Thryroid – Hyper, hypo, autoimmune

Thyroid Conditions

Thyroid problems are becoming more prevalent these days. We are being exposed to a lot more fluoride, bromine and chlorine in our environment which are all endocrine disruptors, contributing to Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism  The good news is that the Thyroid responds very well to dietary and lifestyle changes and Sunshine Coast Naturopath Nutritionist Kerri Abbott has developed a very successful Healthy Thyroid treatment regime.

The Thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland in the front of your neck. It regulates our body temperature by secreting hormones that control how quickly our body burns calories and utilizes energy. These hormones also maintain the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs. So when something goes wrong with the Thyroid gland it results in an underactive thyroid or overactive thyroid causing your metabolism to function way too fast or ay too slow. These two conditions — hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism affect the thyroid in different ways and their symptoms vary accordingly.

Some thyroid conditions are auto-immune related such as Graves disease or Hashimotos.

Hypothyroid (underactive Thyroid)

The thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone for the body’s needs. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s disease, a condition where the body becomes allergic to the thyroid hormones and destroys them.

Common symptoms

  • Easy weight gain
  • Fatigue
  • Inability to tolerate cold
  • Dry scaly skin and nails
  • Migraines
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss
  • Depression

Hyperthyroid (overactive Thyroid)

The thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone. All of our bodies processed speed up

Common symptoms

  • Nervousness, irritability
  • Constant feeling of being hot
  • Increased perspiration
  • Insomnia
  • Frequent bowel movements
  • Frequent menstruation
  • Weight loss
  • Rapid heart rate

Both of these Thyroid conditions usually respond well to dietary changes and supplementation without the need for lifelong medication.