Rheumatoid Arthritis Pictures

Thyroid Disease Can Cause A Host Of Health Problems

You have all seen pictures of them. They are on all of the weird websites like rotten.com, right up there with the pictures of elephantiasis, which is a huge swelling of the scrotum. I guess there is so much fascination with people who have a goiter because they have become somewhat rare in this country because of the introduction of iodized salt.

Goiters are a swelling in the neck region from an enlarged thyroid gland. Sometimes they can get quite large and even restrict the airway or the ability to speak. They can be caused by cancer, lack of iodine in the diet, or hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Sometimes exposure to toxic metals can cause thyroid problems.

A friend of mine had a thyroid tumor that turned out to be cancerous. She had to undergo surgery and have her thyroid gland removed, but she didn't have any throat swelling. She's OK now and has fully recovered.

According to the Healthy Planet Magazine:

"The thyroid and adrenal glands form the pedestal upon which our metabolism, energy formation, and communication with other cells rest. It can be said: if someone has good thyroid, adrenal, and gut function '" such a person is more than likely to be healthy."

Besides the iodine deficiency, a lack of other things in the body such as selenium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D can also cause thyroid problems. So it's important to eat a balanced diet with all of these vitamins and minerals for proper thyroid health.

Hypothyroidism, or a lack of thyroid hormone is more common than hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone. Not enough thyroid hormone can result in weight gain and a whole host of other conditions from bleeding gums to vision changes, and constipation. If your thyroid is too active you will lose weight and it can also cause nerve problems. You are also likely to be hyperactive.

Certain other diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis can also affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. In the case of these diseases, the immune system will attack the gland.

Doctors will often remove an overactive thyroid gland and give the patient thyroid supplements for the rest of their life. For an under active thyroid gland, thyroid supplements are given to help balance the thyroid function.

If you don't have a thyroid problem, then eating a healthy, balanced diet is the best way to avoid problems in the future. And don't smoke. Some studies have linked thyroid cancer to heavy smoking. Most of the salt that is put in our food is iodized, so we don't have to worry about getting enough iodine in our diet because we consume way too much salt anyway.

Source: http://www.thehealthyplanet.com/dec2010_master.htm