The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the windpipe (trachea). It plays a crucial role in maintaining good health by helping the body to produce hormones that regulate energy levels, mood and how quickly the body breaks down food. Many people, especially those who are overweight or suffer from depression, energy problems or insomnia, are unaware of the effect their thyroid may be having on their health. The good news is there are ways to improve your thyroid function and in turn, your health! In this article, we will discuss the different types of thyroid dysfunction, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, and how to speed up your thyroid to lose weight.
The Different Types Of Thyroid Dysfunction
There are three types of thyroid dysfunction:
- Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism – overactive thyroid gland
- Euthyroidism – normal thyroid gland
Each one is slightly different and may require a different approach to correct and replace missing hormones. Let’s take a closer look at each of these conditions.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (also known as underactive thyroid gland or low thyroid function) is the most common form of thyroid dysfunction and is usually the result of an autoimmune response (the body’s attack on its own thyroid gland). Hypothyroidism can be seriously debilitating and if not treated promptly, can lead to other organ failures. The condition is caused by an inadequate supply of thyroid hormone, resulting in the following:
- Weight gain – due to the toxic effect of unbound hormones on the cells in the body that regulate metabolism
- Depression – as a result of reduced levels of serotonin, a mood-regulating chemical in the brain
- Fibromyalgia – due to the body’s attempt to regulate temperature by increasing blood circulation and causing widespread pain to spread throughout the body
- Memory loss – as a result of reduced levels of acetylcholine, a chemical that helps to form memories
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – due to the effect unbound hormones have on the brain’s neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine
- Heart disease – due to the effect unbound hormones have on the heart and circulation system
- And so much more…
Hyperthyroidism
Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism (also known as high thyroid function) is another condition that is the result of an autoimmune response. In hyperthyroidism, the body’s attack is usually directed at its own thyroid gland, resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormone. Although similar in some ways to hypothyroidism, the difference in the two conditions is that in hyperthyroidism, the body’s response is much more aggressive. The overactive thyroid gland can cause serious problems including but not limited to:
- Weight loss – which can be both dangerous and rapid in nature if not monitored by a physician
- Palpitations – rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats
- Muscle weakness – as a result of the toxic effect of unbound hormones on muscle tissue
- Jitters – anxiety attacks or tremors
- Memory loss – as a result of the damage unbound hormones do to the brain’s neurons and synapses
- Irritability – as a result of the effect unbound hormones have on the nervous system’s neurotransmitters, seratonin and dopamine
- Euphoria – as a result of the brain’s increased production of dopamine, the chemical that gives you that “high” feeling
- Heart disease – due to the effect unbound hormones have on the heart and circulation system
- And so much more…
How Do I Know If My Thyroid Is Dysfunctional?
If you are wondering whether or not your thyroid is functioning properly, the best place to start is by asking your doctor. He or she will be able to perform a medical exam and determine whether or not your thyroid is the root of your problems. Once your doctor has determined that your thyroid is not the cause of your issues, you can look to other possible sources including but not limited to:
- Your diet – make sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs to function properly
- Your sleep – adequate amounts of deep sleep help rebuild and restore your immune system as well as repair the damage from previous days of activity
- Your stress level – seek help and take action where you can to reduce the amount of stress in your life
- Your overall health – make sure you are doing your bodily functions the right way and checking for signs of ailments
- Your level of activity – if you are getting more active, you may see an improvement in your energy levels and in turn, your weight
- Your menstrual cycle – some research suggests that certain problems such as fibromyalgia are more prominent during and right after your period. So, if you’re experiencing more pain or stiffness during that time, it could be because your hormones are out of balance
What Are The Signs Of Thyroid Dysfunction?
Since the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction can be both vague and non-specific, it’s important to look out for the more obvious signs of the condition. Some of these signs include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Loss of menstrual cycles – if you’re not menstruating regularly, this could be a sign that your thyroid is not producing enough estrogen or testosterone
- Ongoing depression – if you are constantly feeling down, or feel worse after eating than before, this could be a sign that your thyroid is not producing enough serotonin
- Hair loss – if you’re losing hair on your head, this could be a sign that your thyroid is not producing enough of the protein growth hormone, IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1)
- Weight gain – if you’re constantly putting on weight, even if it’s not excess fat, this could be a sign that your thyroid is not functioning properly
- Palpitations – rapid, fluttering or pounding heartbeats
- Muscle weakness – if you’re experiencing muscle weakness, this could be a sign that your thyroid is not producing enough IGF-1
- Jitters – anxiety attacks or tremors
- Memory loss – if you’re having memory problems, this could be a sign that your thyroid is not producing enough of the chemical acetylcholine
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Heart disease – if you’re having heart disease, this could be a sign that your thyroid is not functioning properly
- And so much more…
How Do I Treat My Thyroid To Lose Weight?
Now that you know what signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction you may be experiencing, you can begin looking for the answers to how to treat this frustrating condition. Below are some of the best tips on how to speed up your thyroid to lose weight.
Eat Healthy Foods
One of the best ways to treat your thyroid to lose weight is to nourish your body with the right food. Make sure you are getting the proper nutrients your body needs to function properly. Whole foods are always better than processed foods, as the processing often removes key nutrients from the food. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains should be high on your list of daily meals. Avoid foods with added sugar, you could replace some of the sugar you intake with some artificial sweeteners if necessary. Additionally, make sure you are drinking plenty of water daily, as this will help keep your cells functioning normally and combat dehydration which can lead to weight gain. If you are taking vitamins or supplements, make sure you are getting the right nutrients from food sources rather than synthetic chemicals, as these can sometimes do more harm than good.