Written By Dr Steven Gunn (MBChB. BSc. CVIT)

That little known gland, called the thyroid gland, which is positioned in front of your neck under your “Adam’s Apple”, is an extremely important organ which is being diagnosed as “under active” (hypothyroidism) especially in women, more and more worldwide, almost causing a pandemic of sick thyroids, particularly in the first world nations.

The thyroid gland produces 2 major thyroid hormones, T4 and T3 which control the metabolism of virtually all your trillions of cells in your body.  The speed (rate) at which your cells function is governed by these hormones.  If your thyroid under performs (Hypothyroidism) then all your millions of metabolic processes start to slow down and one begins to develop signs and symptoms like mental and physical fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry skin, a drop in body temperature, water retention, loss of hair and a weakened immune system.  Over activity of the thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism) leads to an increase in heart rate (palpitations), sweating, weight loss, fatigue and bulging eye balls.  Both of these conditions need full medical investigation and treatment.

Medical examination and blood chemistry tests should include a general examination and testing of other organs such as the heart, kidneys, adrenal glands, brain and nervous system, immune system etc., and not only the thyroid gland (i.e. TSH, T4, T3 blood levels).  Cancer of the thyroid should also be investigated and ruled out using ultrasound and radioactive scans.

There is another very important disease process which can cause damage to the thyroid gland resulting in under activity or over activity  -  This is called autoimmune diseases of the thyroid gland such as Hashimoto’s Disease and Graves Disease.  In autoimmune diseases the immune system is too active and the immune cells in the blood stream start to attack the body’s own tissue and cells, in this case, the cells of the thyroid gland, causing harm and damage, resulting in too little production of thyroid hormones and therefore under functioning of the gland and disease.

There are many causes of the autoimmune process, such as virus infections, toxins in our food and water, allergens in our diet (e.g. gluten and other food proteins), genetic defects and other proteins which can trigger an autoimmune response.  Diagnosis and treatment is complicated and multi-disciplined.  It is best to consult an integrative physician (holistic doctor) who is experienced in auto-immune diseases and their treatment.

XTREME HEALTH.CO.ZA has a highly recommended general thyroid support supplement, XTREME THYROID SUPPORT T4.3 capsules, which contain nutritional agents such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids to support the function of the thyroid gland.  The thyroid gland also produces immune system cells which support the immune system, therefore its optimum function is also crucial to maintaining a healthy immune system, protecting us from infections and cancer.

References:  Scientific references and clinical studies available from LIFEXMED or XTREME HEALTH upon request.

For more information, or to order the THYROID SUPPORT T4.3 supplement capsules, go to www.xtremehealth.co.za