Thyroid Health 101
Thyroid Health 101
by Terry Lemerond, Natural Health Expert and Author
If you feel chronically tired, notice your hair falling out, cant seem to lose weight, or have difficulty tolerating cold temperatures, your thyroid could be to blame. Then again, if you suddenly find yourself feeling more anxious, experiencing unexplainable weight loss, or feeling hot when others around you dontwell, that could be a thyroid issue too. The truth is, a lot can go wrong with this important gland.
Your thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. Though small in size, it has a big bearing on your overall wellness. The thyroid is fueled by iodine obtained through foods you eat, and its job consists of producing and releasing hormones called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) into the bloodstream. T3 and T4 regulate everything from heart rate to body weight to cholesterol levels.
Unfortunately, the thyroid is notorious for malfunctioning in one way or another. An estimated 20 million Americans have some sort of thyroid disease. Thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism (Hashimotos disease), and hyperthyroidism (Graves disease) are the most prevalent thyroid conditions today. While both males and females are affected, women are five to eight times more likely than men to suffer from thyroid disorders.
Why is Thyroid Disease So Widespread?
Our modern diet and environment have a lot to do with it. Your thyroid is constantly under attack by things like chlorine, fluoride, and bromide, which your body absorbs through food, water, and various environmental toxins. Other factors that interfere with proper thyroid function include digestive imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and chronic stress.
The good news is that there are a number of ways to help your body restore healthy thyroid function. The best place to start is with proper supplementation.
Why is Iodine so Important?
Iodine is a trace mineral that your body requires in order to produce balanced amounts of important thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. Its also been shown to lower the incidence of breast and prostate cancer, prevent fibrocystic breast disease, and increase the health of uterine and ovarian tissue. Unfortunately, its extremely difficult to obtain iodine through diet alone. While iodine used to be present in bread and most other foods made from flour, it has mostly been removed from these daily food staples and replaced with bromide. Bromide actually affects the iodine receptors in your body negatively. Today, your best bet for obtaining sufficient iodine is through supplements. The best formulas deliver three forms of iodinesodium iodide, potassium iodide, and molecular iodide.
Other Thyroid-Nourishing Nutrients
In addition to iodine, your thyroid also requires nutrients like L-tyrosine and selenium. L-tyrosine is an amino acid required to create the thyroid hormone thyroxine to support mental well-being and daily energy. Selenium is a key mineral that is most abundantly found in the thyroid and critical to proper thyroid function. It supports the conversion of T4 into the active thyroid hormone, T3. Selenium works seamlessly with iodine and L-tyrosine to protect the thyroid from the risk of oxidative stress and cancer.
If youre looking to protect your thyroid, start supplementing with iodine, L-tyrosine, and selenium today. The experts at your local health food store can recommend the best brands and dosages to get your thyroid health on track.
Our Guest Writer
Terry Lemerond is a natural health expert with over 45 years of experience. He has owned health food stores, founded dietary supplement companies, and formulated over 400 products. A much sought-after speaker and accomplished author, Terry shares his wealth of experience and knowledge in health and nutrition through his educational programs, including the Terry Talks Nutrition website, newsletters, podcasts, webinars, and personal speaking engagements. His books include Seven Keys to Vibrant Health and the sequel, Seven Keys to Unlimited Personal Achievement, and his newest publication, 50+ Natural Health Secrets Proven to Change Your Life. His continual dedication, energy, and zeal are part of his on-going mission to improve the health of America.
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