Thyroid disease and how to treat it

The case with certain people is that the thyroid gland isn't 'tuned' properly, so that it produces too much thyroid hormone or too little. Many cases of thyroid disorder go undiagnosed - but once identified, the disease is readily treatable.

What It Is
The thyroid gland, consisting of two butterfly-shaped lobes at the base of the throat, produces hormones essential for the proper functioning and maintenance of all the cells in the body If it releases too much thyroid hormone - a condition known as hyperthyroidism - the body runs too fast, rather like an overheated engine. Conversely if it secretes too little - a disorder called hypothyroidism -the body metabolism can become sluggish. Symptoms of either condition can appear very quickly but often develop gradually

What Causes It
Some cases of thyroid disease result from an auto-immune disorder, in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Genetic factors, hormonal disturbances elsewhere in the body surgery radiation, or medications are other possible causes. Insufficient amounts of iodine in the diet can also lead to hypothyroidism or goitre.

Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism

• Mood changes; restlessness; anxiety; difficulty in sleeping.
• Weight loss despite increased appetite; diarrhea; rapid heartbeat - sweating and intolerance to heat.
• Bulging, irritated eyes; muscle weakness; light menstrual periods or none.

Hypothyroidism

• Fatigue, lethargy or slowed movement; mental depression; memory problems.
• Weight gain; constipation; intolerance to cold.
• Dry hair and skin; puffiness around the eyes; heavier menstrual periods.

Goitre
Painless swelling of the thyroid, commonly caused by an iodine deficiency in the diet.

When to Call a Doctor
If you have any of the above symptoms - a blood test will confirm the diagnosis.
Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

How Supplements Can Help
The supplements listed here may be beneficial for those with thyroid disorders, including people already taking conventional drugs. But always check with your doctor first, because some of these nutrients may alter your prescription drug dose. It may take a month or so to notice benefits.

Vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins are important in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. They play key roles in improving the overall function of the immune system and thyroid gland.

People with a sluggish thyroid may need additional supplements, but only under a practitioner's supervision. If the condition is caused by an iodine deficiency kelp (which contains a good amount of iodine) can be used as a complement to conventional treatment. Your practitioner may also recommend the amino acid tyrosine: like iodine, it is a key component of thyroid hormone. Extra zinc (take with copper when using long term) may be necessary as well to help boost thyroid function. Those with hypothyroidism may also benefit from long-term use of an extract of Coleus forskohlii, a herb used in traditional Indian medicine that stimulates the release of thyroid hormone. In hyperthyroidism there's a greater need for all vitamins and minerals because the body's metabolism is so much faster than normal.

What Else You Can Do

• Regularly check the area of your neck just below the Adam's apple for any bulging, which may be a sign of thyroid problems.
• If you have an overactive thyroid, eat plenty of raw cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, which contain a natural thyroid blocker. Avoid iodized salt and iodine-containing foods, including saltwater fish and shellfish.
• If you have an underactive thyroid, stay away from cruciferous vegetables and eat iodine-rich foods.

Facts and Tips

• Most doctors prescribe a synthetic thyroid hormone for hypothyroidism because dosages are standardized. It consists of a single hormone, T4, that is converted in the body to its active form, T3. But not everyone has enough of an enzyme needed for this conversion. Natural thyroid (extracted from cows) may be better for some people because it contains both T4 and T3. Many patients, especially older ones, improve significantly when switched from the synthetic to the natural form.
• Some doctors fear that natural thyroid hormone may be contaminated with viruses. Although there's no clinical evidence that natural thyroid hormone has caused disease, a synthetic thyroid hormone called liotrix, containing both T4 and T3, may be an acceptable alternative.
• The herbs motherwort and lycopus (bugleweed) can be helpful in treating an overactive thyroid. See your practitioner for advice.

Latest Findings

• Smokers take heed: a team of Swiss researchers found that smoking can significantly increase the severity of hypothyroidism.
• Hypothyroidism is at least four times more prevalent among women than it is among men. Women over the age of 50 are especially at risk.