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OUR EXPERTS...
It’s been determined that I have a thyroid condition. Do you have any
insight on this health issue?
By RWM
Thyroid conditions are very popular in Canada. It is noted that
approximately 20 to 25 percent of females are affected by low thyroid
function or hypothyroidism. Many women over the age of 35 also suffer from
“sub-clinical” or “mild hypothyroidism”, an issue where the thyroid is
functioning properly, but the same symptoms similar to low thyroid function
are experienced.
The thyroid is a small gland that is located in the neck just below the
Adam’s apple. This gland secretes two hormones called T3 and T4. These
hormones are crucial in controlling our metabolism and many other metabolic
functions within our body. They basically stimulate the production of
proteins and increase the use of oxygen used by our cells.
Thyroid dysfunction or hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid starts
producing too much thyroid hormone. This “unbalance” is commonly caused by
hormone-related problems such as PMS, infertility, ovarian cysts, fibroids,
endometriosis, menstrual or menopausal symptoms. The symptoms include the
body’s metabolic rate slowing down dramatically causing a vast amount of
internal and external issues from slowed heart rate to high cholesterol
levels, brittle hair to thickened areas on the skin, muscle weakness to
fatigue and in some cases infertility to stillbirths. There is such a
diversity of symptoms, that are as individual to the individual suffering,
there’s no wonder thyroid dysfunction is often mis-diagnosed!
If you definitely have it however, along with your prescribed thyroid
medication, you can supplement to relieve the symptoms.
First, choose a high-quality multi-vitamin, this is vital for all around,
proper immune function.
Potassium Iodide is another must for balance. The role of iodine in the body
is to make thyroid hormones. Too little impairs the proper function and too
much interferes with the thyroid’s ability to produce the hormones. This
supplement is important for fertility and breast cancer prevention as well,
to name a few.
Manganese, copper, Ashwaganda and Tyrosine (amino acid) act directly on the
thyroid gland.
Finally, add two scoops of protein powder to your diet daily. It will make a
world of difference.
To get more advice on thyroid conditions from our panel of experts, email
experts@risingwomen.com
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