The Dynamic Express Magazine

Your thyroid is a tinny, butterfly-shaped gland that is located below the Adam's apple at the base of your neck. 

The hormones produced by the thyroid have significant impact on your health... the hormone affects all aspects of metabolism, from how fast your heart beats to the rate at which you burn calories. 

When your thyroid is working naturally and releasing the right amount of hormones, your body will function correctly... yet there are times when the thyroid does not produce sufficient hormones and upsets the balance of chemical reactions in your body. 

This condition is referred to as hypothyroidism. 

Because of this it is vital that you give proper attention on how you can overcome this condition early enough so as to ensure good health and a quality lifestyle. 

Let us first look at the signs and symptoms of this disorder that can affect your health...

The signs and symptoms of the disorder vary depending up on the seriousness of the hormone deficiency and generally, any problems experienced tend to develop gradually, usually over a number of years.

In the beginning, you may barely notice the symptoms, such as weight gain and fatigue, or you may simply associate them with old age... and as your metabolism continues to decelerate, you may develop more visible signs and symptoms... which may include fatigue, constipation, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, puffy face, inexplicable weight gain, hoarseness, muscle weakness, thinning hair, depression, impaired memory, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, irregular or heavier menstruation, and slow heart rate among others.

There are a several treatment options in managing this condition... the most commonly used and effective method is to treat the condition using medicines and other medical procedures, as advised by your doctor.

In minor cases, this condition can be overcome by short-term intake of medicines in conjunction with lifetime change in diet and way of life.

In moderate to serious cases, procedures such as radioactive therapy may be needed along with lifetime intake of medicines and changes in both diet and lifestyle.

Increase your intake of iodine. Iodine is a rare mineral and it is required for the production of thyroid hormone... this mineral can be found in most sea food, and a seaweed extract would be a great choice.

Add selenium to your diet...

This mineral is also necessary for the production of thyroid hormone and it can be found in brown rice, tuna or Brazil nuts.

Reduce your soy intake...

The in flavones found in soy can inhibit the production and even the use of the thyroid hormone.

Purchase bottled water...

Fluoride, found in the drinking water may interfere with the function of thyroid... check whether your water is fluorinated and if it is, switch to using bottled water... also, rinse your mouth twice after brushing your teeth so as to avoid swallowing the fluoride found in many types of toothpaste.

Avoid stress as much as possible...

Stress affects the production of steroids by the body, which can in turn hinder to the secretion of the thyroid hormone... increased anxiety can increase your likelihood to develop hypothyroidism.

Eat lots of fish...

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital in the maintenance of the cell membranes, which help convey thyroid hormones throughout the body... a liquid fish supplement is a great alternative for those who do not like fish.

It is evident that hypothyroidism can be a "high risk" disorder and hence there is a need to overcome it and lead a healthy life style... and, the above mentioned strategies will help you to do just that In case you are already suffering from the condition and you need to undergo medical treatment, your EHIC card can always come handy to help you pay for your medical bills.

Ruby Andrew

Ruby Andrew
Lives in Bristol, UK and is an avid reader and blogger. 

Watercress is a semi-aquatic, perennial plant and member of the Brassicaceae family... a staple food since early human existence, it is the oldest known leaf vegetable consumed by humans... and, it has been traded and cultivated across every continent in the world.

Watercress is a cruciferous vegetable. Cruciferous vegetables are associated with reduced risk of cancer in many studies... in addition to the antioxidant effects of the vitamins found in watercress, it's chlorophyll rich leaves are thought to aid in fighting free radical activity in the body as well as counterbalancing carcinogenic substances.

One study found that daily consumption of watercress helped the body turn one of the four major cancer-causing substances in tobacco smoke into human waste... the micronutrients in watercress are also thought to work in tandem with antioxidants, preventing DNA damage to white blood cells.

Considered a super food because of its antioxidant content, watercress is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A and chlorophyll, all considered powerful antioxidants.

Vitamin C is a well known as a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cancer, boosts the immune system and fights the common cold... vitamin C may also be an effective treatment for scurvy and cataracts... one salad bowl of watercress contains about 50mg of vitamin C.

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant... it boosts immunity and is great for the eyes, skin, bones and teeth... a salad bowl serving of watercress contains about 42% of the recommended daily value.

The high levels of vitamin C in watercress boost the immune system and help fight off viral infection like the common cold.

Research shows watercress may be an effective antibiotic... it helps the body fight candida and other bacteria in the colon and intestines.

Watercress may have great anti-viral effects. It has been used to treat bronchitis, coughs, the common cold and flu.

The chlorophyll in watercress leaves contains many great digestive enzymes... these enzymes are also thought to help the body absorb nutrients during digestion... the leaves must be eaten raw as cooking them destroys these enzymes.

The rich calcium content of watercress should aid in keeping bones and teeth healthy and strong while helping to prevent osteoporosis.

Watercress may help clear acne and improve skin complexion when taken internally or applied as a lotion... it may even provide relief from skin conditions such as eczema and scabies.

The high potassium content of watercress is thought by some to aid in weight loss... although, there is no direct scientific evidence that potassium alone will help a person lose weight... the low calorie, nutrient rich content of watercress makes it an ideal addition to any effective diet.. in fact, watercress has only 18 calories per serving, less than broccoli and many other greens.

And that concludes my conversation with you for this article for "Dynamic Lifers."

May you enjoy a productive and prosperous day.

Yours Sincerely

Developing a Dynamic Healthy LIFESTYLE for "Dynamic Lifers" the Scientific way... using NATURAL wholesome foods that work with your body and enhances your Health!

CLICK HERE... for more details

 Use the Comments box below and "Have Your Say" (even if you disagree with me)...  I really appreciate it when people reply with thoughtful comments... honestly, it makes my day... either way I will be glad to hear from you.

If you ever want to reproduce one of these articles in a blog, in an email, in a book, GO AHEAD!  Also forward this article to a friend or let them know they can receive their own articles by subscribing to The Dynamic Express Magazine. I am sure they will appreciate your consideration of them.