Thyroid problems: Could You Be Suffering From A Thyroid Problem Without Even Knowing It? Discover The Warning Signs And How To Fight Back

Your thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland, which is located at the base of your neck. Although small, it is extremely important to your overall health as it produces thyroid hormone, which governs everything from your energy and appetite to your mood, weight and body temperature.

However, this gland is extremely sensitive and can be affected by vitamin and mineral deficiencies, smoking, environmental toxins and medicinal drugs. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that your thyroid is prone to malfunctioning.

In fact, thyroid problems including an under-active or overactive thyroid have been estimated to affect as many as one in six people over the age of 55. For this reason, it is important to know what symptoms to look out for and what measures to take if youre diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.

Doctors may miss an astounding 90% of low thyroid problems
Most thyroid problems are due to too little or too much thyroid hormone. When too little is produced, a condition called hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) develops, which causes sluggishness, cold intolerance, constipation, depression, headaches, dry hair and skin, brittle nails, weight gain and hoarseness.

Worse still, a shortage of thyroid hormone is linked to increased levels of bad cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease (Arch Intern Med 2002; 162: 773-779).

However, in many cases, a low thyroid problem isnt due to an underperforming thyroid gland but to a faulty conversion of thyroid hormone from an inactive form called T4 (tetraiodothyronine, also called thyroxine) to the active form called T3 (triiodothyronine), once it reaches your cells.

This is why, incredibly, doctors may miss up to 90 per cent of hypothyroid problems. The patient has all the symptoms, but the T4 level appears normal when a blood test is carried out. 

Too much thyroid hormone, on the other hand, causes hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). It causes a wide range of symptoms including nervousness, restlessness, heat intolerance, palpitations, increased appetite, frequent bowel movements and weight loss. It is important to point out that weakness, fatigue and muscle cramps can be symptoms of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism.

Anti-thyroid drugs can seriously impair your immune system
Because thyroid problems can have serious consequences, it is important to see your doctor if you suspect that you may be suffering from one. Conventional treatment is fairly straightforward, but not always effective.

Hypothyroidism is usually treated with synthetic forms of thyroid hormone (levothyroxine and liothyronine). However, it can be difficult to determine the correct dosage that achieves the right balance and the side-effects are frequently those associated with excess thyroid hormone such as anxiety, sweating, palpitations and diarrhoea.

Treatment for hyperthyroidism generally involves anti-thyroid drugs (such as carbimazole) that block the production of thyroid hormone,
and beta-blockers (such as propanolol) to control the symptoms.

Both of these drugs have unpleasant side-effects. Carbimazole frequently causes headaches, dizziness, joint pain, nausea and an itchy rash, while betablockers can cause fatigue, lethargy, nightmares and cold hands and feet. Anti-thyroid drugs like carbimazole can also cause a dramatic drop in your white blood cells the front line of your immune system leaving your system vulnerable to any infection it may be exposed to.

Luckily, help is at hand from natural supplements that can provide safe, effective treatment of thyroid problems and may allow your doctor to reduce your medication.

Selenium helps treat hypothyroidism by converting thyroid hormone to its active form
The trace mineral selenium is critical for the enzyme that converts thyroid hormone T4 to its active form T3 as already mentioned, this conversion process is often impaired in hypothyroidism sufferers (Clin Sci 1995; 89(6): 637-42).

A study conducted in Belgium found that selenium improves both the way in which the pituitary gland in the brain controls the thyroid glands activity and the conversion of T4 to T3 (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86(3): 1160-3). The recommended dosage for selenium is 100mcg to 200mcg each day.

Iodine and zinc are also needed for your body to produce and use thyroid hormone properly, and a deficiency of either can lead to hypothyroidism (J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 1986; 5: 799805).

Severe iodine deficiency is now rare in developed countries, but you could have a borderline deficiency if you dont eat fish and seafood, which are the best sources of this mineral. Taking 225mcg of kelp (a type of seaweed) each day will help ensure adequate iodine levels. In a small study, zinc supplements were shown to increase T4 levels in those who were found to be low in zinc (Nutr Metab 1979; 23: 294300). Take 15mg to 30mg of zinc each day.

Animal studies have shown that a root extract of the Indian herb ashwagandha is able to significantly raise levels of both T3 and T4 (J Pharm Pharmacol 1998; 50: 1065-1068). Although no clinical studies on thyroid function appear to have been carried out on human subjects yet, ashwagandhas other known health benefits as a general tonic and immune booster, as well as its high level of safety, certainly make it worth trying. The recommended daily dose is 400 to 1,000mg of an extract standardised to 1-2 per cent withanolides (the herbs primary active components).

Dietary changes and herbal remedies can calm an overactive thyroid
If your body is found to produce too much thyroid hormone and you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you should avoid iodised table salt and high iodine foods, such as seaweed and shellfish. Instead, eat plenty of foods in the brassica family such as cabbage, broccoli, sprouts and swede which are known to lower iodine levels and to regulate an overactive thyroid (Therap Unschau 1973; 30: 734).

Studies have also shown that people with an overactive thyroid gland often crave and consume a lot of high-carbohydrate foods and that a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates may help (J Clin Endocrinol Metabol 2001; 86: 5848-53).

Some herbs have an excellent track record for calming an overactive thyroid. For example, gypsywort (Lycopus europeaus) and bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) both contain a compound called lithospermic acid, which effectively inhibits iodine metabolism and reduces thyroid hormone production (Arzneimittlforschung 1994; 44: 415). 

Another herb with a natural anti-thyroid effect is motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). It has been found to safely reduce heart palpitations, which are a common symptom of an overactive thyroid (Arzneim-Forsch 1961; 11: 830). However, you should avoid taking these herbs if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Check individual product labels for dosage details.