Thyroid gland is a small gland in the neck, in front of the trachea. It has butterfly shape. Thyroid gland is part of the human endocrine system. It produces hormones that regulate body’s metabolism, takes part in the growth and development of the body. When thyroid gland does not function properly at optimal levels, this could lead to two conditions. When your thyroid gland produces hormones in excess, this could lead to a condition, called hyperthyroidism. When your thyroid gland produces less hormones, this could lead to hypothyroidism. Both conditions are serious and need to be discussed with your health care provider.

Who is at risk of having abnormal thyroid gland function?

Thyroid gland dysfunction can affect anyone, infants, teenagers, men, women ant any age. One of the risk factors is having a family history of thyroid dysfunction. Other factors could be a presence of any other autoimmune condition, medications, menopause, low or high intake of the mineral iodine.

Risk factor could also be person exposed and tested positive to a viruses, such as EBV. This is very common picture and many of the patients pest positive in such conditions.

What nutrients does thyroid gland need to function properly?

Thyroid gland need optimal levels of the following nutrients: iodine, selenium, zinc, iron and few more vitamins and minerals to function at optimal levels. Vitamins and minerals are not the only factors affecting this endocrine gland. Stress, diet, lifestyle and person’s activity levels are also taking part in this process.

What might be the symptoms with low thyroid function?

Well, if we know that thyroid gland is maintaining our body’s metabolism, hence it is close to the mind that this condition will slow down the body’s metabolism. Symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, low energy, cold extremities, constipation, loosing part of the eyebrows are one of the common ones.

What symptoms to look if we suspect high thyroid function?

It would be the opposite the above condition. The heart rate would be high, increased metabolism, feeling hot, sweating, loosing weight, irritability, high energy, mood changes, diarrhoea.

It is always good to listen to your body. The symptoms you might be experiencing, can actually tell you that there might be something wrong within your body. That is why, I would always say speak to your nutritional therapist or health care provider about your health. It is always easier to fix something, if it has not grown and progressed to a bigger health issue.