Hyperthyroidism is a problem that occurs when the
thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormone, resulting in an overactive
metabolic state. All of the body's functions may speed up with
this disease. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include nervousness,
irritability, a constant feeling of being hot, increased perspiration,
insomnia and fatigue, increased
frequency of bowel movements, less frequent menstruation and decreased
menstrual flow, weakness,
hair loss, weight loss, change in
skin thickness, separation of the nails from the nail bed, hand tremors,
intolerance of heat, rapid heartbeat,
goiter, and, sometimes, protruding eyeballs.
Hyperthyroidism is sometimes also called "thyrotoxicosis".
The most common type of this disorder is
Grave's disease,
which affects over 2.5 million in just the United States alone.
The thyroid gland is the body's internal thermostat. It regulates the
temperature by secreting two hormones that control how quickly the
body burns calories and uses energy. If the thyroid secretes too
much hormone, hyperthyroidism results; too little hormone results in
hypothyroidism. Many cases of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are
believed to result from an abnormal immune response. The exact cause
is not understood, but the immune system can produce antibodies that
invade and attack the thyroid, disrupting hormone production.
Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by lumps or tumors that form on
the thyroid and disrupt hormone production. Infection or
inflammation of the thyroid can cause temporary hyperthyroidism, as
can certain prescription drugs. Hyperthyroidism is not as common as
hypothyroidism. Both of these
thyroid disorders affect women more often than men. A malfunctioning
thyroid can be the underlying cause of many recurring illnesses.
|
Nutrient / Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
|
Multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin B, vitamin E,
vitamin C, and zinc which all are helpful for hyperthyroidism
and thyroid problems. A daily supplement's nutrients are
required for general good health and well being. |
|
vitamin B |
10 |
vitamin B complex helps to improve
cellular oxygenation, strengthens immune system, improves
digestion, increases red blood cell formation, and thyroid
function. |
|
Thiamine |
10 |
vitamin B1 is required for blood
formation and aids with energy levels |
|
Riboflavin |
10 |
vitamin B2 is needed for normal
operation of cells, organs, and glands in the body. |
|
Pyridoxine |
10 |
vitamin B6 enzymes are activated
by it and it is needed for antibody production to help the
immune system. |
|
Essential fatty acids |
10 |
helpful in repair of
body tissues, aids in healing, restores proper fatty acid
balance, needed for healthy functioning of the thyroid gland.
Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax
seed oil, and borage seed oil. |
|
Lecithin |
9 |
Aids in digestion of fats and it
also protects the lining of all the body organs and cells.
|
|
vitamin C |
9 |
needed for immune function in the
human body
|
|
selenium |
8 |
mineral with antioxidant
properties that helps immune function
|
|
Bioflavonoids |
9 |
work with vitamin C and help with
stress and immune system
|
|
vitamin A |
8 |
helps with immune function as well
as the eyes, skin, and hair
|
|
vitamin E |
8 |
important for healing,
circulation, and immune system
|
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
