| Who Should Take Thyroid Supplements? |
| Written by Grant Kara | |
A medical diagnosis of thyroid disease can be very difficult to get. Oftentimes, patients suffer for years, with an array of seemingly trivial and unrelated symptoms before things get serious enough to even mention them to their doctor. When they are finally diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland (also known as hypothyroidism) their symptoms are severe and they have been suffering for years. Their doctors then prescribe them powerful drugs to try to bring the thyroid back to normal and optimal function.
But, it’s not a magic pill. The first medication is often not quite right, so the doctor prescribes another, which then has to be tweaked a few times to get the dosage right. This merry-go-round of prescription medication can go on for months or longer before the patient sees any relief. Thankfully, there is another way to treat thyroid dysfunction, before the symptoms of a poorly functioning thyroid gland get to the point where they interfere with daily life and happiness. Thyroid supplements are a natural answer to the problems that plague so many people. What is the thyroid gland?If you put your hand on your neck and feel your larynx, then move your fingers down just a bit, you have found the thyroid gland. Though it is relatively small, this little gland is a powerhouse in your body and controls the metabolism of every organ in your body. Metabolism has everything to do with weight loss or gain, energy level and many other functions in the body. We’ve all heard of the people who can eat anything and never gain weight because they have a fast metabolism, right? Their thyroid gland works really hard to provide them with that luxury. Iodine may not be on the radar as an important nutrient, but the thyroid is the only gland in the body that can absorb it. When functioning properly, the thyroid takes iodine from food and supplements and converts it into two hormones, namely T3 and T4 which then transport it through the bloodstream into the entire body. Once these hormones have entered the bloodstream, they get to work regulating metabolism. If your thyroid gland is not producing enough of these important hormones, you will feel the effects in number of ways. This condition, of underproduction of thyroid hormones is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of HypothyroidismIf you think you might be suffering with an underactive thyroid gland, you should take stock of your general health and see if any of these symptoms sound familiar. You might only have a few, or even just one that is really bothering you, but the thyroid could still be the culprit. Weight gain or difficulty losing weightWhile most of us these days struggle with weight, a person with an underactive thyroid will have persistent, stubborn weight gain, even in the case of dieting and exercise. An underactive thyroid can make a “naturally” thin person gain weight, even when they haven’t made any changes to their diet or exercise regimen. Hair loss or changes in hair textureEveryone loses hair every day. After you take a shower or brush your hair, it’s normal to have hair falling out, but a person with an underactive thyroid will be losing hair in large amounts and even in clumps. Additionally, the texture of the hair can become dry and brittle. FatigueMany people attribute their growing fatigue to being too busy, not getting enough sleep or not eating well, and truly these can all be factors that contribute to a decreased energy level. But, an underactive thyroid gland can cause severe fatigue, lack of energy, weakness and a reduced sex drive. Thyroid problems are also linked to depression so it can be a vicious cycle once the hormones are missing in your body because all of the symptoms in this category can exacerbate each other. These symptoms, taken individually or out of context may seem like just part of a normal, hectic and busy life. Many people chalk weight gain and fatigue up to the aging process and don’t pay attention to them until they are desperate for help. Thyroid supplements can helpIf you found yourself nodding in agreement to the symptoms listed above, you could likely benefit from a natural thyroid supplement. A boost to the hormone producing gland can have a ripple effect for your health and improve mood and energy levels and help you lose weight. Just as the negative symptoms can come together to attack your health and well being, so can the positive changes from a thyroid supplement work to bring renewed health and vigor. The boost to your metabolism can be the gateway to better health, more energy and an overall improvement in the quality of your life. Thyroid supplements can make the difference for people with severe symptoms or just one nagging one. |
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