| The thyroid, a suspect for many symptoms and pains |
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For its adequate performance a lot of processes must work appropriately, starting with pepsin in the stomach whose job it is to ensure sufficient tyrosine is transported to the thyroid gland. There, tyrosine iodizes the first time and turns into T1, picks up iodine again and turns into T2, then again and becomes T3 and finally a fourth time to form thyroxine. The hormone is released into the bloodstream to reach the destined glands and organs. And of course, this is to control the metabolic rate. Certain organs have a higher affinity for thyroid hormones with the anterior pituitary and liver having the highest number of binding sites per nucleus.
The thyroid is controlled by the pituitary, which in turn is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. Iodine, usually in the form of iodide ion, is pumped into the thyroid cells, where it is oxidized to free iodine and then combines with tyrosine. This protein bound hormone is stored in the acinar cells, surrounded by thyroid cells.
Recent research shows T3 to be a lot more powerful than T4.
A patient who may have an under or overactive thyroid should check the basal body temperature first thing in the morning when still in bed. If temperature is consistently high or low, the patient may be hypothyroid or hyperthyroid.
If the condition is hypothyroidism, which is a lack of thyroid hormone in the system, whole thyroid extract should be administered to the patient to repair the gland. Thyroid extract feeds the thyroid gland, same with same. Tyrosine, iodine and pepsin can also assist the process of bringing the gland back up to speed.
In case of hyperthyroidism - an overactive gland producing too much thyroid hormone – radioactive iodine is given, a surgical removal of part of the thyroid.
In all thyroid disorders, a healthy high fiber diet, adequate exercise, perhaps yoga or meditation regimen should be pursued.
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