{"id":105268,"date":"2018-01-22T12:00:53","date_gmt":"2018-01-22T12:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=105268"},"modified":"2018-01-21T12:47:29","modified_gmt":"2018-01-21T12:47:29","slug":"thyroid-gland-functions-symptoms-diet-and-natural-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2018\/01\/thyroid-gland-functions-symptoms-diet-and-natural-support\/","title":{"rendered":"Thyroid Gland: Functions, Symptoms, Diet, and Natural Support"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck, sort of like an internal bowtie. Part of the endocrine system, your thyroid produces and secretes the hormones T4 and T3. These essential hormones regulate growth, development, and metabolism.[1<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

A Closer Look at Thyroid Function<\/strong><\/p>\n

The thyroid consists of two lobes joined together by a narrow band of thyroid tissue called the isthmus. These lobes are themselves made up of many small lobules joined together with connective tissue. On a cellular level, the thyroid is made up of follicular cells, which secrete the hormones thyroxine<\/em> (T4) and triiodothyronine<\/em> (T3).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary gland, which acts as sort of a hormonal thermostat. When it senses low hormone levels, it releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). As you might guess from the name, TSH stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.<\/p>\n

T4, T3, and Calcitonin<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thyroid hormones<\/a> T4 and T3 control your body\u2019s metabolism. Specifically, they signal your cells to convert oxygen and calories into energy. Every cell in your body depends on these hormones. The thyroid produces them in a constant stream, but will release more when at times when your body needs extra energy. Feeling cold? Your thyroid will release extra hormones to keep you warm. Bun in the oven? The thyroid boosts hormone production to support the energy demands of pregnancy.<\/p>\n

Your thyroid uses iodine to manufacture T4. About 80% of the thyroid hormone in your body is T4. T3 is a less common, but far more potent form of the hormone. T3 is refined from of T4 in the thyroid, liver, and pituitary gland.[2<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Your thyroid also produces a third hormone called calcitonin. It seems to be involved in calcium and bone metabolism in some animals, but the exact biological role of calcitonin in humans is not yet fully understood. Likely because of this, calcitonin is generally not considered a thyroid hormone proper like T4 and T3.[3<\/a>, 4<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n

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Thyroid and Endocrine System<\/strong><\/p>\n

The endocrine system is a system of glands that secrete hormones directly into your bloodstream. It acts as a sort of messaging system within the body and regulated processes like growth, development, and reproduction. The endocrine system communicates with the rest of the body through the bloodstream using hormones as chemical messengers. There are many types of hormones in your blood at any given time, but each type of hormone only communicates specific information to specific types of cells.<\/p>\n

Endocrine Disruptors<\/strong><\/p>\n

The endocrine system can be disrupted when the chemical signal somehow gets lost or corrupted. It can happen in a variety of ways, but most commonly through malnutrition or chemical interference.[5<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Endocrine disruptors<\/a> are chemicals that interfere with the hormonal signals of your endocrine system causing numerous developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders. They can block, mimic, or alter the production your natural hormones. This can cause your hormone levels to spike or plummet with devastating consequences to your health.<\/p>\n

Endocrine disruptors can cause a variety of debilitating health problems including birth defects, reproductive problems, cancer, and nervous and immune system disorders. This is a particular threat to fetuses and infants whose organs and neural systems are still developing.<\/p>\n

There are many endocrine disruptors<\/a> including, dioxins, PCBs, and pesticides<\/a>. They\u2019re found in dozens of common products including plastic bottles, food containers, household chemicals, pesticides, plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides. Prevention is the strongest medicine. Remove known endocrine disruptors and toxins from your environment.[6<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n

Inadequate nutrition can also cause severe thyroid problems. Your endocrine glands can\u2019t just make hormones out of anything. They need specific nutrients, like iodine, to use as raw materials to make hormones.<\/p>\n

Common Thyroid Disorders and Symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid that doesn\u2019t make sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Symptoms include:[7<\/a>]<\/sup><\/p>\n