What Causes Thyroid Disease Symptoms?
It is important to know what causes the thyroid disease symptoms before you can take
steps towards overcoming thyroid problems and returning your thyroid function to normal as well as
assisting your weight-loss efforts.
In this article we will cover how the system of thyroid hormone production works and the steps involved,
other factors that play a role in the production of thyroid hormones, the causes of sub-optimal thyroid function
as well as the steps you need to take in order to start producing normal thyroid levels again.
If you would like more detailed information though, please read,
The Natural Thyroid Diet.
Here are the thyroid
hormone production pathways
Thyroid Hormone Production: Step 1.
The production of thyroid hormones uses a negative feedback system. It starts off with the hypothalamus
(a part of the brain) releasing thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in response to a reduced level of
circulating thyroid hormones.
Thyroid Hormone Production: Step 2.
TRH then stimulates the pituitary gland (also located in the brain) to secrete thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH).
Thyroid Hormone Production: Step 3.
TSH then travels to the thyroid gland (located below the larynx in the neck) and stimulates the release
of thyroid hormones. The synthesis of these hormones is dependent on adequate levels of the amino acid,
tyrosine and the mineral, iodine. Both of these nutrients are found in
BCN's Thyron.
Thyroid Hormone Production: Step 4.
The thyroid gland then, under normal circumstances, releases
thyroxine (T4) and
tri-iodothyronine (T3). The thyroid gland only produces about 15-20% of the circulating level
of T3. The rest is produced by the conversion of T4 into T3. This process occurs in the liver and kidneys.
T4 and T3 are responsible for stimulating the metabolism of all body cells as well as regulating cell
growth and activity. T3 is up to 10 times more powerful than T4.
The process of converting T4 into T3 is dependent on an enzyme (5'-deiodinase), which is dependent
on the mineral selenium as well as zinc, some B vitamins, vitamin C and folate. A deficiency in the
enzyme results in T4 being converted into excessive amounts of reverse T3 (rT3) as opposed to converting
into T3. However, all of these nutrients are supplied in BCN's Thyron,
a unique and powerful thyroid and adrenal support formula.
About 45-50% of T4 normally gets converted into rT3, however, a deficiency in the abovementioned nutrients
as well as a range of other factors, particularly stress, results in reduced production of T3 and
increased production of rT3. The production of rT3 is not dependent on selenium as is T3. High levels of
rT3 may result in thyroid disease symptoms.
Reverse T3 fits into the same receptors on cells membranes as does T3, however, rT3 is the inactive form
and therefore opposes T3's function. T3 acts as the 'accelerator' of cell functioning whilst rT3 acts as
the 'brake'. It is also suggested that rT3 interferes with the conversion of T4 to T3, which further
magnifies the production of rT3 and thyroid disease symptoms.
When your body experiences high levels of stress it increases its production of cortisol (one of the major
stress hormones). High levels of cortisol forces more T4 to be converted into rT3. Therefore, finding ways
to reduce stress is an important factor in optimising thyroid function and avoiding thyroid disease symptoms.
This may include stress management techniques like, relaxation, meditation, yoga, seeking
psychological therapy, engaging in a regular
exercise program and eating a healthy diet.
In saying this, some cortisol is essential for proper thyroid functioning. It appears that cortisol has
the effect of 'refreshing' cell membranes and making them more sensitive to the action of the thyroid
hormones. Therefore, cortisol must be carefully controlled in order to optimise thyroid function.
BCN's Thyron contains a range of herbs that are classified as 'Adaptogens'. This means they help the body reduce its response to stress, which means the level of rT3 can be normalised. Adaptogens also help to nourish
and support the adrenal glands when they are fatigued or exhausted.
In the cases of adrenal fatigue and adrenal exhaustion (which means the adrenal glands have difficulty
producing the stress hormones like, cortisol), the adaptogens can provide the body with the raw materials
it needs in order to increase their production of the stress hormones again. This can ensure an optimum
level of cortisol is produced and this will keep the cell receptors 'refreshed' and sensitive to the
thyroid hormones.
The thyroid and adrenal glands are intimately related and if you suffer from thyroid disease symptoms
it is important to address the adrenal function first before addressing the thyroid function.
BCN's Thyron contains 3 popular and effective
adaptogenic herbs: Rhodiola Rosea, Siberian Ginseng and Withania Somnifera.
Problems of high rT3 can also occurs when they body has trouble eliminating it. The enzyme 5'-deiodinase
is responsible for eliminating rT3 and therefore ensuring adequate levels are present in the body is
essential. This means that a product like, BCN's Thyron, which contains the required
nutrients for 5'-deiodinase production may be beneficial in eliminating rT3 from the body and therefore
overcoming
low thyroid symptoms.
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Here is the complete list of thyroid articles:
Can You Get Off Thyroid Medication?
T3 and T4 Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid Disease Caused By Inflammation
5 Common Thyroid Problems
The Ideal Thyroid Diet For You
Thyroid Diet Foods and Nutrients
The Importance of a Healthy Thyroid Gland
What Causes Thyroid Disease Symptoms?
Do You Have Low Thyroid Symptoms?
Alternative Thyroid Treatments
How Stress Affects Your Thyroid
What is Hashimoto Thyroiditis?
Reverse T3- The Hidden Cause of Thyroid Problems
Should You Use a Thyroid Supplement?
The Causes of Thyroid Problems
Underactive Thyroid and Nutritional Deficiencies
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