Thyroid Disease
Thyroid Disease
Thyroid Disease is a dysfunction in the body that manifests as an imbalance of thyroid hormone. It can be expressed as either a lack of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism) or an excess of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). The two types of Autoimmune diseases that affect the thyroid include Hashimoto’s Disease which causes Hypothyroidism and Grave’s Disease which causes Hyperthyroidism. When immune cells attack the thyroid gland it results in inflammation and a chronically inflamed thyroid results in Hashimoto’s or Grave’s Disease.
Women are seven times more likely to have thyroid problems, both women and men may be at higher risk if they smoke, have a family history of thyroid disease, have other autoimmune diseases, have a pituitary gland disorder, or lack key nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D. Nutrition and lifestyle changes can greatly improve your symptoms and halt further deterioration of your thyroid.
Easy and cost effective changes include following an anti-inflammatory diet, identifying and addressing life stressors, and correcting deficiencies in iodine, vitamin D, B12, and Selenium. Imbalances in thyroid hormone show up in blood levels of TSH, T3, T4 or TPO; working directly with your doctor is essential to monitor these specific ranges. Find a doctor you trust, follow up regularly, and listen to your body’s signals.
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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: a disease in which your immune system attacks your thyroid gland by mistake and as a result it cannot make enough thyroid hormone. Hashimoto’s Disease causes Hypothyroidism or under active thyroid- meaning it no longer produces enough thyroid hormone. Signs and symptoms include severe fatigue, muscle weakness, weight gain, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), depression, hair and skin changes. Factors that make you more susceptible include being female, being childbearing age, if it runs in your family, or you have other Autoimmune conditions.
New science has found that nutrition and lifestyle changes can greatly improve your symptoms and halt further deterioration of your thyroid. Be sure to keep in contact with your doctor, usually an Endocrinologist, who can measure your thyroid hormone levels, check for antibodies, and monitor vitamin/mineral levels. Following an anti-inflammatory diet, correcting deficiencies (i.e. iodine, vitamin D, B12, and Selenium) and seriously addressing stress can make drastic improvements to lessen your symptoms.
Grave’s Disease
Grave’s Disease: a disease in which your immune system attacks your thyroid gland by mistake and results in an over-production of thyroid hormone. Grave’s Disease causes Hyperthyroidism or over active thyroid- meaning it is now producing too much thyroid hormone. Signs and symptoms include muscle weakness, bulging eyes, racing heart, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), unintentional weight loss, sleep and skin issues.
Nutrition plays a major role in lessening your symptoms. Avoiding processed foods, increasing whole natural foods, not over consuming iodine, and exercising daily are essential concepts to incorporate. Because iodine is a “goldilocks” mineral meaning you don’t want too much or too little, be sure to keep in contact with your doctor, usually an Endocrinologist, who can monitor your thyroid hormone levels, check for antibodies, and monitor vitamin/mineral levels.