The thyroid is a small gland that is located below the skin and muscles at the front of the neck, about the spot where the Adam’s apple would be. It’s the shape of a butterfly and weighs about as much as one too. The thyroid has a very important job in the body; it manufactures hormones that help to control metabolism and growth. The hormones also make energy for the body, keep the body temperature regulated, and act like messengers telling specific body parts what to do.
In order for the thyroid to do its job it needs iodine that is absorbed from foods and water that we eat and drink. The entire body contains about 50 milligrams of iodine; about one third of it is stored in the thyroid. It combines the iodine with tyrosine, an amino acid, to make important hormones.
Thyroid disease occurs when the gland does not supply proper amounts of hormones needed for the body. If it releases too much hormone it is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism causes the body to use up more energy more quickly than it should. It also speeds up chemical activities like metabolism as well. If the gland release too little hormone into the body it is known as hypothyroidism. When the amount of hormone released into the body is below normal the body uses up energy more slowly, and the chemical activities like metabolism slow down as well.
Hyperthyroidism can cause nervousness, irritability, increased perspiration, intolerance to heat, fatigue, a fast heart beat, difficulty sleeping, irregular menstrual periods, and muscle weakness. People with this disease may lose weight even though they are eating normally or more than usual. The eyes may become irritated or look like they are staring. Tissues around the eyes may become inflamed or swollen, and the eyes appear to bugle out.
Hypothyroidism might cause no symptoms at all but if the disease progresses to far symptoms will become much more obvious. People who have symptoms may feel sluggish and depressed. Weight will be gained though they are not eating more or getting less exercise. This disease also causes dry skin, hair loss, poor memory, and difficulty concentrating.
A thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the gland. Sometimes a nodule can appear in healthy glands as well. It can feel like a lump in throat and or cause pain and tenderness in the front of the neck. If it is large enough, you may able to see the lump at the front of the neck. Most nodules are harmless and are simply just an overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue.
People who are concerned that they might have a thyroid problem should visit the doctor. Chances are the problem may be something simpler but if you do have thyroid disease, diagnosing and treating it properly, including bringing blood vessels of thyroid hormones back to normal, will usually prevent or correct any problems.
Undiagnosed thyroid problems can dramatically increase your risk for obesity, heart disease, depression, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and other health problems. This is why it is important to get checked if you think you may have a thyroid problem. Alternative Health Supplements offers natural products to help support healthy thyroid function such as Thyroid Rx. Check it out on the website.
Steve Johnson is interested in maintaining a vital, active, and healthy lifestyle. For more information on weight loss products, as well as other life-enhancing nutrients please visit his website Alternative Health Supplements.
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