Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) is when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Your thyroid controls how your body’s cells use energy from food, a process called metabolism. If your body cannot make enough thyroid hormone, your body slows down which decreases your energy and your metabolism.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. With Hashimoto’s, your body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the thyroid gland. Thyroiditis may also be caused by a viral infection. Other causes of hypothyroidism include: Radiation therapy to the neck area, radioactive iodine treatment, use of certain medications, thyroid surgery, too little iodine in the diet, pregnancy, problems with thyroid at birth, pituitary gland damage or disorder, disorder of the hypothalamus, and fluoride in our drinking water.
Who Is at Risk for Hypothyroidism?
Women, particularly older women, are more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men. You are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism if you have a close family member with an autoimmune disease. Other risk factors include:
- Race (being white or Asian)
- Age (growing older)
- Prematurely graying hair
- Autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, or vitiligo
- Bipolar disorder
- Down syndrome
- Turner syndrome
- Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may be vague and can often mimic other conditions. They may include:
- Changes in the menstrual cycle
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dry hair and hair loss
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Greater sensitivity to cold
- Slow heart rate
- Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter)
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
How Is Hypothyroidism Treated?
If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor will prescribe a synthetic (man-made) thyroid hormone T4. You take this pill every day. Certain other medications can interfere with how your body absorbs synthetic thyroid hormone. Make sure you doctor knows about all the medicines, herbs, and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products.
You will need regular blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication dose from time to time.
So you are probably thinking…well how can ionized, alkalized water help if I am already at this point? We never make any promises on how the water can cure anyone, but we do know if we give our body the nutrients it needs, it can do a pretty good job of healing on its own. Ionized, alkalized water is loaded with antioxidants to help boost your immune system. This water will be extremely beneficial if you are in the first stages (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease, a disorder in which the immune system turns against the body’s own tissues. In people with Hashimoto’s, the immune system attacks the thyroid. This can lead to hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormones for the body’s needs. Here is a link to a PubMed study on how the immune system is used as a regulator of thyroid hormone activity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16514168
So if you or someone you know suffers from hypothyroidism (or Hashimotos), we ask you come check out the store to learn more on how ionized, alkalized water can improve your quality of life.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/women/hypothyroidism-underactive-thyroid-symptoms-causes-treatments#1
http://www.webmd.com/women/hashimotos-thyroiditis-symptoms-causes-treatments#1
https://hypothyroidmom.com/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16514168