Posted on October 22, 2007 in Latest News
Diminished thyroid activity, or hypothyroidism, decreases metabolic rate, makes it impossible to assimilate food properly, depresses the activity of other glands in the body, and ultimately adversely affects every cell and tissue in the body. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland, at the front of your neck, doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone or when your body fails to use thyroid hormone efficiently.
The disease affects both sexes and all ages, but is most common in women over age 50. Because the thyroid gland is involved in regulating metabolism, low thyroid levels cause your body to slow down and can affect everything from appetite to body temperature. Left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause serious health complications.
Signs and symptoms
- Slow pulse
- Lethargy
- Hoarse voice, slowed speech
- Goiter (caused by swollen thyroid gland)
- Intolerance to cold
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Dry, scaly, thick, coarse hair
- Numbness in fingers or hands
- Confusion, depression, dementia
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps or other menstrual disorders
- In children, growth retardation, delayed teething, and mental deficiency
Role of Vitamins in Hypothyroidism
- B Vitamins – It is important for the body’s synthesis of T4. A standard B-complex supplement will provide adequate vitamin B. B-50 supplement a few times a week can also be taken. You can also get B-100 supplements. However, some studies show that niacin (B3) supplementation can actually lower thyroid hormone levels so it is important to have regular blood tests conducted.
- Iodine – Iodine deficiency was once the leading cause of hypothyroid disorders. Iodine supplementation in table salt has largely eliminated iodine deficiency in the developed world, but it’s still worth checking if your iodine levels are adequate. If you are NOT suffering iodine deficiency, one should not take iodine supplements as too much iodine can actually cause thyroid problems.
- Zinc – Studies suggest that severe zinc deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, but like iodine deficiency, it is rare for people living in the developed world to have a severe enough deficiency to cause a serious problem. Multi-minerals supplement intake will solve the problem.
- Selenium – Selenium is used in the synthesis of T3 from T4. If your blood tests suggest your T3 levels are lagging behind your T4, you might try a good multi-mineral supplement with selenium. However, in cases where a patient is both selenium and iodine deficient, some studies have shown that selenium supplementation can actually make hypothyroid conditions worse. Again, it might be worth having your levels tested before taking supplements.
- Calcium/Magnesium/Potassium – Deficiencies may interfere with the cells’ ability to properly absorb nutrients and hormones, as well as the thyroids ability to properly absorb precursor nutrients necessary for hormone production.
- Vitamin A – Hypothyroidism can apparently impair the body’s ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, so supplemental vitmain A is often recommended to patients who do not consume adequate amounts in their daily diet.
One should take one’s multi-vitamins regularly and also ensure that a particular vitamin does not exceed its limits.
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March 20th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I actually heard that St. John’s wart is a great herb for this condition.
Even Royal Jelly (helps with nervousness) and bee pollen (extra nutrients)
and this is the recommended daily intake for the hypothyroid victim:
45% grains, 35% vegetables, 10% fruit, 5% beans and other legumes, 5 % other recommended foods
I’ve researched for hours and seen about the same recommended amounts