Could it be my thyroid?
Date Posted:17 October 2012
Are you constantly tired, cold when others are warm, with a tendency for one or more of the following?
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain
- Slow pulse
- Enlarged thyroid gland - goitre
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Brittle fingernails
- Hair loss
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Heavier menstrual periods
- High cholesterol
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Slow or dulled mental activity
- Joint pain or general muscular pain
- Unsteadiness while walking
If the answer is yes then your thyroid gland may need some support.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, it weighs less than 30g or an ounce. Despite its slight size, your thyroid controls the rate at which every cell, tissue, and organ in your body functions, from your muscles, bones, and skin to your digestive tract, brain, heart, and more. It does this primarily by secreting hormones that control how fast and efficiently cells convert nutrients into energy—a chemical activity known as metabolism—so that the cells can perform their functions.
When things go wrong
In the past thyroid disorders were due to a lack of iodine in the diet. In modern times the Western diet tends to provide adequate amounts of iodine and thyroid dysfunction is more commonly caused by an auto-immune dysfunction called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. There is some evidence that Hashimoto’s is triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, with triggering of immune dysfunction and auto-attack of the thyroid gland. As with any autoimmune disease however, there must be some underlying susceptibility.
What to do?
- Ensure you have adequate sources of iodine in your diet.
- To check if you need to increase your intake of iodine apply iodine to the soles of your feet overnight. If you are low in iodine your feet will magically absorb the iodine overnight leaving your feet clean in the morning. When your body has sufficient the iodine will still be seen on the soles of your feet in the morning (iodine is usually available from your pharmacy). Note: An important thing to note is that for Hashimoto's it is good to check your thyroid antibody levels with regular blood tests in order to monitor the effects that any changes in diet, iodine supplementation, herbals etc are having.
- In early stages when the thyroid is still functioning the following herbal support and lifestyle recommendations are helpful.
- Rejuvenation Plus 1-2 tablets and Cholesterol Protection 1-2 tablets 15-30 minutes before breakfast and evening meals.
- Digest Tone 2-4 tablets prior bed with warm water to help relieve constipation.
- Sip Be Trim Tea every 30-60 minutes through out the day up until 7 pm. Aim to drink 1.5 L for woman and 2.5 L for men per day.
- Massage the body with Kapha Massage Oil prior shower in the morning most days.
- Exercise everyday and first thing in the morning where you can.
- Follow a Kapha pacifying diet. Have a light evening meal by 6-7 pm and take heavier foods at lunch time when they can be more easily digested.
- If weight is an issue add Be Trim 1 (normal appetite) or Be Trim 2 (sharp or excessive appetite).
- If low mood state or depression is an issue add Blissful Joy.
The Get Balance Team
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice and guidance of a qualified health provider.