Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Hypothyroidism - An Under-Active Thyroid


Hashimoto S Thyroiditis Diet Hypothyroidism - An Under-Active Thyroid.

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that is located just below the Adams Apple (in males); more specifically it is located in the vicinity of the larynx. Iodine is the key reason the Thyroid has a place in the human body. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate and control the metabolism of iodine within human bodies. The human body requires the proper ratios of the thyroid hormones Thyroxine and triiodothyronine.

These hormones are found in healthy individuals in ratios that allow for regular cell metabolism and function. When an individual is not producing these hormones in the correct ratio for any reason, this can lead to a number to maladies. Common problems associated with the underproduction of these hormones can lead to Depression, Weight Gain, Weakness, Brittle Fingernails and Hair, Fatigue, and Sensitivity to cold.

At later stages of the conditions development, there can be a diminishing of the olfactory senses, a noted hoarseness of the voice, puffiness of the extremities and a difficulty perspiring. More notably, speech vocalization can be found to be suffering significant impediment.

The chief concern with the condition is that it can affect development, and may cause a loss of quality of life for the sufferer. Ensuring that proper treatment is provided after correct diagnosis can alleviate the symptoms and minimize the conditions negative effects. Luckily the development of the disorder is slow, allowing for early diagnosis.

Many women experience hypothyroidism after pregnancy, though men can also suffer from the disorder. The lead cause for the disorder is a failure of all, or part of, the thyroid gland, due to inflammation of the gland and damage or death of the thyroid tissue. This leads to a reduction in the production capacity of the thyroid gland, and its ability to produce the required levels of Thyroxine and triodothyronine.

Another major cause for the disorder is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis which is the inflammation of thyroid leading to damage to its tissue, as a result of the sufferers own immune system malfunctioning.

If there are not enough thyroid cells to supply the body's needs for thyroid hormones, then the condition will arise. Many surgeries that aim to fix and improve the health of a patient can inadvertently lead to the development of this condition, as the surgeries often call for partial or entire removal of the thyroid gland. Conditions which may necessitate the removal of thyroid can include thyroid cancer.

If the body is unable to satisfy its own thyroid hormone requirements then external sources of these hormones must be supplied, if the patient is to lead a normal life without major physical disorder. With an understanding of the possible causes of hypothyroidism, the ability to detect its symptoms and alleviate them can be developed. In understanding the effects of the disorder and the ways it can affect the sufferer, people afflicted with it and their families can learn to cope with the disorder in a well adapted manner. Being able to watch for its development in offspring from an early age can ensure that if it does manifest, it is treated early.

hashimoto s thyroiditis diet.