Articles

While the thyroid gland needs many micronutrients, there are several that play specific and crucial roles in the process of thyroid hormone manufacture. Here’s what you should know.

Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) is a condition that can be triggered by infectious diseases, pregnancy, radiation, and toxins. Thyroiditis is often the result of attacking antibodies and inflammation chemicals produced by the immune system. Our bodies must be able to differentiate between “self” and “non-self” cells in order to fight off infections from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The immune system makes antibodies to accomplish this task. The structures of these antibodies are specifically designed to bind to certain molecules, ideally to those associated with infectious organisms. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system makes a mistake, producing autoantibodies...

1-2% of adults suffer from moderate to severe hypothyroidism. In extreme situations at times, moderate to severe hypothyroidism could cause respiratory problems and symptoms. Respiratory symptoms commonly seen include shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, snoring, coughing and wheezing. What promotes respiratory issues when thyroid hormone levels are low, is at times a malfunction in the movement of the diaphragm. Issues with gas exchange in the body, can also contribute to the occurrence of respiratory symptoms in thyroid patients suffering from severe hypothyroidism. Other factors that can cause respiratory difficulties include goiters causing airway obstruction and even tracheal collapse, and obstructive...

Fibromyalgia (FM) is the favored term for widespread musculoskeletal pain when no specific cause of pain can be identified. This disorder also causes many other symptoms like fatigue, memory issues, and sleep and mood disturbances. Unfortunately, FM patients often suffer from coexistent psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, or OCD. FM is the second most common rheumatic disorder, just behind osteoarthritis, and has also been linked to genes. Hypothyroid patients and patients with autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are at a higher risk of having FM. Your chances of suffering from the disorder are also much higher if...