up smoking and alcohol as they inhibit thyroid function. Try to remain as stress free as possible, or practice stress reducing measures like regular exercise, yoga or meditation. Also, an ideal diet for hypothyroidism would consist of many more, but smaller, meals, rather than a day with just four major meals. Five or six smaller meals through the day balance out the slow metabolism caused by this condition.
And last, but definitely not the least, don't forget the Iodine! Hypothyroidism has definitely been associated with a diet that is low in iodine. So add sea salt or seaweed to give your diet that little bit extra!
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How Hypothyroidism Is Connected To High Cholesterol

By George Chavez

You probably haven't thought about stress and cholesterol being related. Most people don' and that includes a lot of doctors. But the truth is that both of these things are highly related. It should not be a surprise since thyroid problems mean that our body cannot process cholesterol correctly so it lead to heightened levels of cholesterol. And what is one of the big by-products of thyroid problems- Stress! So yes the two are very intertwined.
Cholesterol has gotten a bad rap. Drug companies help make you believe that cholesterol is bad and a thing to be eliminated. Doctors unwittingly join in this refrain from time to time. However, medical science knows that humans vitally need cholesterol to survive. Cholesterol is used by the body to manufacture protective hormones such as progesterone, DHEA and testosterone to protect the body. Without these hormones looking out for us we would all fall prey to disease and infection.
Here is how your thyroid and cholesterol are intertwined in your body's health. Your body needs something called active T3 thyroid hormone to use cholesterol properly and now we know that cholesterol helps produce other very protective hormones. So if your thyroid is not working well to make T3 then your cholesterol cannot make the protective hormones your body needs. Also since your body is not using cholesterol the amount of cholesterol you have continues to rise. This puts you in a vicious downhill spiral and you wonder why you never have any energy and are generally are in poor health.
Just because two things tend to show up together like high cholesterol and heart disease does not mean that one thing causes the other. In this case, high cholesterol is a symptom of heart disease, something that tells us we should look out for heart problems. However, high cholesterol is not an actual cause of heart disease. So why do we instantly prescribe cholesterol lowering drugs. That is actually a different conversation for another day. The point here is that we want to start attacking the actual causes of our afflictions. Hypothyroidism is actually the cause of heart disease. When our thyroid does not work correctly we are stressed, we don't produce T3, cholesterol cannot make protective hormones and our health degenerates rapidly. Left over and extra cholesterol is a by product of all of this. It is not the cause. You have to get back to why aren't we making T3. The answer to that is our thyroid is not working properly. If this were a detective mystery it would be case closed. unfortunately, we are frequently left running in circles trying to get to the real underlying health problem.
Since cholesterol lowering drugs have been portrayed as the saviors for heart disease you might like to know some of the side effects attached with these drugs:

• Fatigue and Low Energy
• Loss of Libido
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Excessive Muscle Wasting
• Inability to Handle Stress
• Fatigue and Low Energy
• Weight Gain
• Osteoporosis
• Breast Cancer
• Depression

Statins are another name for cholesterol lowering drugs and they are associated with a number of serious conditions:

• Progressive Muscle Disease
• Diabetes
• Liver Damage
• Digestive Problems
• Immunological Disorders
• Memory Loss
• Lou Gehrig's Disease

One thing that no one tells you is that if your cholesterol levels get too low yo have an increased risk of dying from cancer and suicide. This is just one more reason to seriously consider taking this type of cholesterol lowering therapy. Try to work with your doctor to address the underlying came of your heart disease and don't just find symptoms. You could end up running from one drug to another to try and stay ahead of the game.
If you want to learn more about hypothyroidism and how to treat it we recommend Hypothyroid Revolution. You can read our Hypothyroidism Revolution Review.
You may also want to learn more about how to cure your hypothyroidism with a hypothyroid diet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/George_Chavez/247124
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What Exactly Is Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism

By Dr. Frank P Lanzisera

Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto, a Japanese physician, was researching goiters and iodine deficiencies. At this time, goiters and thyroid disease were strongly linked to a dietary lack of iodine. While researching, Dr Hashimoto found a type of goiter that appeared to be unrelated to an iodine deficiency. He biopsied these goiters and his histopathology findings noted lymphocyte infiltration, fibrosis, parenchymal atrophy, and eosinophilic changes of acinar cells. He called this special characteristic of a new type of lymphomatous thyroid disorder "Hashimoto's thyroiditis" or lymphocytic thyroiditis.
At the time Dr. Hashimoto reported his findings in 1912, German was considered the scientific language. In seeking the widest audience for his discovery, Dr. Hashimoto published his work in a German journal. He wanted to make his important work known around the world and felt this would be the best way to do so. It wasn't until many years later, however, that he was credited for the first recognized autoimmune condition.
Till this day, 101 years later, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is still somewhat of an enigma. The reason for this is the diversity of symptoms that patients present.
Side Note: Some papers on Hashimoto's thyroiditis state that at times patients will report no symptoms. This is inaccurate and probably due an inexperienced person taking the patient's history. Patients with Hashimoto's do have a wide range of symptoms with varying severity and a thorough history will reflect this symptomatology.
It is not unusual for a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis to have symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The most common symptom is fatigue but someone with Hashimoto's can also present with a racing heart, a feeling of being "on edge" or nervousness, and brain fog or loss of mental clarity.
Hyperthyroidism symptoms are evident when the thyroid has produced too much of a thyroid hormone called thyroxine. This creates "hyper" signs and symptoms by accelerating the body's metabolism significantly. Typically these symptoms include inability to gain weight or sudden loss of weight, sweating, rapid and irregular heart rate, nervousness, diarrhea and irritability. Hashimoto's causes the release of too much thyroxine when the thyroid gland is under an active attack by the body's own immune system. During the attack the thyroid tissue is destroyed and any thyroxine within this tissue is released into the body causing a surge of this hormone into the bloodstream. This is the reason a person with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can experience temporary bouts of hyperthyroidism then a return of hypothyroidism symptoms.
After the attack has leveled off there is less functioning thyroid gland able to produce thyroid hormones and this shows itself by a slowed metabolism. Weight gain, constipation, fatigue, slowed heart rate, and depression are several symptoms that reflect this "hypo" or decreased thyroid hormone output otherwise known as hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto's is a gradual destruction of the thyroid gland by the body's own immune system. Often, a person will suffer with Hashimoto's for years before seeking help. Even then, traditional allopathic treatment is typically only directed toward achieving a TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) blood level in the "normal" range. Although this thyroid hormone replacement (HRT) treatment is necessary at times, the underlying autoimmunity problem needs support as well or the thyroid gland will continue to be destroyed. Also, it is common for patients who are taking thyroid replacement hormones to continue to experience symptoms.
Another important point is a person with Hashimoto's has an autoimmune problem that may not stop at just attacking the thyroid gland. Other organs, including the pancreas and brain, are all at risk. It's vital to diagnose this condition as early as possible.
Do not assume that just because there is no family history of thyroid disease in your family that you are not susceptible. Also don't think that thyroid conditions are relegated to middle-age women. We are seeing more 20 and 30-year old women and men presenting with thyroid symptoms and many do have Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Often, when taking the history of this group, they report experiencing their symptoms since they were children or teenagers. This leaves us to believe that there are a number of undiagnosed children and adolescents suffering with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in the U.S.
With fluctuating hormone levels depending on what part of hyper/hypo state is present at the time, it can be difficult for an inexperienced practitioner to diagnose a patient with Hashimoto's simply through basic thyroid lab tests. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is suspected, a practitioner can order blood tests that evaluate the body's antibody count against thyroglobulin (TG) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO). A needle biopsy may also be ordered to rule out the presence of lymphocytes and macrophages. The majority of the time a needle biopsy is not necessary to diagnose Hashimoto's.
A goiter or enlargement of the thyroid gland is sometimes associated with Hashimoto's disease. A goiter can be so large as to be disfiguring or the enlarged thyroid size can simply make it uncomfortable to wear scarves or neckties. At times, the neck or throat will be sore or tender.
Functional medicine uses a treatment approach well suited for autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) like Hashimoto's disease. Causative factors such as food allergens with cross-reactivity are addressed with functional medicine as well as the other involved systems beyond the immune system.
Dr. Frank Lanzisera is the author, along with his wife Dr. Lisa Lanzisera, of two books "Wheat Gluten - the Secret to Losing Belly Fat & Regaining Health" and "What's Wrong With MY Thyroid? - Functional Medicine for the New Thyroid Epidemic" He has practiced in the Tampa Bay area for 30 years and has recently opened a new location adjacent to Tampa General Hospital.
His practice focuses on functional medicine for thyroid disorders, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and other chronic conditions. He regularly presents seminars on these topics at his office. His office incorporates telemedicine for those who would like to seek help but do not live near Tampa.
You can learn more at Dr. Lanzisera's web sites http://www.thyroidtampa.com and http://www.lanziseracenter.com
Lanzisera Center is located at 17 Davis Blvd. Suite 401, Tampa, Florida 33606 (813) 253-2333
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Iodine Is Vital For Thyroid Health and Your Life

By Pat Nardini

There's been a lot of talk in the news lately about radioactive iodine that has leaked from the nuclear disaster in Japan. This has made people afraid of it, thinking it's something they should avoid.
Now, iodine is actually one of the most important nutrients for your health, and your body likes to absorb it. It sucks the stuff up like a sponge! And many people overlook the importance of iodine for thyroid health and its optimal performance.
Normally that's a good thing. But when we have a radioactive version of it kicking around in the water, air, or food that you're consuming, it's going to cause some problems.
After the disaster, some people took to using supplements of potassium iodide, a form of iodine. The idea here is that the non-radioactive stuff will block out the radioactive stuff.
This is a good idea, but the problem is that once the initial fear and worry wore off and everyone moved on to the next big concern, most people stopped taking these supplements.
So, what does iodine actually do for us? What's the benefit of it?
Thyroid Hormones and More
Iodine is absorbed from your diet by your thyroid gland and used to make thyroid hormones. (I talked more about how this works is in my last article)
These hormones are critical to the healthy function of your body, and without iodine, we can't make them. Without enough thyroid hormones, our bodies slow down and we start to feel awful. Insufficient iodine can even lead to conditions like hypothyroidism and enlargement of the thyroid, called goiter.
But iodine is useful for more than just thyroid health! Other glands and tissues use it too, including the adrenal glands, ovaries, breasts, prostate, stomach, salivary glands, skin, and muscles.
Obviously these are important parts of your body, but if you aren't getting enough iodine to these tissues, none of them will be able to function optimally and keep you healthy. People who don't have enough iodine in their bodies have difficulty sweating, and are prone to conditions like fibromyalgia, fibrocystic breasts, and PCOS.
It's also important for a baby's developing brain in utero. Babies born to iodine-deficient mothers often have lower IQs.
Cancer Prevention
One of the most important functions of iodine in the body is to prevent cancer from growing.
What it does is force the cancer cells to go through "apoptosis" or "programmed cell death". Basically, it forces the cancer cells to commit suicide.
If you have enough iodine in your body, then cancer cells that form in the body die off on their own or are easily taken care of by the immune system. When iodine becomes low, it's easier for cysts and nodules to form in the breasts, ovaries, and thyroid gland, which can sometimes lead to cancer.
Iodine Deficiency
Starting in the 1920s, iodine was added to table salt to help prevent iodine deficiency. Iodine was also added to milk and bread. This was great, but over the years, they've stopped doing this with milk and bread, and now with the "stay away from salt" message that doctors give us to supposedly combat high blood pressure, many of us avoid salt. This means we're missing out on iodine!
The bottom line: many of us aren't getting enough iodine in the diet.
On top of that, certain chemicals we're often exposed to can stop the iodine we do get from working. Bromine (in some baked goods and sodas), chlorine (in tap water and pool water), and fluorine (in toothpaste and tap water) look like iodine to the body and get in the way of its function.
How Much Iodine Should I Be Taking?
The RDA for iodine is 150 micrograms. This number was set many years ago to prevent goiter, but we've come a long way in our understanding of the body! It's nowhere near the levels needed to make sure things are running optimally in your thyroid and all the other organs and tissues I mentioned earlier.
It seems like they've figured this out in Japan though. Daily consumption of iodine over there is in the range of 13 milligrams (13000 micrograms) and above. This is a lot closer to the daily requirement for optimal function.
Where Should I Get Iodine?
The easiest way to get iodine in the diet is to eat kelp, which is a type of seaweed. Species of Laminaria seaweed contain the highest levels of iodine. You can supplement it with Lugol's solution, as well, in liquid or pill form. These will give you a balance of the two different forms of iodine - iodine and iodide - your body needs.
Supplementing with only one of them (like using commonly found potassium iodide) will leave some of the organs in your body wanting for iodine. Remember, if you believe that you're deficient in iodine and would like to supplement with it, make sure to consult your qualified health practitioner.
Until next time, this is Dr. Pat Nardini, putting "Your Wellness First!"
Dr. Pat Nardini, ND is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Toronto, Canada. His practice focuses on promotion of the overall health of his patients through a wide range of naturopathic methods. He has been in private practice now for over 10 years and specialises in thyroid conditions, primarily Wilson's Temperature Syndrome.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Pat_Nardini/1700880
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5 Ways Stress Can Worsen Thyroid Problems

By Dr. Frank P Lanzisera

Emotional stress is what everyone thinks of when "stress" is mentioned but stress comes in many different forms. It can be caused from over-exercising, lack of sleep, a fight with a boyfriend, or consuming too many sweets. The adrenal glands don't differentiate between any of these stressors. Whether it's too much coffee consumption or a final exam, the adrenal glands react the same way - by calling on the adrenal glands to secrete hormones.
Our adrenal glands actually secrete almost 50 hormones but we are most interested in the hormones called adrenaline, DHEA, and cortisol. These hormones work to keep our body's reaction to stress in check by having an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect. These adrenal hormones get to work when there is swelling and inflammation, threat of mental or physical danger, infection, and in response to the presence of an autoimmune condition. But the adrenal glands have their limits. They run out of steam and produce less and less of their hormones as they are called on repeatedly by the body to help deal with chronic problems such as thyroid conditions.
When the adrenals cannot keep up, the effects can be far-reaching. Some symptoms and signs of adrenal fatigue are:
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Anxiety
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Cravings for salty or sweet foods
• Recurrent coughs, colds, flu
• Fatigue
• Confusion, poor memory
• Hypoglycemia
• Insomnia
• Low sex drive
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Reliance on coffee or energy drinks
• Feeling bloated
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Dizziness (positional - going from sitting to standing or from lying to sitting )
• Weight gain
Thyroid function is intricately tied to our adrenal health. Part of any thyroid treatment plan should include adrenal gland support for the following 5 reasons:

1. Adrenal fatigue causes the thyroid receptors on cells to lose their sensitivity to thyroid hormones
2. Adrenal fatigue can decrease the conversion of thyroid hormones T4 to T3
3. Adrenal fatigue weakens the immune system barriers in the intestines, lungs and the blood/brain barrier
4. Adrenal fatigue inhibits absorption of thyroid hormone into cells
5. Adrenal fatigue disrupts the interchange between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland with the thyroid gland

What Can You Do to Help Adrenal Fatigue?
Here are some "Do's" that can help you avoid or aid adrenal fatigue. Start by managing your blood sugar levels better by:

• Eat a protein-rich breakfast within one hour of awakening.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and energy drinks.
• Keep low-glycemic snacks nearby. We recommend yogurt, nuts, raw vegetables, olives, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Eat something every 2-3 hours whether or not you feel hungry.
• Avoid sweets
• Eat a food allergen-free diet

Exercise and the Adrenal Glands
Our adrenal glands need the right type of exercise. It's crucial to lowering high cortisol levels. Sports that require repeated short bursts of energy as in weight lifting burn sugar and actually can stress the adrenals even more.
The type of exercise that burns fat is called aerobic exercise. Examples of aerobic exercise are walking, long slow runs, rowing, and non-competitive cycling. Burning fat with these exercises can decrease cortisol levels.
The adrenal glands' health is vitally important in any thyroid treatment plan. Assessment of the adrenals is part of a functional medicine thyroid evaluation.
Most of this article was excerpted from Drs. Frank and Lisa Lanzisera's new book on thyroid conditions "What's Wrong With My Thyroid?" (Amazon November 2013). To learn more about a functional medicine approach to thyroid disorders and to receive Dr. Lanzisera's free Thyroid Report log on to http://www.thyroidtampa.com or contact Dr. Frank Lanzisera at 813-253-2333. His office is located adjacent to Tampa General Hospital at 17 Davis Blvd. Suite 401, Tampa, Florida.
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How Hair Loss Can Be Reversed If You Have A Thyroid Disorder

By Sanusi Umar, M.D.

Hair loss is an extremely common condition. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, half the adults in the United States will notice hair thinning before they reach the age of forty.
If more hair seems to be falling out than usual, the best thing to do is to speak to a physician. During the early stages, it may be hard to tell if your condition is due to genetics and pattern baldness or a medical condition such as a thyroid imbalance. But a doctor can determine the actual cause.
What Is the Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a structure located in the throat area. It is shaped like a butterfly and produces several different hormones. The most common one is T4 (also called Thyoxin). It's main job is to regulate basic processes in the body. The main ones include:

• temperature
• metabolism
• development and growth
• levels of testosterone in the blood

Is Your Thyroid Causing You To Lose Hair?
Besides genetics, thyroid imbalances are a very common cause of hair loss and thinning. A doctor will need to conduct a blood test to make a formal diagnosis. But it will still be helpful to be familiar with common symptoms:
(1) fatigue and oversleeping
(2) inability to sleep
(3) irregular menstruation
(4) intolerance to temperature extremes
(5) dryness of the skin
(6) drastic mood shifts
(7) difficulty recalling information and performing other cognitive tasks
(8) sudden weight gain
(9) muscle aches
How Thyroid Disorders Affect Hair Follicles
A thyroid imbalance can take one of two forms:
(1) being overactive (hyperthyroidism)
(2) being underactive (hypothyroidism)
In both cases, testosterone converts to dehydrotestosterone (DHT) at a fast rate. And DHT will cause more hair follicles to enter a resting phase. Normally 10% of our hair is in a resting phase at any given time. The usual time frame is about three months before the hair shafts fall out.
But with thyroid issues, these cycles and processes speed up and hair falls out at a much greater rate. Unlike pattern baldness, however, new growth is still possible. However, this hair is thinner and drier.
Most individuals who are suffering from thyroid related hair loss will experience the loss of big hair clumps. This is particularly noticeable after bathing or showering.
Hair may also become depleted along the outside of the eyebrows. Follicles on other regions of the body may be affected as well.
Reversing Hair Loss By Treating the Thyroid
It is actually quite easy to treat hair loss that results from thyroid problems. Medication can be prescribed to restore a state of balanced hormones. One of the most commonly prescribed drugs is Levothyroxin. It is important to realize that many thyroid medications (including this one) list hair loss as a potential side effect.
Patients who can benefit from drug treatment will need to maintain a consistent treatment regimen for about a month. After this time, it is possible to see improvements in the quantity of new hair as well as the thickness.
It would be important to take proper steps right away in finding out how to treat hair loss.Delays can make it even more difficult to reverse the issue.
For more information on reversing hair loss, please visit - http://www.dermhairclinic.com
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Juicing for Hypothyroidism: Which Foods Should You Juice, and Which Should You Avoid?

By Claire Christina Rathausky

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder that many people suffer from, but juicing for hypothyroidism helps alleviate symptoms naturally without the need of prescription drugs.
Hypothyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid gland is producing fewer hormones than it should be. These hormones travel all throughout your body to regulate processes such as metabolism, growth, body temperature, heart rate, and muscle strength. It's important to keep your thyroid healthy, because otherwise your body will stop functioning properly.
In order to determine which foods are good for the thyroid and which foods are bad, it's important to understand why there are certain foods you should avoid - especially if you have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
Specific foods contain something known as goitrogens - which interfere with iodine uptake in the body. Since the thyroid gland relies on iodine to function properly, goitrogens suppress adequate functioning of the thyroid, which can lead to an enlarged gland (consequently known as a goiter) and inhibited hormone production.
Though it is unnecessary to completely cut out all foods that contain goitrogens, it's important to know what they are so you can avoid eating them in excess. Some common foods that contain goitrogens are:
Legumes: Soybeans, pine nuts, and peanuts.
Fruits: Strawberries, pears, and peaches.
Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach, kale, cabbage, broccoli, turnips, and mustard greens.
An exceptionally high source of goitrogens is soy, so it's important to make sure you are limiting your soy intake to very little.
A key point to remember is that if you have not been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and don't suspect you have it, you can safely eat these foods without increasing your risk of developing a thyroid disorder. If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you can reduce the amount of goitrogens you are ingesting from these foods by cooking them. The high heat helps to reduce the amount of goitrogens in each serving.
Foods that are most beneficial to the well-being of the thyroid gland are those that are high in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, iron, and antioxidants.
There are many different varieties of juices for thyroid health. You can create vegetable juices, fruit juices, or a combination of both - as long as you avoid those foods that are high in goitrogens. Vegetable juicing for hypothyroidism is especially beneficial because it has less sugar and fewer calories than fruit juice.
A simple, healthy vegetable juice you can make consists of only 4 ingredients:
3 Carrots
2 Celery Stalks
� cup Parsley
2 cups Romaine or Dandelion Greens
While vegetable juice is beneficial due to its tendency to be low-calorie and low-carb, those who are new to juicing may find that the juice is too bitter for them to drink. In this case, fruit juicing for hypothyroidism is an alternative. A healthy, low-goitrogen fruit juice can be made from three simple ingredients:
3 Apples
� Lemon
1 inch of Ginger
Both vegetable juice and fruit juice can help negate symptoms of an under-active thyroid if you can avoid foods that are high in goitrogens. If you are able to pack both vegetables and fruits into one drink you can get the best of both worlds
. � cup Dandelion Greens
3 sprigs of Parsley
2 stalks of Celery
3 Carrots
� Cucumber
2 Apples
2 Kiwis
� Lemon
Packed with tons of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this low-goitrogenic drink helps to cleanse the body while providing the thyroid with the nutrients it needs to return to a proper state.
Being aware of the foods high in goitrogens that you should avoid (as well as knowing what goitrogens are and how they affect the thyroid) is the first step to treating hypothyroidism naturally.
With dedication, you can shift your diet to include only those foods which will benefit your overall health. Though hypothyroidism tends to be a life-long disorder, you can avoid costly medications and frequent trips to the doctor's office by treating yourself naturally through juicing.
Following this regimen, you can alleviate and almost totally negate the symptoms of an under-active thyroid. Though juicing for hypothyroidism is not a complete alternative for medical assistance, this lifestyle will allow you to become a happier, healthier you - no pharmaceuticals involved.
If you would like to learn what The Health Benefits of Juicing are, visit here.
Claire Rathausky is passionate about natural health and she loves writing about the enormous benefits of supplementing your diet with delicious natural fresh juices and smoothies. She has many tips and ideas to share, ranging from many delicious juicing and smoothie recipes, the health benefits of juicing, how to detox, which are the best juicer machines, best blenders and lists recommended juicing and smoothie books to tickle your inspiration...
Claire lives on a small farm with her husband and 2 boys, dogs, guinea pigs, cattle and alpacas and grows a lot of their own food and is passionate about looking after our natural environment.
Claire's website can be found at http://www.bestofjuicing.com
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12 Critical Symptoms of Hypothyroid You Should Know Before It's Too Late

By Jane Jack Collins

Hypothyroidism occurs if your thyroid gland, which is located on your neck, is under-active and is unable to produce the hormone needed by your body to function normally. This causes your body to also be under-active in a lot of ways which becomes worse as it progresses. If you have this condition, you will feel the following symptoms of hypothyroid although most of these are vague at the outset. You should watch out for symptoms such as:

• Feeling tired often - Your energy tends to be low and you may be weary and sleepy throughout the day.
• Weight gain - This symptom of hypothyroid may be the trickiest. If you try to lose weight and you're doing the right things such as exercising and eating the proper diet, and you still continue to gain weight, you can suspect hypothyroidism.
• Goiter - Swelling of the neck that happens when your thyroid gland in its present state tries to produce enough hormones but comes up short. The strain on your thyroid as it tries to compensate leads to this swelling.
• Swelling of the skin especially around the eyes and cheeks - This makes you look thick and puffy.
• Hoarseness of the voice - Your voice becomes raspy and throaty, all of a sudden.
• Unable to tolerate cold - You may be very uncomfortable in a cold environment and may feel cold even if your surroundings are warm.
• Loss of hair and thin and brittle fingernails
• Slowed pulse - This symptom of hypothyroid relates to the over-all slowing of your body as mentioned, which makes your heart rate slow also.
• Difficulty in bowel movement - You may be constipated most of the time if you have hypothyroidism.
• Feeling of depression
• Forgetfulness - You may become forgetful and the way you react to things may also be delayed.
• Menstrual irregularities - If you are a woman, symptoms of hypothyroid may include having a heavy period or bleeding in between periods.

If you have any of the following symptoms of hypothyroid pointed out above, you should consult with a doctor immediately because it is important that treatment be started as early as possible if you have the disease.
Check out detailed symptoms of hypothyroid [http://www.cure-hypothyroidism.com/symptoms-of-hypothyroid/] for more on this dangerous decease.
Jane Jack Collins has written many excellent articles on Hypothyroidism. Join Her popular FREE mini course on Hypothyroidism Care at [http://www.cure-hypothyroidism.com] to discover how to combat hypothyroidism and live life to the fullest!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jane_Jack_Collins/344027
http://EzineArticles.com/?12-Critical-Symptoms-of-Hypothyroid-You-Should-Know-Before-Its-Too-Late&id=2442893

Is It Thyroid or Parathyroid?

By Dr. Frank P Lanzisera

It's easy to get the thyroid and parathyroid glands confused. Both are endocrine glands that are in the front of the neck. Despite their similar-sounding names, that's where their similarities end with one exception: Although the parathyroid glands control calcium levels, the thyroid gland manufactures and stores calcitonin, a calcium-regulating hormone.
Let's break this down so you will know the difference: The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones which regulate metabolic rates, body temperature, energy levels, play a key role in the utilization of other hormones and vitamins, and are involved in growth and maturation of body tissues. The thyroid gland also stores and manufactures calcitonin.
Parathyroid glands are 4 small glands that reside behind the thyroid gland. Their purpose is to control the calcium in our bodies. Specifically, they control how much calcium is in our bones and blood. Obviously, the focus of the parathyroid glands are much more limited than the thyroid but they do perform a very important function.
When the parathyroid glands become overactive this is called hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms and signs of hyperparathyroidism are:

• Chronic fatigue
• Lack of motivation
• Lack of concentration
• Depression
• Osteoporosis
• Bone pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Heartburn (GERD)
• Decreased sex drive
• Thinning hair
• Kidney stones
• Development of MGUS and abnormal protein blood levels
• Rapid heart rate
• Heart palpitations
• High blood pressure
• High liver function blood tests

Generally, the longer you have hyperparathyroidism the more of these symptoms you will experience. As you can tell, some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism overlap with those of hyperparathyroidism. This is why it is vital to have the correct blood work performed when having your thyroid gland evaluated. If your blood tests show elevated calcium levels and decreased levels of vitamin D, hyperparathyroidism is part of your differential diagnosis.
Many patients with thyroid disease are given only one test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) when being evaluated. A more comprehensive panel, which includes at least ten different tests, is necessary to fully determine the type and severity of thyroid disease that the patient presents.
In addition to ruling out parathyroid involvement, autoimmune conditions should also be considered when diagnosing those with suspected thyroid disease. It is now accepted that 80-90% of thyroid cases in the U.S. are an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Lab tests, which detect antibodies, can be ordered to rule out this common thyroid condition.
The importance of forming a complete diagnosis cannot be overstated. Parathyroid conditions (hyperparathyroidism) can usually be successfully resolved with surgery while thyroid problems require a more complex treatment approach.
Find out more about thyroid and parathyroid conditions in Dr. Frank Lanzisera's new book "What's Wrong with My Thyroid?" Receive a $10 off promo code by completing the Thyroid Quiz on http://www.thyroidtampa.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dr._Frank_P_Lanzisera/1718302
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