The
thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of one’s neck,
below the Adam’s apple. The purpose of this gland is to make, store, and
release thyroid hormones into your blood. These hormones, which are also
referred to as T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), affect almost every
cell in your body, and help control the body’s metabolism. With the release of thyroid stimulating
hormone (TSH) by the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland is stimulated to
release T3 and T4. Thyroid hormones are also crucial for brain development.
Iodine is a vital micronutrient
required at all stages of life; fetal life and early childhood being the most
critical phases of requirement. It can be acquired through diet (seafood, eggs
and dairy) and can be metabolized in the human body by the hypothalamus and
pituitary gland. It is the major mineral in the thyroid because it helps in the
production and regulation of thyroid hormones. Lack
of iodine can lead to several different problems, including poor thyroid
function. When the thyroid gland lacks iodine it may increase the size of the
goiter. This enlarged gland searches out any iodine in the body.
Thyroid Conditions
- Goiter:
A general term for thyroid swelling. Goiters can be harmless, or can
represent iodine deficiency or a condition associated with thyroid
inflammation called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Thyroiditis:
Inflammation of the thyroid, usually from a viral infection or autoimmune
condition. Thyroiditis can be painful, or have no symptoms at all.
- Hyperthyroidism:
Excessive thyroid hormone production. Hyperthyroidism is most often caused
by Graves disease or an overactive thyroid nodule.
- Hypothyroidism:
Low production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid damage caused by autoimmune
disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism .
- Graves
disease: An autoimmune condition in which the thyroid is
overstimulated, causing hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroid
cancer: An uncommon form of cancer, thyroid cancer is usually
curable. Surgery, radiation, and hormone treatments may be used to treat
thyroid cancer.
- Thyroid
nodule: A small abnormal mass or lump in the thyroid gland.
Thyroid nodules are extremely common. Few are cancerous. They may secrete
excess hormones, causing hyperthyroidism, or cause no problems.
- Thyroid
storm: A rare form of hyperthyroidism in which extremely high
thyroid hormone levels cause severe illness.
References:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=69
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3063534/
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/vitamin-supplements/iodine.htm
http://www.webmd.com/women/picture-of-the-thyroid
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