As June is Thyroid awareness month in Canada, we thought we would bring attention to Thyroid Disease. It is estimated that 1 in 10 Canadians suffer from a Thyroid condition. As many as 50% of cases go undiagnosed.
The thyroid gland is perhaps the most vital hormone producing system in the human body. It plays a major role in metabolism, growth, and development of the body’s systems. It acts as a master regulator for many body functions by releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the blood stream.
The most common forms of thyroid disease are Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Grave’s Eye Disease (Ophthalmopathy), Cancer of the Thyroid, and Nodules.
Some of the common symptoms of thyroid disease are:
• Anxiety, irritability, and nervousness
• Hair loss
• Feeling cold all the time
• Having trouble sleeping
• Loss of weight
• Enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter
• Muscle weakness and tremors
• In women, experiencing irregular menstrual periods or having your menstrual cycle stop
Thyroid function can be improved using natural remedies. For example, making modifications to diet by avoiding things like refined sugar, gluten, dairy, alcohol, trans fat, and processed foods can dramatically improve thyroid function. In addition, adding supplements such as B Vitamins, Iron, Iodine, Zinc and Selenium can also be effective in improving thyroid health.
If you suspect that you may have a thyroid condition or are experiencing any of the symptoms, consult your health care practitioner.
For additional general information on thyroid health go to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada website .