The Nutritional Way to a Healthy Thyroid :: Health and Disease :: Blood and Glandular Disorders

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The Nutritional Way to a Healthy Thyroid
by author Simone Gabbay, RNCP

Are you unsatisfied with your energy level? The quality of your sleep? Do you often feel anxious for no reason? Do you have trouble losing or gaining weight? If so, consider your thyroid.

This tiny, two-lobed gland located in the neck on either side of the trachea, has a powerful effect on the body’s overall metabolism. Hormones secreted by the thyroid control a number of important biochemical reactions, including oxygen utilization, protein synthesis and the rate at which the body burns fat. All of these processes directly influence physical and psychological well-being, as well as appearance.

When the thyroid is over or under active, the body’s metabolism is thrown out of balance. The typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), include increased pulse rate, rapid heartbeat, unexplained anxiety and nervousness, excessive sweating and frequent, loose bowel movements. Individuals with this condition often seem unable to gain weight, even when eating above-average amounts of food.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thy-roid), on the other hand, produces symptoms such as weight gain, cold hands and feet, lethargy and fatigue, depression, hypoglycemia, infertility, food allergies, high blood cholesterol, sensitivity to cold, constipation, clogged sinuses, dry skin and hair and premenstrual syndrome.

The foregoing is only a partial list of the wide range of symptoms which can be implicated in hypothyroidism. Yet, the condition often remains undiagnosed. Standard medical thyroid tests are unreliable because they do not indicate whether thyroid hormones are functioning efficiently in the body. They measure only blood levels of thyroid hormone, but not how much of the physiologically active hormone actually reaches body cells.

Fortunately, an alternative method–the basal body temperature test–can be tried at home using a thermometer. For several consecutive mornings (before rising), slip a thermometer into the armpit and keep it there for at least 10 minutes. Record your temperature daily. If it is consistently below 36.6°C (97.9°F), this may indicate low thyroid function, especially if other symptoms of thyroid imbalance are present. Temperatures above 36.8°C (98.2°F) may indicate an overactive thyroid gland. However, it is important to note that other factors may be involved, and a consultation with a naturopath or other qualified health professional may be wise before deciding upon a diagnosis and course of treatment.

Nutrients for Thyroid Health

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Simone Gabbay is a registered nutritional consultant and author of Nourishing the Body Temple.

Source: alive #210, April 2000

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