A decreased activity in the thyroid gland (front of the neck) resulting in an inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones lead to a condition called hypothyroidism. The thyroid hormones are essential to increase oxygen use in cells and fuel vital processes in every part of the body. Hypothyroidism can be found in 2 out of 100 people and anyone can be affected. This condition is more common among middle-aged and elderly women. There is a strong tendency however for thyroid disorders to pass down from generation to generation. Treatment is nearly always successful and allows a patient to live a normal and healthy life.

It should be remembered that it highly unlikely for an individual suffering from hypothyroidism to have all of the following symptoms:

EARLY SYMPTOMS:

In the United States hypothyroidism is no longer caused by iodine deficiency thereby nullifying preventive measures altogether.

A number of conditions can reduce the production of thyroid glands and lead to hypothyroidism:

Since hypothyroidism is caused by too little thyroid hormone secreted by the thyroid, the diagnosis is based almost exclusively upon measuring the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood. There are normal ranges which have been calculated by computers which measured these hormones in tens of thousands of people. If your hormone levels fall below the normal range, that is consistent with hypothyroidism. These tests are very accurate and reliable and are so routine that they are available to everybody. In the typical person with an under-active thyroid gland, the blood level of T4 (the main thyroid hormone) will be low, while the TSH level will be high. This means that the thyroid is not making enough hormone and the pituitary recognizes it and is responding appropriately by making more Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in an attempt to force more hormone production out of the thyroid. In the more rare case of hypothyroidism due to pituitary failure, the thyroid hormone T4 will be low, but the TSH level will also be low. The thyroid is behaving “appropriately” under these conditions because it can only make hormone in response to TSH signals from the pituitary. Since the pituitary is not making enough TSH, then the thyroid will never make enough T4. The real question in this situation is what is wrong with the pituitary? But in the typical and most common form of hypothyroidism, the main thyroid hormone T4 is low, and the TSH level is high.

Many foods contain the minerals, vitamins (specifically vitamins C and A) and other nutrients essential to achieving proper thyroid function. These include broccoli, kale, peaches, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, figs, olive oil, rice, bran, rye and most dark green vegetables. Try to avoid dairy products, and, of course, avoid use of alcohol, caffeine and any drugs. Switch to sea salt to season your food.

Periodic monitoring is essential in the management of patients with hypothyroidism to judge the clinical response to treatment, patient compliance in taking the medication, and development of drug interactions, and to adjust the replacement dosage because of changes in body weight or advancing age.

Stress is often a primary cause of various ailments and symptoms, therefore make sure to reduce it by means of meditation, prayer and indulging in hobbies.

Bladderwrack Thallus by Nature's Answer contains bladderwrack that has favorable effects on secretion of thyroid gland. ¹ Kelp by Nature's Way is a herbal product that contains kelp or seaweed. Kelp shows its beneficial effects in condition of hypothyroidism.^2,3,4 Vitamin C Powder by Jarrow Formulas has vitamin C that supports defense mechanism of body. ^2,5,6,7 L-Tyrosine is an amino acid helps in secretion of thyroid hormone.^2,8,9