The thyroid gland is one of the smaller pieces to a much larger puzzle. This puzzle regulates everything from how quickly a body can process food and burn through calories to how well it can retain heat. Unfortunately there are some 20 million Americans who suffer from poor thyroid health. If you are one of these people, then you are surely looking fora answers to solve your ailment.
The good news is that while the direct cause of thyroid problems is unknown, there are simple ways to treat its symptoms.
Symptoms of thyroid problems depend on the relationship between the thyroid and TSH. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, or TSH, is a chemical released by the pituitary gland. Upon receiving this hormone, the thyroid releases two more hormones. These hormones are known as T3 and T4, and contribute to the regulation of a body’s natural metabolism.
If the thyroid over produces the hormones T3 and T4, the resulting condition is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can result in a higher metabolism, weight loss, and sensitivity to heat. Conversely, the underproduction of the thyroid is known as primary hypothyroidism. Primary hypothyroidism can result in slower metabolic rates, weight gain and the inability of the body to warm up form cold climates.
These symptoms can be taken as thyroid warning signs. Although these warning signs may not seem so threatening as symptoms of other ailments, a poorly functioning thyroid can be a sign of a larger problem. In some cases, poor thyroid health can signify the onset of more troublesome diseases, or thyroid cancer.
There are a number of diagnostic tests that can be used in order to detect problems with thyroid health. The typical way to detect thyroid problems is through a doctor administered TSH test. The measurement of thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH can help doctors determine whether or not a thyroid is over or under productive.
If there a thyroid imbalance is detected, there are natural thyroid treatments to reestablish good thyroid health. The first step to treating either an over or under productive thyroid is to consult a physician. A doctor will be able to further analyze the blood sample or continue on with more tests to ensure that the imbalanced thyroid is not a symptom of a larger problem.
Upon ruling out major diseases and cancer, a thyroid can be treated simply and naturally. Natural solutions begin with dietary adjustments. Increasing consumption of foods that are rich in vitamin A and Zinc can treat people suffering form hypothyroidism. Alternately sufferers of hyperthyroidism can decrease consumption of these foods and lower their metabolisms accordingly. Other remedies include the consumption of herbal teas and committing to regular exercise or activity.