THE THYROID GLANDS

The thyroid Gland. 

It produces the following hormones 

1. T3- Active hormone

2. T4- inactive but most abundant

3. rT3- inactive 

4. Calcitonin- Controls calcium levels in blood. 

The thyroid gland plays a key role in Metabolism, fertility, control of Calcium levels In blood and Hypertension. 

Thyroid gland helps in pumping of Calcium from the blood to the bones increasing the bone density. This helps in prevention of Hypercalcemia which is high Calcium levels In blood, which, if not handled will lead to Abnormal contractions of the heart and Heart attacks. 

Again, if the levels are not controlled, that Calcium will travel to the kidneys then bind to Oxalates coming from Nuts and Spinach to form Calcium oxalate stones and that's Kidney stones. 

If the Calcium levels are not regulated again, it'll lead to Contractions of the Smooth muscle cells in the blood vessels. When they contract they narrow, and thats the beginning of Hypertension due to the narrowed blood vessels. 

Therefore Regulation of Calcium levels is very important when it comes to control of blood pressure.

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THE THYROID 2

Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. 

Hyperthyroidism means, you are producing excess of the thyroid hormones more than needed

Hypothyroidism means you are producing less of them

Causes of Hypothyroidism 

1. Tumours that affect the pituitary and Thyroid hormones

2. Cancers

3. Drugs that block the thyroid from producing the hormones eg drugs used in management of Hyperthyroidism 

1. Primary Hypothyroidism- you have a tumour at the Thyroid level that's blocking the production of thyroid hormones

2. Secondary hypothyroidism- you have a tumour at the pituitary gland inhibiting the production of hormones

3. Tertiary Hypothyroidism

The hypothalamus has a tumour affecting the communication between the 3 organs (thyroid gland, the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus)

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THE THYROID GLAND 3

The Gut (Gastrointestinal system) 

Plays a key role when it comes to thyroid function. 

A gut that is intact that is not leaky, (a leaky gut will have issues with absorption and digestion as seen in Gastritis, ulcers, IBS, diverticulus, crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, haemorrhoids).

A healthy gut contains the good bacteria that heals in digestion of food and also in maintaining the ratio between the good and bad bacteria and also in immunity. 

These bacteria are very essential when it comes to Conversion of the T4 to T3 hormones . Remember T4 is inactive and T3 is the active hormones. 

Now the gut issues comes In again. 

What messes up the gut

1. Inflammatory foods eh wheats, sugar, vegetable oils, dehydration, use of Steroids eg Dexamethasone,PDL Painkillers, eg Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Antibiotics all these will perforate the gut. 

It's advisable to take Fermented Foods regularly so as to replenish the good bacteria and restore the pH of the gut

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To prevent or recover from thyroid issues, drop the following. 

1. All processed foods. All foods advertised, with preservatives and additives 

2. Seed oils, Wheats, Sugar, junk, fruits, sweeteners 

3. Radiation therapy. Xrays,  MRIs. All radiation are very dangerous to the thyroids

4. Lower the stress levels in your life. Intense or chronic stress raises the cortisol levels and this will affect not only your thyroids but also, the gut and the adrenal glands too. 

5. Heavy metals eg Lead and Mercury that are found in skin care products, skin lighters.  

6. Tampons because of Arsenic which is a hormonal disruptor. 

7. Industrial pollution. If you work In areas that have very high emissions of chemicals and dusts,  consider fasting to help in clearing all these chemicals. Fasting as a lifestyle.

8. Plastics. Use ceramic, glass and stainless steel in your cooking. Plastics contains a compound called the BPA. (bisphenol A) that mimics estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors raising the levels

9. GMO foods. 

Destabilising the hormones. 

10. Antibiotics- use when prescribed . Then use a probiotic like the fermented foods after a antibiotic treatment

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Foods to use for healthy THYROIDS

1. Fish and sea foods,

 oysters, crabs, octopus

2. ionised salts, 

beans, 

3. Eggs 

4. Nuts

5. Sweetpotatoes skin 

6. Omena(sardines)- organic not frozen or canned

Foods rich in selenium 

1. Nuts

2. Sardines

3. Eggs 

4. Pumpkin seeds

Foods rich in Omega 3

(Omega 3 is antiinflammatory ) 

Helps in fighting the effects of Omega 6 which is inflammatory. 

1. Saturated fats eg Suet, coconut oil, tallow, ghee

2. Chia seeds, flax seeds though they have very minimal amounts of Omega3. 

3. Fatty fish 

4. Eggs. 

All these foods are every essential in Thyroid functions