Treatment and Signs of Underactive Thyroid

An underactive thyroid in medical terminology is referred to as hypothyroidism. Many people have an underactive thyroid and do not realize it until later stages. Simply put, the thyroid gland, located on the front portion of the neck, produces insufficient amounts of hormones necessary to keep the body functioning normally. Low thyroid problems left untreated can cause a variety of health issues including heart disease, joint pain, infertility or obesity. Lets examine the signs of underactive thyroid, low thyroid causes, thyroid treatments and an underactive thyroid diet.

Signs of Underactive Thyroid

You may be lacking the ability to concentrate and have frequent infections. Some people experience moodiness, lightheadedness and depression. Signs of an underactive thyroid that often go unnoticed include feeling colder than usual, extra dry skin and tiring easily. For some people the most irritating signs of an underactive thyroid maybe constipation, depression and constant forgetfulness.

Low Thyroid Causes

Thyroid problems can be caused by various medications, hyperthyroidism treatment, radiation therapy, autoimmune disease or thyroid surgery. Iodine deficiency can also cause an underactive thyroid although it is not common since iodine is now included in table salt. As small as the thyroid gland is it can have significant impact to all parts of your metabolism.

Triiodothyronine (T-3) and thyroxine (T-4) are the two main hormones, which are created by a thyroid gland. These important hormones regulate the way the body will use carbohydrates and fats in addition to how protein production is used. They help to control the body's temperature, heart rate and regulate amounts of calcium in the blood.

Thyroid Treatments

Thyroxine (T-4) replacement will usually be prescribed by doctors in the case of an underactive thyroid. T-4 can restore hormones to the proper level for the body to function properly. Most patients are treated on an outpatient basis using thyroxine pills. An underactive thyroid can be treated with thyroid treatments; however, an underactive thyroid has no cure.

Underactive Thyroid Diet

In addition to receiving thyroid treatments changing to an underactive thyroid diet can make you feel better and produce more energy that the body maybe lacking. The best underactive thyroid diet is to eat healthier and discontinue eating processed foods and junk foods.

Eat a nutritionally balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, juices and fruits to produce more energy and work at rebuilding the immune system. Fruits, juices and raw vegetables contain minerals, enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants that help to support the immune system. Constipation problems can also be alleviated by the introduction of more fruits and vegetables along with brown rice or beans.

Eating certain types of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids increases the metabolism rate. Including seaweed or kelp supplements stimulates the thyroid gland by introducing more iodine. Body temperature can be raised when consuming chili peppers, black pepper, and spicy foods, which help to energize your metabolism.

By watching for the signs of an underactive thyroid and receiving thyroid treatment replacements, you can hope to control thyroid problems. Following an underactive thyroid diet could help to make you feel more energetic and reduce depression.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/DS00353/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

http://www.thyroid.org/patients/patient_brochures/hypothyroidism.html

http://lowthyroiddiet.com/low-thyroid-diet.htm