Onto the thyroid gland, the thyroid gland is a small, butterfly shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Although relatively small, the thyroid gland plays a huge role in our body, influencing the function of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Ensuring that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is vitally important to the body’s overall well-being.

The thyroid is responsible for regulating body temp, calcium absorption, hormone balance, neurological development, and growth.

The thyroid uses iodine, a mineral found in some foods and in iodized salt to make its hormones. The two most important thyroid hormones are thyroxine(T4) and triiodothyronine(T3). Thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland, acts to stimulate hormone production by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland also makes the hormone calcitonin, which is involved in calcium metabolism and stimulating bone cells to add calcium to bone.

A simple way to check if you are low in iodine is to paint a square of iodine on your forearm, if it goes away in less than 24 hours you may be low on iodine.

Thyroid problems can be defined by either low, hypothyroid, or high, hyperthyroid.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are
1.Low energy
2.Weight gain, difficulty losing weight
3.Dry skin
4.Hair loss, thinning hair
5.Cold hands and feet, cold intolerance
6.Constipation
7.Joint problems
8.Muscle aches
9.Infertility and other hormone imbalances

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include
1.Fast heartbeat
2.Sudden weight loss
3.Increased sensitivity to heat
4.Difficulty in sleeping
5.Sweating and skin changes
6.Mood swings
7.Lighter and less frequent menstrual cycles
8.Bowel dysfunction
The symptoms listed are not a complete list and if you think you have a thyroid issue it is of course always a good idea to visit your doctor who can get a blood test to determine whether you in fact have hyper or hypothyroidism.

There are natural ways to support your thyroid. Vitamin D is important for thyroid health, your doctor can check your vitamin D level and recommend how much your body needs.

There are lifestyle and diet changes you can make to support thyroid health, they are eating a health diet consisting of fresh food, healthy proteins, less of the unhealthy foods like sugar and processed foods. Foods high in iodine are the dark greens like kale and spinach.

Reducing stress of course is a great way to help your health not just thyroid but overall, stress wreaks havoc on our health. As we’ve talked about before there are many ways to decrease and handle stress, exercise, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing.

Now let’s talk about Young Living products that support thyroid health. Thyromin, a supplement made by Young Living to support healthy thyroid function. Omegagize is full of omega 3’s. There is some evidence that Omega 3’s can increase thyroid hormone uptake. Omega 3’s also reduce inflammation which is a cause of hyperthyroidism.  Ningxia Red is a powerful whole body supplement and is packed with superfoods to support overall wellness. It’s benefits include support for energy levels, normal cellular function, and whole body and normal eye health. Master formula is a full spectrum multi nutrient complex providing premium vitamins and food based nutriment to support general health. Vitamins and nutrients may help fight the underlying causes of thyroid disorders.

Essential oils which support a healthy thyroid are  Endoflex Vitality , Copaiba Vitality , and Lemon Vitality. I use all three daily, you can put them in a capsule or add them to your water. I also use Endoflex as a perfume because I Love the smell.

I hope you have enjoyed my series of posts on the Endocrine System. And as always I am not here to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. I love reading and researching about health and wellness, everything I share is what I have learned from using my oils in my personal journey to live a healthier more balanced life. My experience may not be yours, every body is different and therefore responds differently to different things. But I think we can all agree that by taking steps to eating right, exercising more and supporting our bodies with essential nutrients we can get closer to the life we are meant to live!

Happy oiling,
Anna

 




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