Ron Garner See book keywords and concepts |
Adam's apple—one lobe on either side of the trachea or windpipe. The thyroid gland secretes the hormone thyroxin to regulate the metabolism rate of the cells of the body—how fast they work, or function. Cold hands and feet, low energy, and graying hair are some of the symptoms of a stressed thyroid gland. Thyroid health is directly related to the hormone health of the body in general, and to efficient liver function in particular.
Parathyroid
There are four parathyroid glands, two on each side of the trachea (windpipe), just behind the thyroid glands. |
| Thyroid
The thyroid gland consists of two conjoined lobes each about 1V2 inches (4 cm) long and % inch (1.9 cm) wide, situated just below the Adam's apple—one lobe on either side of the trachea or windpipe. The thyroid gland secretes the hormone thyroxin to regulate the metabolism rate of the cells of the body—how fast they work, or function. Cold hands and feet, low energy, and graying hair are some of the symptoms of a stressed thyroid gland. Thyroid health is directly related to the hormone health of the body in general, and to efficient liver function in particular. |
David Winston, RH(AHG), and Steven Maimes See book keywords and concepts |
These glands include the pituitary gland, pineal gland, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, thymus, adrenal glands, ovaries (in females) or testes (in males), and islets of Langerhan's in the pancreas.
The main neural control center in the brain is the hypothalamus, also known as the "keeper of internal balance" or the "master switchboard." The hypothalamus secretes hormones that cause other endocrine glands to secrete hormones. It directs the fight-or-flight response of the autonomic nervous system. Its main function is homeostasis, or maintaining the body's balance. |
Gary Null and Amy McDonald See book keywords and concepts |
About 15 million women are being treated for it in the United States. The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, is an important component of the immune system. As Dr. Stephen Langer explains, "The thyroid gland puts out a teaspoon of hormone a year which affects the metabolism and acts as a cellular carburetor for every cell in the body—from our hair follicles down to our toenails. As such, the thyroid can be implicated in just about any kind of condition you can think of. |
Michael T. Murray and Michael R. Lyon See book keywords and concepts |
THE THYROID: THE MASTER GLAND OF METABOLISM
Before we go too much further in discussing metabolism, it is important for you and your doctor to make sure that your thyroid gland is functioning properly. This small gland is just about the same size and shape and is in the same location as a small bow tie. The thyroid gland secretes two hormones that are crucial for regulating metabolism: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The numbers refer to the number of iodine atoms each molecule of hormone contains. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
Approximately 80 percent of the body's iodine pool winds up in the thyroid gland and is used to make thyroid hormones, so if there isn't enough iodine in the diet, the thyroid gland is the first to know it.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism vary from person to person, but commonly include several of the following: fatigue, lethargy, intolerance to cold, constipation, weight gain, depression, excessive menstruation, dry skin, hair loss, and hoarseness. Hypothyroidism makes one feel like an engine missing a spark plug. The mind and body are sluggish. |
James Dowd and Diane Stafford See book keywords and concepts |
PTH comes from the parathyroid gland, which is different from the thyroid gland. PTH regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism. When calcium or vitamin D levels fall or when phosphorus levels rise, PTH levels rise, too.
Rising phosphorus levels are typically associated with falling calcium levels. These two findings most commonly accompany kidney failure. If you are unsure about your kidney function, have that checked, too.
Phosphorus comes primarily from protein sources; that protein can come from your diet or your bones and muscles. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The drug is contraindicated in hypofunction of the thyroid and thyroid gland enlargement without function disturbance. There should not be any simultaneous administration of thyroid hormone preparations.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. Enlargement of the thyroid gland is possible only through administration of the drug in very high-dosage. Sudden discontinuation of Lycopus preparation can lead to worsening of the complaint. |
Dr. Cass Ingram See book keywords and concepts |
Whether the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, kelp is always effective, because it serves to normalize thyroid function.
Its actions on the thyroid gland also explains its enormous value for disasters. Radiation poisons the thyroid gland. This is the first internal organ to be damaged as a result of a radiation accident. Radioactive iodine is rapidly absorbed into the body, and the thyroid gland vigorously traps all iodine molecules, so if it is exposed to the radioactive type, it doesn't differentiate. Thus, it unwittingly destroys itself. |
Amarjit S. Basra See book keywords and concepts |
An underactive thyroid gland may be caused by iodine deficiency in some parts of the world. This can be corrected by increasing one's dietary intake. Addition of iodine to salt is one option in iodine-deficient areas. Kelp (Fucus vesiculosys) is a type of seaweed that contains high levels of iodine; this is also of use for people with iodine deficiency and may have some effect in those who have an underactive thyroid gland. Other natural therapies which have been suggested include radish (Raphanus sativus), used in Russian folk medicine, walnuts (Juglans spp. |
Bill Sardi See book keywords and concepts |
In Vivo 10: 235-47, 1996]
The use of a drug that inhibits thyroid gland hormone production was employed among 22 patients with recurrent brain (glioma) cancer along with tamoxifen, an estrogen-blocking, anti-cancer drug. The group of patients that developed low thyroid levels survived three times longer (10.1 versus 3.1 months) than did patients on tamoxifen with normal or high thyroid levels. |
Marshall Editions See book keywords and concepts |
Herbs: Some studies have suggested that melissa helps to soothe the overactive thyroid gland, particularly if it is associated with Grave's disease. Take 2-4 ml of a tincture twice a day. You can also take 2-4 ml of motherwort tincture twice a day.
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HOMEOPATHY o i—
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This is a chronic condition and is best treated by an experienced homeopathic practitioner who will try to rebalance the whole system. The remedies below give a small impression of some of the homeopathic remedies that may be considered to treat an overactive thyroid. |
Bill Sardi See book keywords and concepts |
It is interesting to note that foods such as soybeans, turnips, cauliflower, rutabagas, cabbage, peaches, peanuts, mustard, broccoli and spinach contain substances called glyco-sinolates which interfere with the absorption of iodine and inhibit normal thyroid gland function. These foods are also reported to protect against cancer. Indole 3-carbinol, a type of glycosinate found commonly in cruciferous vegetables is reported to reduce cancer risk. [Journal Agriculture Food Chemistry 53:5164-9, 2005]
It is also reported that molecules in soy inhibit cancer. |
| Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers Prevention 12:144-50, 2003] One of the reasons why there has been so much confusion regarding the role of soy in the thyroid function is that animals studies have shown that soy interferes with thyroid gland function in animals. [Environmental Health Perspectives 110:349-53, 2002] But this has not been shown in humans.
Also, there is intriguing evidence that vitamin D should be explored since it has been shown to inhibit hyperthyroid conditions. [Metabolism 46:1184-8, 1997] This may be one of the reasons why vitamin D is considered a strong anti-cancer molecule. |
Marshall Editions See book keywords and concepts |
If dry hair arises at, or beyond, midlife in combination with unexplained weight gain, tiredness, and dry, cracked skin, have your thyroid gland function tested.
Calc carb: If hair appears dry and of poor quality, and if there is a general sense of sweatiness on the head and scalp, Calc carb can be helpful. Those who benefit from this remedy find they have a very slow metabolism with all body processes tending to work very slowly, resulting in easy weight gain, indigestion, constipation, and poor mental focus. |
| Common reasons for significant hair loss include stress and emotional trauma, nutritional deficiencies, skin conditions that especially affect the scalp such as psoriasis, taking drugs such as chemotherapy, an imbalance in thyroid gland functioning, pregnancy, and menopause. For any of these cases, it will be beneficial to seek help from a homeopathic practitioner who will target treatment to support the body in coping with the situation. If, however, the problem is a milder one, using the most appropriate homeopathic remedy from those listed below may be helpful. |
| However, edema can also indicate more serious medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, or an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.
SYMPTOMS
TREATMENT GOAL
• Swollen ankles
• Swollen feet
• Swollen fingers
• Puffy, shiny-looking skin
• Dimpled or puckered skin when pressure is applied
To establish the cause of the swelling and fluid retention, and carry out appropriate treatment. m a m
The treatment of edema is dependent on the diagnosis. |
Dr. Steve Blake See book keywords and concepts |
Goiter and Hypothyroidism
One of the earliest signs of iodine deficiency is goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland. In older children and adults, goiter may be reversed with adequate intake of iodine. The incidence of goiter is more common in adolescent girls. Children who are deficient in iodine have poorer school performance, more learning disabilities, and lower intelligence quotients than normal children. Childhood iodine deficiency can cause an average lowering of intelligence quotients by 13 points.
More severe iodine deficiency can result in hypothyroidism. |
Marshall Editions See book keywords and concepts |
TIP: AVOID TRIGGER FOODS
Certain foods have a reputation for possibly inhibiting thyroid gland function, and they should be avoided by those who have an underactive thyroid. Common culprits include cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, soy, and mustard greens. It may also be beneficial to steer clear of refined foods, white sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and large helpings of dairy products.
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The primary treatment for an underactive thyroid is thyroid hormone replacement. Herbal remedies can be used to correct any underlying causes of the condition and ease symptoms. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
| People who have an overactive thyroid gland, but no symptoms of thyroid disease, are at an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm, according to a recent study. But contrary to standard scientific thinking, the study found that an overactive or underactive thyroid is not linked to an increased risk of other heart problems or death in older patients.
THE STUDY
In the study, researchers collected data on 3,233 people ages 65 and older who had their thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels measured in 1989 and 1990. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
Many members of the cabbage family contain goitrogens, naturally occurring substances that may interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. People with hypothyroidism would be wise to consume moderately. In the absence of thyroid problems, there is no research whatsoever to indicate that goitrogenic foods will have any negative impact on your health.
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What's the very first thing you think of if someone uses the term "health food"? For many people, it's carrots. Well-known naturopath Dr. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts |
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, the drug is used in the treatment of diabetes and malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. contraindications
Alfalfa is contraindicated in patients with gout and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy. precautions and adverse reactions
In the United States and other countries, eating sprouts of alfalfa and other seeds has been associated with numerous culture-proven outbreaks of Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and many serotypes of Salmonella. |
Lester A. Mitscher and Victoria Toews See book keywords and concepts |
A condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone.
Immune system. The system that protects the body from disease. It consists of many specialized organs, tissues, and chemicals that work together, including the spleen, lymph nodes, and white blood cells.
Influenza. A viral infection causing symptoms similar to the common cold, which can lead to serious complications.
Insulin. A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.
Interferon. A protein produced by the immune system that inhibits a virus from infecting cells.
Kidneys. |
Thomson Healthcare, Inc. See book keywords and concepts |
Enlargement of the thyroid gland is possible only through administration of the drug in very high dosage. Sudden discontinuation of Lycopus preparation can lead to a rebound phenomenon with increased TSH secretion and prolactin secretion, as well as an increase of the hypothyroid symptom complex and mastodynia. dosage
Mode of Administration: Comminuted herb, freshly pressed juice and other galenic preparations for internal use. |
| Caution is advised for persons with sensitive cardiovascular systems, kidney diseases, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, higher disposition to convulsions and certain psychic disorders (for example, panic anxiety states). Side effects of coffee intake, mainly caused by its chlorogenic acid content, can include hyperacidity, stomach irritation, diarrhea and reduced appetite. Nonspecific symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, sleeplessness, palpitations, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and headache appear with the long-term intake of dosages exceeding 1. |
| Homeopathic Uses: This species has been used to treat disorders of the respiratory tract or thyroid gland, for digestion complaints, and headaches. precautions and adverse reactions
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages. The juice of the fresh plant has a severely irritating effect upon skin and mucous membranes. If taken internally, it can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea. Severe inflammation occurs following mucous membrane contact.
Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy. |
Ray D. Strand See book keywords and concepts |
Not only did she lose a lot of weight, but the medication also destroyed her thyroid gland. Thyroid medication was started but, needless to say, Emma remained very ill. Her cardiologist did not give her much hope and, because of her age, she was definitely not a candidate for a heart transplant.
The traditional treatment Emma received only made her much worse.
In desperation she came to see me because she heard about how I was able to help others with similar problems. After evaluating my new patient, I could see she was having a significant reaction to the Cardarone. |
Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Caution is advised for persons with sensitive cardiovascular systems, kidney diseases, hyperfunction of the thyroid gland, higher disposition to convulsions and certain psychic disorders, for example panic anxiety states. Side effects of coffee intake, mainly caused by its chlorogenic acid content, can include hyperacidity, stomach irritation, diarrhea, reduced appetite. The first signs of poisonings are vomiting and abdominal spasms. |