Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Thyroid Disease

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland, shaped like a butterfly, located in the lower part of your neck. The function of a gland is to secrete hormones. The main hormones released by the thyroid are triiodothyronine, abbreviated as T3, and thyroxine, abbreviated as T4. These thyroid hormones deliver energy to cells of the body.

The most common problems that develop in the thyroid include:
*Hypothyroidism -- An underactive thyroid.
*Hyperthyroidism -- An overactive thyroid.
*Goiter -- An enlarged thyroid.
*Thyroid Nodules -- Lumps in the thyroid gland.
*Thyroid Cancer -- Malignant thyroid nodules or tissue.
*Thyroiditis -- Inflammation of the thyroid.

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid gland is underactive, improperly formed at birth, surgically removed all or in part, or becomes incapable of producing enough thyroid hormone, a person is said to be hypothyroid. One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's disease, in which antibodies gradually target the thyroid and destroy its ability to produce thyroid hormone.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually go along with a slowdown in metabolism, and can include fatigue, weight gain, and depression, among others.

For more info about hypothyroidsm,

Hyperthyroidism

When the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone, a person is said to be hyperthyroid. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune condition known as Graves' disease, where antibodies target the gland and cause it to speed up hormone production.

You may have hyperthyroidism if you:

*Feel nervous, moody, weak, or tired.
*Have hand tremors, or have a fast or irregular heartbeat, or have trouble breathing even when *you are resting.
*Sweat a lot, and have warm, red skin that may be itchy.
*Have frequent and sometimes loose bowel movements.
*Have fine, soft hair that is falling out.
*Lose weight even though you are eating normally or more than usual.

Also, some women have irregular menstrual cycles or stop having periods altogether. And some men may develop enlarged breasts.

For further information on Hyperthyroid,

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Most thyroid dysfunction such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism is due to autoimmune thyroid disease. Autoimmune disease refers to a condition where the body's natural ability to differentiate between its tissues, organs and glands, vs. outside bacteria, viruses or pathogens, becomes disrupted. This causes the immune system to wrongly mount an attack on the affected area, by producing antibodies. In the case of autoimmune thyroid disease, antibodies either gradually destroy the thyroid, or make it overactive.

Graves disease ()and Hashimoto thyroiditis () are forms of autoimmune thyroid disease. In these diseases, thyroid-reactive T cells are formed that infiltrate the thyroid gland.


Goiter/Thyroid Nodules

Sometimes the thyroid becomes enlarged -- due to Hashimoto's disease, Graves' disease, nutritional deficiencies, or other thyroid imbalances. When the thyroid become enlarged, this is known as a goiter.

Some people develop solid or liquid filled cysts, lumps, bumps and tumors -- both benign and cancerous -- in the thyroid gland. These are known as thyroid nodules.

Thyroid Cancer

A small percentage of thyroid nodules are cancerous. While thyroid cancer is a rare cancer, it's on the rise.



Thyroiditis

When the thyroid becomes inflamed, due to bacterial or viral illness, this is known as thyroiditis. Dr. Stephen Langer has discussed thyroiditis here at the site. It's also important to be aware of the development of some successful thyroiditis treatments.

Do you know what your blood type is ?

A second generation naturopathic doctor, Dr. D'Adamo has been practising naturopatic medicine for over 20 years, best known for his research on human blood groups and nutrition. The Blood Type Diet came to light in 1996 with the release Peter D'Adamo's book "Eat right 4 your type". Acoording to Dr D'Adamo our blood group determines how our bodies deal with different nutrients; that each blood group has its own unique code and this code is not compatible with certain foods, leading to all sorts of potential health problems. Also, he believes that levels of stomach acidity and digestive enzymes are linked with your blood type.


Blood type O :

According to the theory, the blood type O was first identified in 50,000 B.C., and so type Os need to eat a typical hunter-gatherer type diet as their digestive tract retains the memory of ancient times. The blood type diet recommends, high protein, low-carb diet that are currently popular such as the Atkins diet. Food you can eat include meat, fish and olive oil. Moderate intake: nuts, seeds, eggs, certain food and vegetables. Avoid: dairy products, beans, cereals, bread, pasta, and rice. type of exercise: intense physical exercise such as aerobics, martial arts, contact sports, running.

* they are more likely to suffer from asthma, hay fever, and other allergies.

Blood type A

Blood type A evolved around 15,000 B.C. when our ancestors had settled into farming lifestyles, and eat lots of grains and vegetables but little meat. Those with blood type A, are more naturally suited to a vegetarian diet and foods that are fresh, pure and organic. What food to eat: nuts, seeds, beans, cereals, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables. Avoid: meats and dairy products. Type of exercise: calming exercise such as yoga and tai chi.

Blood type B

Blood type B supposedly evolved around 10,000 B.C. thanks to our nomadic ancestors. They left their farms and started wandering the land, constantly moving from place to place. Food recommended: a varied diet that consist of most foods including meat, diary, grains, and vegetables. Avoid: processed foods, although nuts and seeds aren't recommended and only small amounts of carb-rich foods should be eaten. Types of exercise: moderate physical exercise requiring mental balance, such as hiking, cycling, tennis and swimming.

* they have a high allergies threshold, and will react if only they eat the wrong foods. And also, susceptible, to autoimmune disorders, such as chronic fatigue, lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Blood type AB

The blood type AB, the most recent, in terms of evolution just 1,ooo years ago! People with this blood type should eat the combination of the foods recommended for blood groups A and B, which is confusing as type B allows you to eat most foods, while type A suggest a vegetarian diet! Dr D'Adamo gets around this by suggesting that type AB's follows a veggie diet most of the time with some meats, fish and dairy products occasionally. Type of exercise: combine calming exercises with moderately intense activities.

* they tend to have fewest problems with allergies, while heart disease, cancer, and anaemia are medical risks for them.

* types A & B are the most susceptible to diabetes

* Types A & AB have an overall higher rate of cancer and poorer survival odds than the other types.

Thus, the author claims that his recommendations is based on scientific evidence.