Thyroid
- a gland that controls so much
THE
thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolism, blood calcium levels,
energy, excess fats, hormones, oxygen, and weight loss.
If
the thyroid is underactive, symptoms include appetite loss, chronic
fatigue, constipation, depression, dry skin, hair loss, infections,
cold sensitivity, low body temperature, muscle weakness, slow
growth, tiredness, and weight gain.
The thyroid gland, an important organ of the endocrine system,
is located in front of the neck below the larynx, consisting of
two lobes on each side of the windpipe. It produces hormones from
the thyroid tissue cells called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine
(T4), which regulate our metabolism and oxygen consumption of
tissues. These hormones comprise iodine and amino acids from proteins.
Hyperthyroid
symptoms from an overactive thyroid gland or the over production
of hormones may cause anxiety, diarrhea, fatigue, hair loss, hand
tremors, heat intolerance, insomnia, menstrual irregularities,
muscle weakness, nervousness, palpitations, protruding eyeballs,
rapid heartbeat, sweating and weight loss.
For proper growth and development, the storage and distribution
of water and salt, the thyroid needs the right nutrients to function.
Iodine and all the amino acids are necessary for the body to complete
this natural cycle of synthesis as well as oxygen, hydrogen and
other elements. The complete process will not occur unless the
body has every component.
As the blood circulates through the thyroid gland every 17 minutes,
germs are rendered weaker and eventually killed in the blood if
there are sufficient reserves of iodine. If the iodine intake
is low, the thyroid gland is deprived and becomes less efficient.
The second function of iodine is to calm the body and relieve
tension. The third function of iodine aids the mind to think more
clearly. The thyroid gland uses iodine as a catalyst to metabolise
stored, excess natural fats. Removing the good fats from foods
and replacing them with low-calorie fake fats (hydrogenated oils)
are causing weight gain. Perhaps the incidence of breast cancer
is high today because the gallbladder, liver, lymphatic system
and thyroid are gorged with fake fats and so stop functioning
properly. Foods rich in iodine are asparagus, bananas, carrots,
chard, garlic, lettuce, lima beans, kelp, mushrooms, onions, potatoes,
peas, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, squash, and tomatoes.
Foods that may block the utilisation of iodine are brussel sprouts,
cabbages, cassava root, cauliflower, kale, millet, mustard, peaches,
peanuts, pears, pine nuts, soybeans, and turnips.
Chlorine in drinking water and excessive amounts of white table
salt will also deplete iodine levels. Use sea salt or a good mineral
salt. When the body is saturated with iodine, there is an increase
of moisture in the nose. Essential nutrients for an underactive
thyroid gland are all the amino acids, Vitamin B complex, beta-carotene,
Vitamins A-C, E, iodine from sea kelp, iron, zinc and unsaturated
fatty acids. Eat apricots, dates, molasses and parsley. Nutrients
for an overactive thyroid gland are multi-vitamins and mineral
complex, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, E, essential fatty acids,
and lecithin. Eat broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower,
kale, peaches, pears, spinach, and turnips.
Avoid unfermented soy products. Eat only tofu and fermented soy
sauce.
Sources: Applied Zone Systems and Dr Mercola.
