If you are experiencing certain body and mind changes, but can’t seem to understand why, there could be something going on. Do these disheartening outcries sound familiar?
– Why am I so moody?
– Why am I gaining weight for no reason?
– Why am I losing weight for no reason?
– Why am I always so tired?
– Why am I always craving sugar and carbohydrates?
– Why is my face so puffy?
Friends, these distress comments are very common complaints. There can be good reason for them. Without surprise, one gland in particular is a suspicious culprit contributing to these complaints. A talk with your doctor, blood tests and symptoms can help decipher what may be happening.
First things first. Blood tests. Not all general physicians have all the answers, especially if blood tests come back “Normal”. Always ask what the ranges are which conclude that diagnosis. You could be in need of a little less or a little more “Normal” marker and not realize it. Symptoms are great indicators of what your body is truly saying.
YOUR METABOLISM ORGAN
The small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the front of the neck is a mighty little mastermind designed to regulate metabolism. Its two primary hormones are T3 and T4. Together, they work very closely together to support metabolism. When one is off, the other isn’t happy about the imbalance.
Another hormone present in the blood is actually produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is called TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone. It is a hormone that travels to stimulate T3 and T4 to help metabolism stay on track. A TSH blood test also helps to show one part of how well the messages are being received by T3 and T4.
When all three hormones are malfunctioning, issues such as goiter, nodules, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism disorders, iodine deficiency, nodules and cancer are to be explored.
MINERALS, AMINO ACIDS, NUTRITION
The mineral Iodine can only be absorbed by cells within the thyroid gland. It supports production of both T3 and T4. The amino acid Tyrosine is another team player needed for proper hormone functioning. Delicious nutrient-dense foods include:
Iodine
-Tuna
-Cod
-Shrimp
-Seaweed
-Dairy products
-Grains
Tyrosine
-Avocado
-Soy products, Lima beans
-Peanuts, almonds, pumpkin, sesame seeds
-Milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese
-Chicken, turkey, fish
SELENIUM
Selenium helps to activate T3 and T4. The body waits to use this essential mineral as antioxidant protection against damage from free radicals that seek to do your body harm. Foods rich in selenium include:
– Brazil Nuts
– Ham
– Pork
– Beef
– Turkey
– Chicken
– Dairy
– Nuts and seeds
– Oatmeal
– Spinach
Daily allowances for tyrosine are:
Years of Age Micrograms
0-6 months 150 mcg
7 months-3 years 200 mcg
4-8 years 300 mcg
9-13 years 400 mcg
14 and over 550 mcg
Often, basic nutritional attention can help guard against disease while keeping metabolism in check.
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