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The thyroid gland is responsible for secreting the hormone that controls the body's metabolic rate (chemical functions). It stimulates the tissues in every part of the body and especially influence the body's vital functions, such as the heart rate, the respiratory rate, the rate calories are burned, growth, heat production, fertility, and digestion.

Hypothyroidism is the under activity of the thyroid, which therefore results in the slowing of vital body functions. It is more common in older people, particularly in women.

There are many causes to hypothyroidism, the most common being Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This condition causes the thyroid to become inflamed and damaged. Subacute thyroiditis can also cause hypothyroidism, although the thyroid is not destroyed. Radioactive iodine or the surgical remove can also be a cause, as well as rare causes, such as inherited enzyme abnormalities. A chronic lack of iodine can also cause hypothyroidism, but this condition is rare in the United States as table salt and dairy products (due to the sterilization process in retrieving milk) contain iodine.

There are many symptoms associated with hypothyroidism as the body's functions begin to slow. Most symptoms are subtle and develop gradually, and may at first resemble depression. Some symptoms include slow speech, droopy eyelids, puffy eyes and face, weight gain, inability to tolerate cold, sparse/coarse/dry hair, dry and scaly skin, slower pulse, and other symptoms resembling Alzheimer's disease (confused, forgetful, demented). Severe hypothyroidism can lead to anemia, a low body temperature, heart failure and coma if left untreated.

95 percent of all cases of hypothyroid are due to the thyroid gland and not the pituitary gland. Most patients with hypothyroidism are not born with it; they develop it as adults.

Iodine deficiency leads to hypothyroidism and/or the development of an enlarged thyroid gland.

Currently, the most common cause is due to an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto's disease. In this disease, antibodies are formed that bind to the thyroid and prevent the manufacture of sufficient levels of thyroid hormone. In addition to binding to thyroid tissue, antibodies may also bind to the adrenal glands, pancreas, and acid-producing cells of the stomach.

Lack of thyroid hormones leads to . . .

• A general decrease in the rate of utilization of fat, protein, and carbohydrate.
• Moderate weight gain combined with sensitivity to cold weather (demonstrated by cold hands or feet) is a common finding.
• Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are increased in even the mildest forms of hypothyroidism. This elevation greatly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown an increased rate of heart disease due to atherosclerosis in individuals with hypothyroidism.
• Dry, rough skin covered with fine, superficial scales is seen in most hypothyroid individuals, while their hair is course, dry and brittle. Hair loss can be quite severe. The nails become thin and brittle and typically show transverse grooves.
• Depression, weakness, and fatigue are usually the first symptoms of hypothyroidism. Later, the hypothyroid individual will have difficulty concentrating and become extremely forgetful.

Foods that have been proven to help with hypothyroid:

Iodine and Selenium rich foods. Whole grains are the best dietary source of selenium followed by seafood, garlic, liver, eggs, and some vegetables including cabbage, celery, cucumbers, and radishes.

Avoid naturally goitrogen-containing foods (anti-thyroid or more specifically, foods that impair the use of iodine). Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, raw soybeans, lettuce, peas, turnip greens and watercress.

Nutrients that have been proven to help hypothyroid:

Iodine, and Selenium

Excercises that have been proven to help with hypothyroid:

A daily exercise regiment can help to keep weight in balance. Having a balanced weight will help with your overall health as well as promoting the healing of the thyroid. Strength training twice a week and 30-40 minutes of aerobics 5 times a week is a good routine.