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Thyroid Gland
What it is - What it does...
THE THYROID GLAND
The thyroid gland is the biggest gland in the neck. It is situated in the anterior (front) neck below the skin and muscle
layers. The thyroid gland takes the shape of a butterfly with the two wings being represented by the left and right thyroid
lobes, which wrap around the trachea. The sole function of the thyroid is to make thyroid hormone. This hormone has an
effect on nearly all tissues of the body where it increases cellular activity. The function of the thyroid therefore is to
regulate the body's metabolism.
The influence of the thyroid gland is both far-reaching and critical to normal body function. It affects heart rate, cholesterol
level, body weight, energy level, muscle strength, skin condition, vision, menstrual regularity, mental state and a host of
other conditions.
How the Thyroid Functions
The thyroid gland operates as part of a feedback mechanism involving the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. First, the
hypothalamus sends a signal to the pituitary gland through a hormone called TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone). When
the pituitary gland receives this signal, it releases TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to the thyroid gland. Upon receiving
TSH, the thyroid responds by releasing two of its own hormones, T4 and T3, which then enter the bloodstream and affect
the metabolism of the heart, liver, muscle and other organs. T4 is the main hormone released by the thyroid. T3 is made in
the tissue after T4 to T3 conversion. Finally, the pituitary "monitors" the level of thyroid hormone in the blood and
increases or decreases the amount of TSH released, which then changes the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood.
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Thyroid Gland
LICORICE ROOT
Licorice Root is a stimulant for the adrenal glands which are controlled by
the thyroid and pituitary, and which control pancreatic functions. It is good for
impotency, hypoglycemia, female complaints (is a natural source of the female
hormone Estrogen), endurance, coughs, constipation, colds, voice, age spots,
vitality, tonic, sore throat, and as a tonic for sex stimulants. It has a dramatically
beneficial effect on the adrenal glands, and is one of the best herbs used to treat
hemorrhoids. It is useful in bronchitis and gastric ulcers. It is also helpful in
stress.
Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. in his book, The Scientific Validation of Herbal
Medicine, repeatedly discussed Licorice as effective for “respiratory ailments,
skin conditions, as a female tonic, blood purification and detoxification,
circulation, fatigue, weight loss, environmental related conditions, thyroid,
whole body and mental alertness”.
FDA has permitted claims that Licorice provides “soothing benefits for the
stomach, digestive tract, and as an antioxidant”; “botanical support for
gastrointestinal, liver and respiratory function”; a “digestive herb which benefits
and soothes the stomach”; and “scientific research indicates its soothing
benefits for the stomach, digestive tract, and as an antioxidant.”
IODINE
Iodine is a trace element that is vital to the health
of the thyroid gland. Iodine provides the building
blocks for the hormones secreted by the thyroid;
without it the thyroid cannot function properly
therefore leading to abnormal metabolism, oxygen
consumption and energy production.
Thyroid hormones are vital for growth and
development of all organs, especially the brain,
reproductive organs, nerves, bones, skin, hair,
nails and teeth. The thyroid is involved in protein
manufacture, cholesterol synthesis, carbohydrate
absorption and the conversion of carotene to
vitamin A.
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