Jan 2016 National thyroid awareness month: hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, graves disease

January is national thyroid awareness month which brings to light such conditions like hypothyroidism and grave’s disease – to name a few. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the base of the neck region which is responsible for the production of many essential hormones. When it functions normally our body can go about its regular functions, but if it is overactive or underactive many complications may arise which can cause symptoms like weight gain or chronic fatigue.

Symptoms of thyroid diseases can often be mistaken for other ailments and so it’s important to recognize them and have your thyroid checked out.

Below are Bel Marra Health’s best informative articles in regards to thyroid health that will help educate you to better understand the thyroid and all of its many disorders and functions.

The thyroid gut connection: Hashimoto’s disease and leaky gut syndrome

Many studies as of late have been showing a strong connection between thyroid health and gut health. Other connections, too, have been made between the gut and other bodily functions, such as the gut-mind connection, which reveals how emotions and stress can trigger health problems in our gut. Recent studies have revealed a connection between the thyroid and the gut.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that assists many bodily functions. The gut – or the gastrointestinal tract – is a long tube that moves food from our mouths through the digestive system. Because the thyroid is responsible for hormones and regulating parts of the body, there is a link between the two. Continue reading…

Iodine deficiency role in goiters, hypothyroidism and pregnancy-related problems

Iodine deficiency plays a role in goiters, hypothyroidism and pregnancy-related problems. Iodine is an essential element necessary for proper bodily functions, especially in regards to the thyroid.
The body does not produce iodine; therefore, you must supplement it in your diet. Iodine is commonly found in iodized table salt, multivitamins, dairy products, soy milk and soy sauce, and saltwater products, such as seafood and seaweed.

If you are low in iodine, you can have an iodine deficiency and not only does this cause problems for the thyroid – iodine is essential for proper thyroid function – but it can also lead to pregnancy-related problems as well. Continue reading…

Hypothyroidism, insulin resistance risk due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Hypothyroidism increases the risk of insulin resistance due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hyperandrogenic disorder affecting women. PCOS increases the risk of obesity, infertility, metabolic syndromes and insulin resistance.

It’s reported that 50 to 70 percent of those with PCOS have insulin resistance – a condition where the body does not use insulin properly.

Being insulin resistant increases the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes. Hypothyroidism as well has been shown to cause changes in the metabolism, which can contribute to insulin resistance.

Thyroid hormones have been shown to increase glucose hepatic output. Research in women with PCOS revealed that having subclinical hypothyroidism can aggravate insulin resistance. Continue reading…

Grave’s disease, increased risk of hyperthyroidism and goiters

Grave’s disease increases the risk of hyperthyroidism and goiters. Grave’s disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism – a condition where the thyroid overproduces hormones that can have negative consequences on the body, such as speeding up the metabolism, sudden weight loss and an irregular heartbeat.

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks itself causing it to malfunction. Aside from affecting the thyroid, Grave’s disease can have a negative impact on mental health and a person’s physical state.

Grave’s disease is named after Sir Robert Graves, who coined the condition back in 1835. The disease primarily affects the thyroid gland, which is responsible for the production and release of hormones. Continue reading…

Hypothyroidism diet: Foods for underactive thyroid

Correct diet for your thyroid can offer many benefits like reducing the risk of hypothyroidism, which can lead to numerous health complications. But what foods should you be consuming for your thyroid? Well, we are about to tell you, but first it’s important to understand just how important the thyroid truly is.

Our thyroid is often overlooked unless a doctor raises concerns about it. Although you may not think about it much, it plays a major role in producing hormones and regulating our metabolism. When this process is thrown off, it can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

The good news is, hypothyroidism is manageable and one way to do so is through diet. Continue reading…