An Underactive Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small endocrine gland that is situated in the front part of the neck. The thyroid creates and secretes two hormones into blood stream– thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is not an active thyroid hormone i.e. it does not bind to cells in the human body and does not regulate metabolic activities in them. T3 is an active form of thyroid hormones which means that it binds to specific receptors on the cell surface and induces response. Transformation of T4 into T3 is mainly performed in the liver, as well as in guts thanks to good bacteria.

The regulation of T4 secretion is under the activity of a hormone secreted hypophysis (situated in brain), which is called the thyroid stimulating hormone – TSH. Once the level of T4 in blood drops down, the hypophysis starts to influence the thyroid gland by increasing the TSH level. If the T4 level in blood enables proper a body function, the hypophysis stops forcing the thyroid for further hormone production by lowering TSH secretion in the blood stream.

T3 regulates function of:
- the immune system,
- brain and other parts of the nervous system,
- endocrine glands,
- intestines
- liver and bile,
- sex hormones,
- the stomach,
- it also regulates gastric acid secretion, metabolism in the whole body (including metabolism of sugars and fats) , insulin secretion etc.

Around 90% of people with an underactive thyroid gland suffer from a condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. That condition is caused by the autoimmune reaction of the body – the body creates antibodies the action of which is oriented towards thyroid gland cells. Thus, they cause damage which is represented by structural changes and the lower production of thyroid hormones. Normally, antibodies attack bacteria and viruses in order to defend body from invaders.

The symptoms related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis are:
- increase of body weight,
- depression,
- inability to concieve,
- cold and heat intolerance,
- tingling in arms and legs,
- fatigue,
- panic attacks,
- abnormal heart rhythms,
- increased level of blood fats,
- constipation,
- headaches
- muscle weakness,
- cycle disturbances,
- swollen legs,
- cramps,
- memory loss,
- vision troubles,
- hair loss...

The HEALTH FORMULA protocol in relation to the improvement of the thyroid function, consists of the following:
- diet change (e.g. changing of habits related to body load with sugars, gluten, use of coconut oil, fibres etc.),
- personally tailored use of supplements (e.g. selenium, B-group vitamins, adaptogenic herbs, amino-acids, omega-3 fatty acids etc.),
- adequate water intake (essential for normal metabolism) etc.
- detoxification of the body and
- other elements described in The HEALTH FORMULA book.

A person with an underactive thyroid may experience the first results of The HEALTH FORMULA protocol in 2-3 weeks after commencing the treatment (increase of mental and physical strength), while in the 2-3 months after that period, they will feel an overall health improvement, a better quality of life, as well as the normalization (or at least improvement) of all the impaired biochemical parameters.