The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that is located in the lower front of the neck. Its shape is similar to a butterfly, and its job is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood, then carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormone allows the body to use energy, stay warm, and keep your organs working properly. In other words, if you have a thyroid problem, it can affect different areas.
Thyroid Imbalance Leads to a Thyroid Problem
When the thyroid isn’t working as it should, it can make either too much or too little thyroid hormone, which can lead to a slew of problems, including weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, and restlessness. Thyroid disorders include:
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- Hypothyroidism – the thyroid gland can’t make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body running properly, and the body’s functions slow down, including the metabolism.
- Hyperthyroidism – the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up the body’s functions, including metabolism and heart rate.
- Thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid gland that occurs when the Boyd’s immune system makes antibodies that attack the thyroid.
- Goiter – the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland that may cause swelling and problems within the throat.
- Thyroid Nodules – an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that form a lump within the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid Cancer – occurs when cancer cells form from the tissues of the thyroid gland; affects an estimated 45,000 people each year.
This following video provides an excellent summary of thyroid problems, however, typical conventional medical treatments are discussed at 3:30 instead of natural alternatives, so beware:
The signs and symptoms of a thyroid disorder vary, depending on the exact problem. Generally, problems tend to develop slowly, and women are more likely than men to develop thyroid disease. In women, thyroid disease can cause problems with the menstrual cycle, cause difficulty getting pregnant, and create problems during pregnancy.
Common symptoms of a thyroid problem in both men and women include:
- Exhaustion
- Changes in appetite
- Loss of libido
- Dry skin
- Limb and muscle pain
- Hypertension
- Improper regulation of body temperature
- Hoarse voice or a strange feeling in the neck
- Thinning hair
- High cholesterol levels
- Irregular sleep patterns
Iodine deficiency can cause a thyroid problem. If the body doesn’t have enough iodine, it cannot make enough thyroid hormone.
Low selenium levels have also been linked to hypothyroidism and researchers believe that sufficient levels of selenium in the body may also reduce the risk of thyroid swelling or goiter. Selenium has powerful antioxidant functions that helps to balance the body’s hormones. Sunflower seeds and black walnuts are a great source of selenium.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms that may be linked to a thyroid disorder, make an appointment with a health care professional.
For a natural way to help balance the body’s selenium levels and protect the thyroid, try the home remedy below:
Ingredients:
- 40 black walnuts
- 35 oz or 1 kg of raw honey
- Mason jar or several smaller jars
Directions:
- Wash the walnuts and pat them dry.
- Use a knife to make a few small cuts on the walnuts’ surface or prick them with a needle.
- Put the walnuts in a jar and add the honey.
- Leave the jar in a place that gets enough sunlight and leave the jar open.
- Keep the jar in a well-lit room for 40 days.
- Strain and keep the liquid in a glass bottle.
- Drink one teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach.
h/t: healthy food house