Your thyroid gland looks similar to a butterfly that is positioned on the front of the neck just below your Adam's apple.

The thyroid contains two lobes connected by a bridge called “isthmus.” It’s part of an intricate network of glands called the endocrine system.

The endocrine system is responsible for coordinating many of your body’s activities. The thyroid gland secretes hormones, simply called “thyroid hormones.”

These include: Triiodothyronine (T3), Triiodothyronine (T4), and Calcitonin. The main hormone in the thyroid is thyroxine or T4.

The thyroid tissue contains tiny individual lobules enclosed in thin layers of connective tissues.

The lobules contain several tiny sacs called follicles — storage for thyroid hormones in the form of tiny droplets.

When the levels of thyroid hormones are low, the brain produces a hormone called “thyrotropin releasing hormone” — causes the pituitary gland to release thyroid stimulating hormones, which will then release more thyroxine (T4).

Your thyroid gland works throughout the body for growth and development, metabolism, and body temperature.

The hormones secreted from your thyroid gland helps regulate the body’s metabolism, growth and development.

This is most essential during infancy and childhood for brain development.

There are several conditions that can occur when your thyroid produces a lot or even less.

Since the thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, abnormalities or disorders of this organ can greatly affect thyroid functions and cause problems.

There are actually several disorders or conditions for thyroid, these include:

Hyperthyroidism

This is a condition wherein the thyroid gland produces excessive or too much thyroid hormone production.

This condition is mostly caused by Graves disease or an overactive thyroid. Graves disease is the most common cause for hyperthyroidism which affects the majority of people with an overactive thyroid.

Having too much thyroid hormone production can cause several symptoms such as:

• restlessness

• shaking

• trouble sleeping

• weight loss

• Graves disease symptom such as bulging eyes

• anxiety

• irritability

• increased heartbeat

• brittle hair and nails

• muscle fatigue

Hypothyroidism

This condition causes the gland to produce less or not enough hormones. This is simply the total opposite of hyperthyroidism. This is often caused by Hashimotos’s disease.

Having too little thyroid hormones can cause symptoms such as:

• muscle weakness

• slowed heart rate

• weight gain

• constipation

• depression

• enlarged thyroid gland or goiter

• hoarseness

• puffy face

• heavier menstrual period

• muscle aches, stiffness, or swelling

• increase in blood cholesterol level

• dry skin

Thyroid Goiter

This condition is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. The most common cause of goiter is the lack of iodine in the body.

Iodine is essential in producing thyroid hormones. A simple source for iodine is salt. This can affect anyone of any age, especially in places where foods aren’t flavored with salt.

However, this is more common with women in their forties or older. Risk factors include family’s medical history, certain medications, pregnancy, and radiation exposure.

If the goiter grows bigger, following symptoms may occur: coughing, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and swelling.

Thyroid conditions when mild, can be treated by medication or even natural remedies. These include:

See Also:

10 Natural Home Remedies For Hair Growth

9 Natural Home Remedies For Joint Pain

7 Natural Home Remedies For Sleep

Milk Or Dairy Products

In America, where their food doesn’t have too much seasoning, rely on milk and dairy products for iodine.

Just by drinking a glass of milk, you already consumed ⅓ of your daily iodine needs. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are essential for your thyroid due to their iodine content.

These can also help increase needed vitamins to help with thyroid problems.

Apple cider vinegar

As a matter of fact, Apple cider vinegar has many benefits, these include: balancing hormone production, improves metabolism, helps alkalize the body environment, regulate body fats, wash away toxins from the body, and absorption of nutrients.

Apple cider vinegar can be added to water along with honey and can be taken every morning

Ginger

This remedy is very convenient and affordable. Ginger contains essential minerals such as magnesium and potassium which helps reduce inflammation.

The role of magnesium is to help with muscle relaxation and prevent development of irregular heartbeats. Potassium on the other hand, is essential in regulating fluids in the body.

Other essential properties found in ginger are Vitamin B-6, copper and manganese, as well as gingerol. Ginger has several uses: added in soups or dishes, ginger tea, ginger powder, or dried ginger.

Nuts

Nuts are a very convenient snack which you can bring wherever you go. As a matter of fact, nuts contain magnesium that are good in helping with thyroid diseases.

Consuming nuts of any kind helps the thyroid function properly. The most beneficial type of nut are almonds because they are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.

Beans

This is an inexpensive and versatile ingredient. This is a great source for energy which is helpful for hypothyroidism symptoms such as fatigue.

This contains protein, carbohydrates, antioxidants, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. Fiber is also helpful for hypothyroidism symptoms like constipation.

In consuming beans, it is best to consume only the right amount and not eat it excessively because it may interfere in treating your thyroid. Beans can be used for soups, salads, stews, and many other varieties.

Seaweed

This has high concentration of iodine since it is found in sea water making this an essential ingredient for thyroid function.

You can consume seaweed thru buying packed nori, wakame, or dulse, and use it on soups, dishes, and other varieties.This does not only contain iodine but also nutritional benefits such as calcium, fiber, and various vitamins.

Regular Exercise

Other than natural remedies, there is a simple way to avoid thyroid diseases. And that is, regular exercise.

This is one of the most essential parts of your routine if you want a good functioning thyroid gland.

We all know that medication and natural remedies work but it has to be coupled with exercise because it won’t only prevent thyroid diseases but also strengthen the body.

This also helps in proper hormonal balance and avoiding excessive weight gain.

Eating healthy at the same time exercising regularly can be very effective in fighting not only thyroid but several other health conditions.

Since thyroid diseases can happen anytime, it’s best to be prepared to fight and be healthy.