Articles

Ridha Arem
The link between thyroid and obesity

The link between thyroid and obesity

We are all aware of the link between weight gain and low thyroid. Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, enhances your appetite and makes you eat the wrong foods at the wrong time, making you gain weight. Studies have shown that the frequency of hypothyroidism among obese patients is slightly higher than among normal weight people. Besides thyroid dysfunction, several hormonal and endocrine disorders are associated with being overweight or obese. Research conducted on a large number of obese patients, prior to their bariatric surgeries, evaluated the function of their thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, and pituitary gland. The research has shown that nearly half...

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Ridha Arem
Pregnancy problems in hypothyroid parent

Pregnancy problems in hypothyroid parent

Thyroid issues can lead to many problems during pregnancy; which can be detrimental to the baby’s development. If you are about to become pregnant, or are already, you need to pay more attention to your thyroid. Hypothyroidism affects many aspects of women's reproductive system. It can cause irregular and heavy menstrual periods, miscarriages, and infertility. Hypothyroidism affects as many as 7 to 8% of women in their reproductive years. The incidence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy ranges from 0.3 to 5% and the most common cause is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Mild or subclinical hypothyroidism is common in pregnant women. It is diagnosed when...

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Iodine and Hashimoto's

Iodine and Hashimoto's

Q: I am 59 years old and have been taking Levothyroxine since I was approximately 30 years old. Recently, a new doctor put me on Armour Thyroid (75 MG). Last year, a blood test showed that I have Hasimoto's. I am confused about your recent post about iodine. If taking iodine can lead to Hashimoto's, what about taking it after you already have it? Why would that be beneficial if it can actually cause hypothyroidism?  A: First of all, since you were diagnosed with hypothyroidism at age 30, you have likely been suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis since that time as well. Hashimoto's...

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Ridha Arem
The importance of taking the right amount of iodine for optimal thyroid function

The importance of taking the right amount of iodine for optimal thyroid function

Adequate amounts of iodine are essential for normal thyroid function. Your body requires iodine to properly produce enough thyroid hormone. When the thyroid doesn’t have enough iodine available for the production of T4 and T3, thyroid cells enlarge and begin to proliferate. If you are iodine deficient, your thyroid gland increases in size (goiter) and becomes unable to produce the right amounts of thyroid hormone, which leads to hypothyroidism. Deleterious Effects of Iodine Deficiency Approximately 200 million people in the world have iodine deficiency, which leads to goiters. Pregnant women required a higher intake of iodine to support their thyroid...

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