Must Read Facts About Your Thyroid Hormone and Iodine

Darrell Miller

08/14/15

Date: August 14, 2015 05:17 AM
Author: Darrell Miller
Subject: Must Read Facts About Your Thyroid Hormone and Iodine

The thyroid is that butterfly-shaped gland found in front of the neck area, only a little lower than the Adam's apple. It's the organ responsible for your body's metabolism, the process related to how you burn up calories. The thyroid gland makes use of iodine to produce thyroid hormone. That's the chemical substance released into the bloodstream to perform the metabolic functions of the thyroid. With inadequate thyroid hormones, your body produces less energy, slowing down metabolism. Without iodine, the thyroid is unable to produce thyroid hormones. 

Hypothyroidism

Sometimes, the thyroid slows down, causing a common disease, we all know as hypothyroidism.  It's simply the case when an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones is manufactured by the thyroid gland.  It is usually diagnosed through blood tests that check hormone levels.

Signs of Hypothyroidism

If you have a slow thyroid or underactive thyroid disease (another name of Hypothyroidism), you may observe one of the following signs.  However, know that these symptoms may mimic other health problems which makes it more difficult to diagnose.

• Irregular menstrual period
• Constipation
• Anxiety; depression
• Having dry skin, dry hair and hair loss
• Fatigue
• Being sensitive to cold temperature
• Slow heart rate
• Having a swollen thyroid gland (goiter)
• Having weight problems (either quickly gain weight or having difficulty in losing weight)
• Suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (pain, tingling and numb sensations in the hand)

How to Avoid Hypothyroidism

One of the causes of the thyroid to slow down is having too little iodine in your diet. Remember, iodine is the required component to produce thyroid hormones.  And our body doesn't have iodine.  Thus, it should come from an external source, that is, through the foods we eat.  You need to boost up iodine in your diet. Use only iodized salt when seasoning food.  As much as possible, also eat shellfish, dairy products, eggs, saltwater fishes, seaweeds and other saltwater edible food.

References

//www.webmd.com/women/hypothyroidism-underactive-thyroid-symptoms-causes-treatments