| The thyroid, sometimes called our "master gland," is a | | | | include intolerance to cold and fatigue. Both |
| small gland, shaped like a butterfly, located in the lower | | | | hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can create a |
| part of your neck. The thyroid gland is responsible for | | | | general weakness in the body, and may require special |
| producing the hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and | | | | treatment before serious health complications arise. |
| thyroxine (T4), which control metabolism. These thyroid | | | | Those who have thyroid problems should avoid foods |
| hormones regulate energy levels, body temperature, | | | | containing goitrogens. Goitrogens are chemicals that |
| and weight. So, is your thyroid making you gain | | | | interfere with the level of iodine in your body and thus |
| weight? Read on. If there are any disruptions or | | | | suppress your thyroid. Foods that contain goitrogens |
| disease afflicting this area, it may cause you to have | | | | include cabbage, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, soy, brussell |
| difficulties with metabolism leading to weight | | | | sprouts, peanuts, mustard, and turnips. |
| fluctuations - you may either gain weight, lose weight, | | | | Foods that support the thyroid include whole grains, |
| or may find that losing weight is harder than usual. | | | | organ meats, cashews, clams, oysters, sunflower |
| The rising incidence of thyroid malfunction may possibly | | | | seeds, beans, poultry, dark green leafy vegetables, |
| be attributed to our consumption of chemical-laden and | | | | cocoa, red berries, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. These |
| overly processed food, heavy metal buildup, | | | | foods all contain a healthy supply of thyroid supporting |
| electromagnetic radiation, stress, depression, or other | | | | minerals, iron and copper, as well as vitamin C to help |
| emotional issues. | | | | absorb the iron. Kelp extracts, sea vegetables, sushi |
| Those with a condition called hyperthyroidism suffer | | | | and other foods high in natural iodine are also |
| from an overactive thyroid, which causes the thyroid | | | | suggested, especially for those found to have |
| to secrete too much hormone and thus increases a | | | | under-active (hypothyroid). |
| person's metabolism. Most people with hyperthyroidism | | | | The fats found in coconuts are not harmful like those |
| have trouble putting weight on and may notice | | | | found in animals. In fact, Virgin organic coconut oil is an |
| weakness, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, increased | | | | excellent source of Medium Chain Triglycerides |
| perspiration, hair and weight loss, and bulging of the | | | | (MCTs), such as lauric acid (C-12) and caprylic acid |
| eyes. | | | | (C8). The fatty acids provide consistent energy and aid |
| Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is the result of the | | | | in regulating the thyroid. |
| thyroid producing too little hormone. This usually slows | | | | As always, consult your physician or medical |
| the metabolism causing a person to gain weight | | | | practitioner should you have questions or concerns |
| without explanation. Other common symptoms may | | | | regarding the function of your thyroid gland. |