Thyroid problems hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism

When someone is suffering from hypothyroidism the thyroid gland is impaired, producing too LITTLE thyroid hormone.
When someone is suffering from hyperthyroidism the thyroid gland is impaired, producing too MUCH thyroid hormone

The primary function of the thyroid is production of the hormones thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. Up to 80% of the T4 is converted to T3 by peripheral organs such as the liver, kidney and spleen. T3 is about ten times more active than T4.

The thyroid is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary. The gland gets its name from the Greek word for "shield", after its shape, a double-lobed structure. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) are the most common problems of the thyroid gland.

The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body weighing 18-60 grams in adults, and is increased in size during pregnancy. This gland is found in the neck below the mouth and at approximately the same level as the cricoid cartilage. The thyroid controls how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and how sensitive the body should be to other hormones.
It participates in these processes by producing thyroid hormones, principally thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) which are derived from tyrosine. These hormones regulate the rate of metabolism and affect the growth and rate of function of many other systems in the body. Iodine is an essential component of both T3 and T4.

Thyroxine is synthesised by the follicular cells from free tyrosine and on the tyrosine residues of the protein called thyroglobulin (TG). Iodine is captured with the "iodine trap" by the hydrogen peroxide generated by the enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and linked to the 3' and 5' sites of the benzene ring of the tyrosine residues on TG, and on free tyrosine. Upon stimulation by the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the follicular cells reabsorb TG and proteolytically cleave the iodinated tyrosines from TG, forming T4 and T3 (in T3, one iodine is absent compared to T4), and releasing them into the blood. Deiodinase enzymes convert T4 to T3. Thyroid hormone that is secreted from the gland is about 90% T4 and about 10% T3.

Cells of the brain are a major target for the thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Thyroid hormones play a particularly crucial role in brain development during pregnancy

The amino acid tyrosine combines with iodine to form the hormone thyroxine. Without an adequate amount of thyroxine you will be suffering from hypothyroidism.

Dietary iodine deficiencies were common before iodine was added to table salt. You need to check your table salt has added Iodine.
Iodine deficiency causes enlargement of the thyroid, a condition known as goiter. However, if you are not deficient in iodine, taking extra iodine will not help your thyroid work better, and it might even cause problems.

Kelp refers to several species of large, brown algae that can grow to enormous sizes reaching upto 80m in length which grows mainly in the oceans of the northern hemisphere. Kelp also known as Kombu is a type of seaweed, but not all seaweed is kelp the term seaweed loosely describes any type of vegetation growing in the ocean, including many other types of algae and plants.

Kelp is a regular part of a normal human diet in many parts of the world, such as Japan, Alaska, and Hawaii. It is also incorporated into some vitamin and mineral supplements because of its nutrient value. Kelp is a good source of folic acid (a B vitamin), as well as many other vitamins and minerals, especially iodine

One type of seaweed which also has high levels of Iodine is Bladderwrack (latin: Fucus vesiculosusin), this was the original source of Iodine, discovered in 1811. IIt is one of the most common algae found on the shores of the British Isles, as well as being found on the coasts of the North Sea, the western Baltic Sea, and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Hyper and hypofunction of the thyroid

Hypothyroidism (underactivity)
Hashimoto's thyroiditis / thyroiditis
Ord's thyroiditis
Postoperative hypothyroidism
Postpartum thyroiditis
Silent thyroiditis
Acute thyroiditis
Iatrogenic hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism (overactivity)
Thyroid storm
Graves-Basedow disease
Toxic thyroid nodule
Toxic nodular struma (Plummer's disease)
Hashitoxicosis
Iatrogenic hyperthyroidism
De Quervain thyroiditis (inflammation starting as hyperthyroidism, can end as hypothyroidism)

Do you know that frequent, consistent weight loss -in spite of doing all you can to keep the weight stable- could be as a result of hypothyroidism? Surprised; you should be. Most people do not even know what it is to have the thyroid functioning less than it should. Hypothyroidism is responsible for a varied array of symptoms: weight loss, infertility, brittle hard nails, and dry flaky skin. These symptoms alone do not certify the presence of hypothyroidism as they are also associated with other illnesses.However, some knowledge of what hypothyroidism is and how it can affect an individual's health is in order. Hypothyroidism is a combination of two words: Hypo meaning under, reduced or below normal and thyroid which is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that secretes thyroid hormones located just below the mythical "Adam's apple" or better still in the front of the neck. From this explanation, it is easy to deduce that hypothyroidism means the under-functioning of the thyroid gland in the body.The hormone normally secreted by the thyroid gland is known as Thyroxine. It is also referred to as T4. This means it has four iodine molecules. The hormone is very versatile in its functions. Therefore, it is carried from the thyroid gland to various parts of the body; this includes every tissue in the body. It has the ability to ensure that the body cells tissues and organs function just right. Activities like energy generation are aided by these hormones. Also, the functions of the heart, brain, body muscles et.al are aided by thyroxine. With these, it is clear that thyroxine plays a very vital role in the overall well being of an individual including the tendency to gain weight. When there isn't enough secretion of the desired hormone -thyroxine being he desired one here- the body processes are interfered with. As a result, processes like the breaking down of calories and carbs to ensure energy increase and minimize weight gain aren't properly carried out. This is the reason people feel frequently tired when they have hypothyroidism. Now, with the increased incidence of tiredness, comes weight gain. This is because the individual feels too tired to even exercise This also coupled with the inability of the organs in the body to properly break down food components result in increased weight gain. So, as soon as you notice you are getting frequently tired and are gaining weight, see the doctor as soon as possible. Have an enjoyable life.

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