The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located just under the Adam's apple
in the throat. It secretes a hormone into the bloodstream called thyroxine,
which controls the body's metabolism, the rate at which the body burns calories
for energy. It also controls the body's utilization of fat; too little thyroxine
can cause excessive fat to accumulate which can lead to weight gain. It
can also result in a low level of energy, low blood pressure, and a lowered
basal body temperature, making one feel colder than usual, especially in the
hands and feet. Such a condition is called underactive thyroid
or hypothyroidism. Underactive thyroid is also a major cause of
a common painful musculoskeletal condition known as fibromyalgia. In hyperthyroidism
or over-active thyroid symptoms such as over-activity, loss of weight,
and nervousness are common.
....................The
Dangers of Dieting
Dieting, especially starvation diets which severely restrict caloric intake,
is another common cause of underactive thyroid. Starvation slows the body's
metabolism as the thyroid gland learns to expend energy more efficiently to
conserve calories for the next "famine." After a starvation diet
we have a tendency to gain even more weight than we took off, and we may find
it even harder to lose weight the next time we try. A low-calorie diet can
suppress the thyroid function in less than 24 hours. After one to three months
of such dieting, there is a danger of permanently inhibiting the thyroid function.
.....................Who
is most at risk?
The majority of sufferers are women over the age of 40, but it can affect
anyone. The thyroid needs sufficient nutrients to perform well and if it does
not get essential vitamins and minerals there is a danger that it will be
underactive.The habit of eating nutrient-poor fast and processed foods is
the ultimate cause for some individuals. Many children have poor eating habits
which will lead to problems with the thyroid gland later in life. Another
contributor to an underactive thyroid for some individuals is regular
use of caffeine and stimulants. Caffeine can slow the thyroid by suppressing
the adrenal gland's production of cortisol, a hormone essential to thyroid
function. Oestrogen dominance is another common cause for women, especially
later in life.
