The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is one of the ten endocrine glands that regulate the functions of the body by secreting chemicals (called hormones) into our blood stream. As the blood circulates through the entire body, the hormones, which represent important messages from the brain, are transported to the different organs. These chemical codes then enable the organs to undertake specific processes like growth of the body and reproduction.
The thyroid gland can be found at the front of your neck, near the point where your two shoulder bones meet below the voice box (or larynx). The thyroid gland is soft and pliable, weighing a mere 15 to 25 grams. You can observe that when a person swallows anything, the bottom of the throat moves simultaneously with the act; this is the thyroid and the larynx moving together. The thyroid gland becomes enlarged, however slightly, as a result of any disorder, and the changes will be more visible.
Functions of Thyroid Gland
The assigned function of the thyroid gland is the regulation of body metabolism. Metabolism is the rate at which the body uses energy and the speed at which its functions work. Because of this central role, thyroid gland secretions have a direct influence on growth and the functioning of the nervous system.
The thyroid gland secretes the primary hormones tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and calcitonin. The hormone calcitonin is also called thyrocalcitonin, and it works in tandem with PTH, the parathyroid hormone, to regulate the level of calcium found in tissues and the bloodstream. When calcium levels in the blood rise higher than normal, excess calcium is moved, by action of calcitonin, into the bones for storage.
Disorders of Thyroid Gland
The most common diseases of the thyroid are hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. On the average, some 10 percent of women may experience thyroid hormone imbalances of varying degrees, i.e., either over secretion of hormones or a deficiency.
In hyperthyroidism, the rate of energy use in the body is faster than it should be. It happens because the overactive thyroid gland secretes an excess of thyroid hormones into the blood. In hypothyroidism, the rate of energy use is slower and metabolism slows down. In either case, however, the thyroid will become enlarged and may first be felt as a lump in the throat. Goitre is a much bigger mass easily visible on the neck.
Thyroid Treatment
After diagnosis, mild disorders may be treated with anti-thyroid medication to block thyroid hormone production (in the case of hyperthyroidism) or thyroid hormone replacement (for hypothyroidism). Medication may restore hormone levels to normal after a month or two. It is possible, though, that the disease will not go away.
In more serious diseases, radioactive iodine may be given. In certain situations, the doctor may resort to another permanent treatment: the surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
Natural Thyroid Treatments
The conventional medical approach typically views the thyroid in isolation from other systems of the body. Like so many people, if you have a thyroid problem your health can spiral steadily downwards. You can feel worse as the years go by.
A healthy thyroid supports healthy weight and cholesterol. Fortunately there is help in the form of Thyromine, an all-natural thyroid supplement that works with your body’s own systems to help the thyroid produce the right amount of hormone for your everyday needs.
There is also a holistic approach to help you identify & treat the underlying causes of your thyroid problem. Read about it in the ebook called The Natural Thyroid Diet. It helps you identify the common signs & symptoms of thyroid problems. You will find out how to investigate your particular thyroid issue and advice on what tests to discuss with your health practitioner, even how you can assess your thyroid activity at home. It also reveals the secret to eating foods that nourish the thyroid.
