How Does Hypothyroidism Affect Health?
What the Thyroid Does
The thyroid lies just below the Adam's apple in the neck. It is a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the windpipe. The primary function of the thyroid is to produce hormones that control metabolism. Since metabolism controls how we expend calories and energy, how well the thyroid functions directly affects a person's weight and ability to absorb food nutrients.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid produces the necessary amount of hormones all of these body processes function normally. When too little of the hormone necessary to support bodily functions is produced, the result is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can be the result of many factors, from radiation to surgical removal of the thyroid to a disorder called Hashimoto's disease.
Whatever the cause, the affects of hypothyroidism are the same. When too little thyroid hormone is produced there are many health issues that follow. One develops a sensitivity to cold temperatures, as the body's metabolism doesn't fire up enough to keep the body temperature up, especially in the extremities. Due to lack of energy, hypothyroidism results in chronic fatigue and weight gain. Joint pain, headache and muscle aches also are characteristic of hypothyroidism. Because the body's processes slow down, constipation is also a problem, due to the fact that the digestive process takes longer than it should. While just one of these symptoms has an adverse affect on health, hypothyroidism usually brings on more than one at a time. If left untreated, symptoms will only get worse.
Taking Care of the Thyroid
If you smoke, quit. Smoking not only increases your risk of hypothyroidism, if you already have hypothyroidism it can intensify your symptoms. This is due to the fact that certain chemicals in cigarette smoke called "thiocyanates," have damaging affects on the thyroid. Some natural ways to stimulate thyroid hormone production include using herbs, spices and getting some exercise. Herbal supplements such as black cohosh, kelp and nettle help raise thyroid function. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger and cayenne pepper also raise metabolism. Exercise is a natural way to get the body to raise metabolism and stimulate the thyroid. If you try some of these simple remedies and still have a problem with the symptoms of hypothyroidism, be sure to see your doctor. Your physician can check your thyroid function with blood tests and ultrasounds, and see if medication is necessary.
The thyroid lies just below the Adam's apple in the neck. It is a butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around the windpipe. The primary function of the thyroid is to produce hormones that control metabolism. Since metabolism controls how we expend calories and energy, how well the thyroid functions directly affects a person's weight and ability to absorb food nutrients.
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid produces the necessary amount of hormones all of these body processes function normally. When too little of the hormone necessary to support bodily functions is produced, the result is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can be the result of many factors, from radiation to surgical removal of the thyroid to a disorder called Hashimoto's disease.
Whatever the cause, the affects of hypothyroidism are the same. When too little thyroid hormone is produced there are many health issues that follow. One develops a sensitivity to cold temperatures, as the body's metabolism doesn't fire up enough to keep the body temperature up, especially in the extremities. Due to lack of energy, hypothyroidism results in chronic fatigue and weight gain. Joint pain, headache and muscle aches also are characteristic of hypothyroidism. Because the body's processes slow down, constipation is also a problem, due to the fact that the digestive process takes longer than it should. While just one of these symptoms has an adverse affect on health, hypothyroidism usually brings on more than one at a time. If left untreated, symptoms will only get worse.
Taking Care of the Thyroid
If you smoke, quit. Smoking not only increases your risk of hypothyroidism, if you already have hypothyroidism it can intensify your symptoms. This is due to the fact that certain chemicals in cigarette smoke called "thiocyanates," have damaging affects on the thyroid. Some natural ways to stimulate thyroid hormone production include using herbs, spices and getting some exercise. Herbal supplements such as black cohosh, kelp and nettle help raise thyroid function. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger and cayenne pepper also raise metabolism. Exercise is a natural way to get the body to raise metabolism and stimulate the thyroid. If you try some of these simple remedies and still have a problem with the symptoms of hypothyroidism, be sure to see your doctor. Your physician can check your thyroid function with blood tests and ultrasounds, and see if medication is necessary.
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