Thyroid Imbalance: An American Epidemic
The number of Americans suffering from thyroid imbalance is reaching epidemic proportions. An estimated 15 million individuals are living with this imbalance, but the number is probably much higher. The most common imbalance is Hypothyroidism, which is an under-active thyroid. Symptoms include low energy, sensitivity to cold, slow digestion and elimination, weight gain, slow heartbeat, and even depression.
Sound like you?
Maybe you should pamper your thyroid a bit. The first step is to stop drinking caffeinated beverages. The caffeine causes your adrenal gland to secrete adrenaline, which increases blood sugar levels and therefore energy. But this has negative effects on the thyroid. With the increased energy, the thyroid re-regulates the metabolism and, if repeated every day (from your daily pot of coffee?) then the thyroid goes into hibernation. Take Panax ginseng to help counter this. Ginseng is reported to mitigate the effects of caffeine and stress on the system, including the adrenal gland and thyroid.
Another way to support the thyroid is with sea kelp. Kelp is rich in natural iodine, which supports your thyroid. Another excellent source of natural iodine is in walnuts.
The thyroid is the regulator of metabolism, which is like the gas pedal of the car. No matter what kind of fuel you put into the car, it won’t go well if the throttle is broken. Use kelp, ginseng, and walnuts to help it out…and go easy on the caffeine.
walnut photo by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Fir0002
Kelp phot by http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Lyzzy
2 comments October 13th, 2006
