The Thyroid-Metabolism Connection

Metabolism is a word that the weight loss industrycan have profound affects on a person's metabolism.
uses freely when pushing its various weight lossHypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid does not
programs. What many of these programs do not tellrelease adequate amounts of the hormones T3 and
you is how the endocrine system relates to ourT4. When this happens the metabolism slows, causing
metabolism and how changes to that system canfatigue, weakness and rapid weight gain. For people
drastically affect our ability to lose or even gain weight.trying to lose weight an under-active thyroid can make
At the center of the body's hormonal system is theattaining any sort of weight loss nearly impossible.
thyroid, a small butterfly shaped gland that sits atop theCutting calories will not help with weight loss when
adams apple. The thyroid and the hormones itsuffering from this condition. In fact, because of the
releases control most of the body's metabolism. Whenalready slowed metabolism the body will start hoarding
the thyroid begins to malfunction or a disease affectswhat little calories it is getting, further exacerbating the
its processes the metabolism of the body canfatigue and weakness associated with hypothyroidism.
become seriously affected. One of the biggestHyperthyroidism, on the other hand, occurs when the
changes that can occur as a result of a thyroidthyroid releases too much thyroid hormone. When this
problem is weight gain or weight loss. With a weighthappens the person's metabolism raises drastically.
gain because of thyroid problems one can find it thatWhile this may seem like a good thing for someone
much more difficult to lose that weight.trying to lose weight the truth is that both forms of
What many people who are trying to lose weight dothyroid dysfunction are extremely dangerous and must
not take into account is how well their metabolism isbe treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
functioning with regards to their thyroid. The mainFor those with normal thyroid function loosing and
problem is most weight loss experts and programsgaining weight is a matter of calories in and calories
recommend cutting calories. For many people thisout. But for those who are having difficulty loosing
does work, but for those with a malfunctioning thyroidweight despite trying all the normal routes making sure
cutting calories can do more damage then good.the thyroid is functioning properly may be the first step
There are two forms of thyroid disorders,to restoring the body's hormonal balance.
hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Both conditions