The Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, below the Adam's Apple. It is a very important hormonal gland that works with the adrenal gland and hypothalamus in the brain to produce hormones that regulate the metabolism and how the body processes proteins. It even lowers cholesterol. Hormones from the Thyroid also help the heart beat stronger and faster, and increase the intake of oxygen. This allows blood to flow easier through the body and keep its core temperature up. The hormones from this gland are also closely linked to growth in humans over their lifetime, especially in the brain development stages for the fetus. Other functions include stabilizing sleep, sexual functions, the menstrual cycle and even thought patterns.Naturally, because this small gland performs so many important functions in the body, keeping it in good health is essential. Poor Thyroid health can lead to a myriad of problems, such as trouble losing weight, trouble processing protein, out of control or stunted growth, lack of a sex drive, menstrual troubles and lower core body temperatures. These are just a few of the things that can affect a human if the gland is not in peak condition. Some side effects of a poorly-working Thyroid go un-diagnosed and are never more than a minor nuisance. Other side effects can lower the quality of life for an individual and, in some cases, even be life-threatening.
Diseases and conditions are often to blame for a poorly-functioning Thyroid, which include cancer, inflammation, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, to name just a few. In serious cases, medicine is required to treat someone suffering from a disease or major medical condition affecting the gland. However, preventative measures can be taken to increase the health of a Thyroid or prevent it from falling into poor health in the first place. One of these preventative measures is, of course, a good diet. There are a variety of foods that greatly affect the small gland, for better or worse. Some of the foods that impact the Thyroid the most are as follows:
