Hypothyroidism
A couple of things I forgot to mention in yesterdays post which are important enough to warrant an extra post today about it.
Firstly I didn't mention the causes of hypothyroidism. The most common cause is due to autoimmune thyroid disease, a self-destructive process in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid cells as though they were foreign cells. In response the thyroid gland becomes under active (hypothyroidism) or over active (hyperthyroidism). Scientists aren't sure why the body produces antibodies against itself. Some think a virus or bacterium might trigger the response, while others believe a genetic flaw may be involved. A condition called Hashimoto's disease (also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis) is the most common type of autoimmune reaction that causes an underactive thyroid. It's not clear what causes Hashimoto’s disease, but it runs in families. It's also common in people with another immune system disorder, such as type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, Addison's disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Other lesser causes include thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), congenital thyroid agenesis (being born without a thyroid), medications including amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, lithium and tyrosine kinase inhibitors and pituitary gland abnormalities.
There is also some people who believe fluoride in water or toothpaste causes thyroid disease. Fluoride is something I have avoided for a few years anyway due to other negative implications on health. Of course you wont read anywhere in the mainstream media that fluoride could be a cause!
Secondly there is an increased propensity for hypothyroidism in people with a family history of thyroid disease, people aged over 60 and people who have been pregnant within the past 6 months. Hypothyroidism is a condition that develops slowly, meaning that symptoms may go unnoticed for a long period of time and can be difficult to spot. If you have a family history of hypothyroidism and you have just one of the symptoms or even if you just 'feel' something isn't right you should ask your doctor for a blood test.
Thirdly the information on my last post and this one has mainly come from what I would call mainstream medical websites. I have only just started my research and am now looking far more closely into what alternative practitioners are saying.
I have heard that taking Chinese herbs, selenium or iodine-tyrosine supplements can be used as cures for hypothyroidism. Kelp (a kind of seaweed), and other herbal remedies at the health food store may promise to jump-start the thyroid and cause the thyroid to work normally. The trouble is that these treatments can lead to hyperthyroidism (thyroid over activity) which include the symptoms rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaky hands, rapid weight loss, insomnia and nervousness.
I'll let you know my findings as I learn more!
Thanks for looking :) xxx
Firstly I didn't mention the causes of hypothyroidism. The most common cause is due to autoimmune thyroid disease, a self-destructive process in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid cells as though they were foreign cells. In response the thyroid gland becomes under active (hypothyroidism) or over active (hyperthyroidism). Scientists aren't sure why the body produces antibodies against itself. Some think a virus or bacterium might trigger the response, while others believe a genetic flaw may be involved. A condition called Hashimoto's disease (also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis) is the most common type of autoimmune reaction that causes an underactive thyroid. It's not clear what causes Hashimoto’s disease, but it runs in families. It's also common in people with another immune system disorder, such as type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, Addison's disease or rheumatoid arthritis.
Other lesser causes include thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), congenital thyroid agenesis (being born without a thyroid), medications including amiodarone, interferon alpha, interleukin-2, lithium and tyrosine kinase inhibitors and pituitary gland abnormalities.
There is also some people who believe fluoride in water or toothpaste causes thyroid disease. Fluoride is something I have avoided for a few years anyway due to other negative implications on health. Of course you wont read anywhere in the mainstream media that fluoride could be a cause!
Secondly there is an increased propensity for hypothyroidism in people with a family history of thyroid disease, people aged over 60 and people who have been pregnant within the past 6 months. Hypothyroidism is a condition that develops slowly, meaning that symptoms may go unnoticed for a long period of time and can be difficult to spot. If you have a family history of hypothyroidism and you have just one of the symptoms or even if you just 'feel' something isn't right you should ask your doctor for a blood test.
Thirdly the information on my last post and this one has mainly come from what I would call mainstream medical websites. I have only just started my research and am now looking far more closely into what alternative practitioners are saying.
I have heard that taking Chinese herbs, selenium or iodine-tyrosine supplements can be used as cures for hypothyroidism. Kelp (a kind of seaweed), and other herbal remedies at the health food store may promise to jump-start the thyroid and cause the thyroid to work normally. The trouble is that these treatments can lead to hyperthyroidism (thyroid over activity) which include the symptoms rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaky hands, rapid weight loss, insomnia and nervousness.
I'll let you know my findings as I learn more!
Thanks for looking :) xxx
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