The Thyroid A Powerful Gland
The thyroid gland is also an endocrine gland. It releases hormones to control the body metabolic rate. This is the pace at which the body system burns energy to sustain body functions and rate of development or restoration of body tissues.
Thyroid gland produces essential hormones such as triiodothyronine (T3)
and tetraiodothyronine (T4) which is also known as thyronixine. These hormones are produced from both tyrosine and iodine. The thyroid also releases calcitonin, which helps in calcium homeostasis. Thyroid Hormonal output is controlled through thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) released by anterior pituitary, which is controlled by thyrotropin-releasing hormone released by the hypothalamus.
What is the role of the thyroid gland?
Thyroid hormones control the rate at which oxygen is utilized in the tissues as well as the creation of protein inside the body. The metabolic rate differs depending on the strains made on the body. It increases as the individual works out or in response to other factors, for instance, diseases or infection. Babies require enough amounts of thyroid hormones for brain growth.
Changes in metabolic rate can be observed through changes in pulse rate, heat production, cardiac output or respiratory rate. Unusual increase in thyroid production is referred to as thyrotoxicosis or hyperthyroidism while reduced thyroid production is referred to as myxoedema or hypothyroidism.
Thyroid gland is the basic controller of your body’s metabolism. If it functions ineffectively, it can result in weight loss or weight gain problems. Overactive production of thyroid can lead to weight loss despite having increased appetite. Thyroid can control weight loss.
An underactive thyroid cannot be able to control your body metabolism rate and make you overweight even if you eat less food. In case you have an underactive thyroid, weight loss can be impossible unless you undergo proper treatment.
Iodine and thyroid
Thyroid requires iodine so as to produce thyroid hormones. Foods rich in iodine include seafood and crops grown in iodine-rich soil. Another good source of iodine is iodized salt.
- Are you gaining weight?
- Are you feeling tired all the time?
Try a thyroid supplement and see if that is what your body needs!
References:
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Thyroid_gland_explained
http://umm.edu/programs/diabetes/health/endocrinology-health-guide/thyroid-glandRead More
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