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Thyroid Condition: More Common Than You Think

Thyroid Condition: More Common Than You Think

by Mark Becker | July 30, 2014

According to Thyroid.org, more than 12 percent of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. And women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.

The thyroid is part of the endocrine system and is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck. This gland is largely responsible for the body’s metabolic processes, which is the body’s ability to break down food and convert it to energy. Specifically, the thyroid releases two primary hormones—triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4)—that control metabolism. A thyroid that is functioning normally produces approximately 80 percent T4 and about 20 percent T3. Interestingly, T3 is the stronger of the pair.

When working optimally, the T3 and T4 hormones travel through the bloodstream and help cells get energy from food. Thyroid hormones are also responsible for helping to regulate body temperature and blood calcium levels. This aids the growth and development of the body. Moreover, during infancy, hormones impact brain development as well.

However, for millions of Americans, the thyroid produces either too much or too little of these hormones, which causes a wide range of health problems. That said, because thyroid disease is often misdiagnosed or simply overlooked, it’s estimated that more than half of affected Americans don’t know they have a thyroid problem or suffer in silence.1 This is where retailers can make a difference.

Retailers need to make their female customers aware that they are much more likely to have thyroid problems than men. Incredibly, women have up to a one in five chance of developing thyroid problems during their lifetime.2 The risk increases with age and can include other factors as follows:

• Having an autoimmune disease or a family history of such
• Exposure to radiation
• Thyroid surgery
• Experiencing menopause or perimenopause
• Recently having a baby

Common Thyroid Conditions

Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disease. It is a condition where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones. Low levels of thyroid hormones interfere with the body’s ability to perform normal metabolic functions including efficient use of energy from food, regulation of many chemical reactions in the body, and maintenance of healthy cells, bones and muscles, among others.

There is no known prevention for hypothyroidism, nor is there a cure. Once you have it, you have it for life. Hypothyroidism accounts for most of thyroid disease cases—up to 80 percent.3

Another common thyroid condition is hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can significantly accelerate the body’s metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability.

Finally, many suffer from an enlarged thyroid gland, a condition known as goiter. This condition can be associated with over-function of the thyroid gland and can be caused by hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Both inflammation and tumors can also cause thyroid enlargement. Furthermore, retailers should counsel their customers to monitor their intake of raw goitrogenic foods. These foods block intake of iodine, which can limit iodine absorption, as well as the thyroid’s ability to regulate the metabolism. Goitrogenic foods include green cruciferous vegetables such as the following:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Brussels Sprouts
• Collard Greens
• Kale
• Mustard Greens
• Spinach

Fruits, including pears, peaches and strawberries, are also considered goitrogenic, as well as almonds, peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes, radishes and turnips. A moderate amount of goitrogenic foods are not harmful, unless your customer is already iodine deficient.

Supplements for Thyroid Health

With millions suffering from various conditions impacting the thyroid, retailers need to understand the various ingredients that promote thyroid health and the large body of science that supports these supplements. There are many thyroid products on the market. Retailers should stock products that are formulated with ingredients that have been clinically validated. Examples of some of these ingredients are as follows: Iodine: The key mineral in thyroid hormone production.

Iodine is a key player in DNA, it boosts the immune system, stabilizes the metabolism, and even promotes cardiovascular health. It is estimated that more than half of the U.S. population suffers from insufficient levels of iodine.4 This mineral is a major contributor to the function of the thyroid gland, especially in the creation of T3 and T4 hormones, which are vital for regulating your body’s metabolism. The amount of supplemental iodine needed for an individual varies widely based on a wide range of factors. It is important to test thyroid function when supplementing with iodine since both low and excessively high intake can contribute to thyroid dysfunction.

L-tyrosine: A necessary amino acid for the thyroid to produce hormones. L-tyrosine is very important to the metabolism because it is a precursor of adrenaline, norepinephrine, dopamine and thyroid hormones. In addition, L-tyrosine supports the healthy function of the adrenal and pituitary glands.

Selenium: After iodine, selenium is probably the next most important mineral impacting thyroid function. The thyroid contains more selenium by weight than any other organ.5 Selenium is a necessary component of the enzymes that remove iodine molecules from T4 converting it into T3. Without selenium there would be no activation of thyroid hormone. Selenium is a trace element that is naturally present in many foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement.

Vitamin B-12: A coenzyme essential for the normal function of all cells, including the formation of healthy blood cells. B12 is important for growth and plays a vital role in the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates. B12 is the only B vitamin the body stores in large amounts, primarily in the liver, and is the primary B vitamin for thyroid health.

Zinc: Plays a critical role in hundreds of body processes. Zinc is an essential mineral required by every cell in the body. It is concentrated in the muscles, bones, skin, kidneys, liver, pancreas, eyes, and, in men, the prostate. The thyroid gland needs zinc to transform inactive hormone T4 into active hormone T3.

The aforementioned list of ingredients is just a snapshot of a vast array of dietary supplements that can have a profound impact on thyroid health. Retailers need to commit to creating awareness about thyroid health as part of their in-store mantra and as part of an overall health and wellness regimen. Thyroid health and the natural solutions associated with this gland are largely ignored as part of a solution to many of your customer’s health problems. Consider thyroid health as a possible solution for specific wellness challenges moving forward. VR

References:

1, 2 Thyroid.About.com “Thyroid Disease 101” June 19, 2006

3 MayoClinic.com Hypothyroidism Symptoms

4 Donald W. Miller, Jr. MD. Iodine for Health. Lew Rockwell. 2006 August 14.

5 Kohrle J. The trace element selenium and the thyroid gland. Biochimie. 1999 May;81(5):527-33.

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