6.Thyroid

CATEGORY:

•Physiology

DEFINITION:

•Gland in neck that secretes Hormones regulating growth and development through Metabolism

FUNCTION:

•Maintenance of Homeostasis

ACTIONS:

•Associated with malfunctions...

-Hypothyroidism...

—Fatigue

—Dry skin & hair

—Depression

—Cold

—Weight gain

-Hyperthyroidism...

—Jittery & anxious

—Poor sleep

—Heart palpitations

—Weight loss

FACTS:

•T3 (Triodothyronine) is primary Thyroid Hormone...problems occur when not enough Free T3 is available

-If bonded to proteins (used in transportation), the body cannot utilise T3

•Hypothyroidism...If T4 not converted to T3 or too much T3 is bound

•Hyperthyroidism...if body doesn't bind enough T3

•Free T3 levels are a better indicator of healthy Thyroid than just TSH (Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone) levels

•T4 (Thyroxine) stimulates oxidative metabolism in cells

-Increases oxygen consumption and heat production of most body tissues (exception being the brain)

-Necessary for normal growth...promotes the effects of Growth Hormone on Protein Synthesis

MANIPULATION:

•Lifestyle precursors to malfunction should be avoided...

-Mental & physical stress

-Overtraining

DIETING:

•Too few calories or too much exercise reduces Thyroid Hormone T3 by 66%, putting body in Conservation Mode leading no weight loss and possible weight gain

•Maintain healthy Thyroid by addressing dietary precursors to malfunction...

-Under eating

-Malnutrition...inadequate...

—Vitamins

—Minerals

—Aminos

RELATED TO:

•Hormones

•Metabolism

NOTES:

•Stress and malnutrition issues related to malfunctioning Thyroid also addressed by OF Protocol