subject: Hyperthyroidism [print this page] Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in where there is overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, causing the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood to be too high. Thyroid hormone is a chemical substance produced by the thyroid gland and released into the bloodstream. It interacts with almost all body cells, causing them to increase their metabolic activity.
What Does Thyroid Hormone Do?
Cells respond to thyroid hormone with an increase in metabolic activity. Metabolic activity, or metabolism, is a term used to describe the processes in the body that produce energy and the chemical substances necessary for cells to grow, divide to form new cells, and perform other vital functions. If you think of each cell in the body as a car, then thyroid hormone acts as if you were tapping on the accelerator pedal. Its message is "go." Because thyroid hormone stimulates cells, it causes major body functions to "go" a bit faster. Heart rate increases. Breathing rate increases. Use of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates increases. Skeletal muscles work more efficiently. Muscle tone in the digestive system, such as those in the walls of the intestines that help to move food through the digestive system increases. Mental alertness and thinking skills are sharpened.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
Heart Palpitations
Weight Loss
Anxiety
Osteoporosis (in severe cases)
Heat Intolerance Insomnia Fatigue
Trembling Hands
Muscle Weakness
Increased Bowel Movements
Hair Loss
Breathlessness
In hyperthyroidism, the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are being produced too much. These high levels of thyroid hormones result in an increased metabolism which causes the weight loss. However, some people with this condition overeat because of the increased appetite, and may still experience thyroid weight gain. The symptoms may be hard to notice at first, but become gradually more severe over time. Older sufferers may not experience many of the symptoms and may just lose weight and become depressed.
There are two major causes of hyperthyroidism.
About 95 percent of persons diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are found to have a condition called Graves' disease.
Most of the remaining persons have a condition called nodular thyroid disease. A less frequent cause is inflammation of the thyroid gland, called thyroiditis Uncommon causes include hormone producing tumors of the pituitary gland or ovary and iodine-induced hyperthyroidism from iodine-containing drugs.
Some forms of therapy are available for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
These therapies work by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone made by the thyroid gland; therefore, an excess amount of hormone does not get into the bloodstream.
2 of these treatments available are:
Anti-thyroid drugs
Radioactive iodine, also known as radioiodine or 131I
Then there is something that you can do to help yourself.
Ingest foods that Decrease Thyroid Output
Foods that reduce thyroid output should be consumed if you have hyperthyroidism and avoided if you have hypothyroidism. Caffeine is negatively linked to thyroid gland productivity, so abstain from caffeine if you have or think you have a thyroid condition. Other foods that have potentially anti-thyroid effects include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, pears, and peaches. Beyond that, try to minimize consumption of processed foods, refined flour and sugar.
Supplements
When attempting to treat a thyroid condition with diet, also look to proper supplements to maximize the potential effects. First, a quality multivitamin should correct any potential vitamin or mineral deficiencies in your diet, making it suitable for either thyroid condition. Second, fish oil (omega 3 fatty acids) has been shown to help protect the thyroid gland against general stress. Five to 10 grams daily should help whether you have hyper or hypothyroidism. Finally, if you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism you will want to cut back on your intake of iodized salt, as it contains significant amounts of iodine.
I hope this helps all of you who have to live with a dysfunctioning thyroid problem as I have had to. But, we know now that although we have to live with it, we don't have to let it control our quality of life and our state of mind. Stay Strong and Healthy!
Join me again at "Living Victoriously" as we cover otherhealth issues.
