HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism is a
condition in which the thyroid gland becomes overactive and begins producing an
excessive amount of thyroid hormones resulting in an overactive metabolic state.
Hyperthyroidism is sometimes referred to as thyrotoxicosis, which is a toxic
condition that is caused by an excess of thyroid hormones from any cause. The
most common type of this disorder is called Grave’s Disease, which may affect
your eyes. Typical symptoms of Graves' ophthalmopathy include:
- Red or Swollen Eyes
- Excessive Tearing
- Sensitivity to Light
- Blurred Vision
- Red or Swollen Eyes
Many times, hyperthyroidism can be difficult to diagnose because it can
resemble other health problems. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Increased Perspiration
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Frequent Bowel Movements
- Weakness
- Hair & Weight loss
- Rapid Heartbeat (tachycardia)(arrhythmia)
- Tremors
- Changes in Menstrual Patterns
- Increased Sensitivity to Heat
- An Enlarged Thyroid Gland
The cause of hyperthyroidism has much to do with your thyroid gland and the two
main hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine that it produces. These hormones
influence every cell in the body. Their responsibilities include maintaining
the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, controlling body
temperature, influencing the heart rate and aiding in the regulation of protein
production. Your thyroid gland also produces a hormone that helps regulate the
amount of calcium in your blood called calcitonin.
The pituitary gland controls the rate at which thyroxine and triiodothyronine
are released. The hypothalamus, which is an area at the base of your brain that
regulates body temperature signals the pituitary gland to produce a hormone
called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is then released by the pituitary
gland. The amount released is dependent upon the amount of thyroxine and
triiodothyronine that are in the blood.
Insufficient amounts of thyroxine or triiodothyronine in the blood results in a
TSH blood level above normal. Excess amounts result in a decreased TSH level.
Based on the amount of TSH it receives, thyroid gland regulates its production
of hormones.
The exact cause of disrupted levels of TSH is unknown but many experts believe
that the immune system can produce antibodies that attack the thyroid and
affect hormone levels.
Lumps or tumors that form on the thyroid can also be another cause.
The most important steps a person can take to treat hyperthyroidism naturally
include supplementing with:
A High Potency Multivitamin (Use as directed on label) - This
hyper-metabolic condition requires increased amounts of vitamins &
minerals.
Vitamin B Complex (50 mg of each major B vitamin 3 times a day with
meals) which includes Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) - Needed for thyroid function.
Lecithin granules or capsules (1 tbsp 3 times day before meals or 1,200
mg 3 times a day before meals) - Aids in the digestion of fats & protects
all cells & organs.
Also make sure your diet includes plenty of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower,
kale, peaches, pears, soybeans, spinach, & turnips. Foods such as these,
suppress thyroid hormone production.
Avoid dairy products for at least 90 days. Also avoid stimulants such as
coffee, tea, nicotine & soft drinks.
