Want To Know What The Normal Thyroid Range Is?

So what exactly is a normal thyroid range? Predicting a range can be tricky. A thyroid level can differ from one geographical region to another. The type of test conducted must also be taken into account.
The thyroid gland secretes two types of hormones, namely T3 and T4. These hormones are responsible for the regulating of the metabolism in the body. When these hormones are under active it results in hypothyroidism and when they are over active the outcome is hyperthyroidism. When these hormones are in harmony the normal thyroid range is obtained.
The levels of the hormones are determined by another hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) it is secreted by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the thyroid to secrete the T3 and T4 hormones. When the level of TSH increases it is an indication that the thyroid gland is not working properly resulting in hypothyroidism. The adverse also applies, when the level falls below the normal level it is an indication of hyperthyroidism.
Normal TSH Level
To understand what a normal TSH level is, is tricky. The reason being is that different countries use different scales. In the UK the normal level is 0.5 to 5.5. The US used to use the same scale up until 2003. From 2003 the scale was revised to specify normal levels between 0.3 to 3.3. There is no uniformity in treatment as some labs still use the old scale. The TSH level also fluctuates throughout the day. Between 6am and 6pm the levels remain constant. However in the evening the level continues to increase up to midnight. This is when the highest level is recorded. The difference in TSH levels throughout the day can be as much as 2-3 points.
Normal T3 Level
There are very small amounts of T3 present in the body. It is a very important hormone when it comes to the regulation of the metabolism. In a 'Total T3' test a normal range would be between 80 and 220. Below 80 indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and above 220 is indication of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Normal T4 Level
T4 is transported in the bloodstream by proteins, where it is converted into T3 inside the liver. With a 'Total T4' a normal range is between 4.5 and 12.5. If your levels are outside the normal range your doctor will more than likely diagnose you for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or you suspect you suffer from it. Do not be despondent. There is a thyroid cure for you. More often than not the problem can be cured with natural treatments. There are many nutrients which are advantageous to the thyroid. There are too many of them to mention
By Michael R Louw 

Are You Looking For The Correct Thyroid Foods to Choose?

I want to get down to the nitty gritty of the thyroid foods that will ultimately speed up your metabolism and those that are responsible for slowing down your metabolism. I will also discuss which foods to steer clear of. These foods do not do your thyroid any favors. Hopefully being able to identify the good and bad foods will help you in the right direction for good health.
Let us firstly discuss the foods that may speed up a slow metabolism.
Sea Weed - It is rich in iodine which is critical for thyroid health and function. Not only is it full of iodine but also in trace minerals which are beneficial for the thyroid. Without iodine your body is unable to manufacture thyroid hormones. You must however take care in not taking an excess of iodine. Since an excess intake of iodine-rich foods has also been implicated in thyroid disease. Moderation is the key not excess.
Coconut Oil - Slightly stimulates thyroid hormone production and supports proper thyroid function. Incorporating coconut oil in your diet would be a wise decision as it is thought to support thyroid health and may help sufferers with hypothyroidism to lose weight. Coconut oil is made up of saturated fats which promotes thyroid function.
Shellfish - Like seaweed is also rich in iodine. As mentioned iodine is essential to thyroid function as iodine molecules are used in the production of thyroid hormones.
Now that we have discussed the thyroid foods which speed up the metabolism, let us move onto the foods which slow down the metabolism. These foods are beneficial for people suffering with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Fermented Soy Foods - Soy foods are known to be a strong suppressor of thyroid function, even more so than many anti-thyroid drugs.
Raw Cruciferous Vegetables - These vegetables likes cabbage, cauliflower, turnips and brussels sprouts interfere with the uptake of iodine and subsequently interfere with the production of thyroid hormones
Millet - Like the cruciferous vegetables contains goitrogens and interferes with iodine uptake.
Seeing we have now covered the thyroid foods which speed up and slow down a metabolism, lets move onto the foods which should be avoided as these inhibit thyroid function and aren't doing anyone's thyroid any favors.
Gluten containing grains - Research has proven that people who follow a gluten-free diet seem to show better results at shaking pesky anti-thyroid antibodies. That's a powerful case to remove gluten from your diet if you suffer from an autoimmune thyroid disease.
Unfermented Soy - Babies fed soy formula are more likely to develop autoimmune thyroid disease. Also large concentrations of unfermented soy may adversely affect thyroid function in adults. If you eat soy, keep it to small amounts and always choose fermented forms.
This brings me to the conclusion of this article. In summary with the thyroid, like life in general everything in moderation is perfectly fine.

By Michael R Louw

The Ideal Diet for Hypothyroidism

If you have hypothyroidism is very important to know that the type of diet you follow can help you reduce your symptoms, and at the same time help you control your weight. Weight gain goes hand in hand with hypothyroidism and to some people it gets rather difficult to lose weight with this condition.
There are key nutrients and foods that a diet for hypothyroid should include. On the other hand, there are certain foods that should be avoided.
What Your Diet Should Have
A healthy diet for someone with hypothyroidism would include whole grains, natural foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables and a good supply of seafood and other lean protein. You should cut back on fatty meats. A multivitamin is probably a good idea if you don't already take one.
An Important Mineral
Selenium may be the most important nutrient in a diet for hypothyroid.
Why?
This trace mineral is an antioxidant and is essential for converting the thyroid hormone your body produces, T4, into its active form, T3. Brazil nuts are an incredibly good source of selenium, but you can also get it from some lean meats.
Fiber is Key to Control Your Weight
Another tactic that will be very helpful for you if you're trying to lose weight is eating more fiber. Fiber makes you feel full and can help you lose weight, in addition to being helpful for constipation, another side effect of hypothyroidism.
You can ingest your fiber in pill form or through one of those over-the-counter fiber concoctions, but it is so much better if you get your fiber from actual foods, like beans, rice and other grains, whole wheat and oatmeal.
Strive for whole grains, also known as complex carbohydrates, over refined grains (things made with white flour or sugar). They're better for you, help maintain your blood sugar stable and will make you feel fuller.
Alcohol should also be avoided because it can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
A Diet With More Meals
Ideally, a diet for low thyroid function will include small meals spread out through the day rather than three big meals. If you eat five or six small meals it will help balance the slow metabolism that is part of hypothyroidism. Just remember, keep these meals around 300 calories each, and include exercise if you want to lose weight, too.
Some doctors recommend the Zone diet to those with hypothyroid. The why behind the system is somewhat complicated, but it has to do with balancing out your insulin reaction to food, limiting the spikes and crashes you probably feel right now. Carbs are a big part of this diet, particularly those refined grains we were just talking about.
The diet calls for drinking lots of water (a good idea for anyone), eating more fruit and vegetables and less pasta, bread and starches, and a small amount of lean protein through the day. Most of your carbs should come from fruit and vegetables, with other starches used sparingly. You also should not go more than five hours between meals.
Red Light Foods
As we were saying before, your diet should not include certain foods. Some vegetables, fruits and grains can depress the function of your thyroid gland. 

Pam Brown editor at yourbodycanheal.com.

Thyroid Dysfunction, its Symptoms & Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland situated under the pituitary gland does not produce the required amount of thyroid hormone. This hormone is necessary for proper functioning of the cells of our body and assist in metabolism. Any deficiency in this hormone would result in a host of problems in the human body.
There many people around the world with some form of hypothyroidism or thyroid dysfunction without even knowing that they have that disorder.Surgery, medications, iodine deficiency, dysfunction of the pituitary gland, and thyroid gland inflammation are some of the causes of hypothyroidism. The other causes of hypothyroidism could be chronic fatigue and weakness, weight gain or difficulty in losing weight, dry and rough skin, and abnormal menstrual cycles.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism is often associated with the symptoms of candida over growth and other fungal diseases. Diagnoses are the important one in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Diagnoses are always related with the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some time symptoms of hypothyroidism are interrupted differently by the patient and by the physician. The other symptoms of hypothyroidism are mild swelling of the feet and legs, heavy lower eyelids, pain in the wrist due to compression of nerves.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be the list given above and also decreased sex drive, memory loss, depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps, hair loss or dry hair, and intolerance to cold. These symptoms should be watched for and treatment should be taken accordingly with the help of a medical practitioner or a health care provider.Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test. The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland) level and T4 levels in the blood are tested.
The T4 level is the main thyroid hormone. The doctor who is checking these levels should be well aware to compare the TSH and T4 levels with the symptoms to identify whether the person is suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the over production of the thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is administered for persons suffering from hypothyroidism. This is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is administered to compensate for the lower production of the hormone in our body.
Natural remedies for hypothyroidism are effective method. The herbs used in the natural remedies for hypothyroidism help to maintain healthy thyroid functioning. The herbs used in the natural treatment for hypothyroidism are fucus vesiculosis, it is a sea vegetable it contain iodine. Avena sativa is used for nerve disorder it is known as nerve tonic.

Balaji B 

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