Thyroid Disorders

Eat Plenty of

Seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, and daity products for iodine

LIMIT

Alcohol and caffeine, if the thyroid gland is overactive

Raw vegetables in the cabbage family if the thyroid gland is underactive

AVOID

Smoking

High - dose kelp supplements

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland that lies over the windpipe (trachea) and just below the Adam's apple (larynx), produces triiodothyronine(T3)and thyroxine (T4), hormones that influence almost every function of the body.

These hormones regulate metabolism, physical and mental development, nerve and muscle function, and circulation

HYPERTHYROIDISM

People with overactive thyroids tend to be nervous and jittery. Their metabolism speeds up and they experience unusual hunger, weight loss and muscle weakness and rapid heartbeat among other symptoms.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

An underactive thyroid slows doen metabolism, causing weight gain and lethargy. Early symptoms are easily overlooked: progressive fatigue, sleepiness. weight gain, menstrual irregularities, constipation, hair fall.

CAUTION

Some people, usually women who are overly weight conscious, take thyroid hotmones as diet aid. This can have dangerous results. Thyroid pills should be taken only under careful medical supervision - never for weight control.