Thyroid function explained PART 3

**Mallet** · 03-16-2004, 05:43 PM

CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THYROID DYSFUNCTION

The thyroid gland, with the help of the pituitary, is the most important organ in the body for controlling weight and body fat. Thyroid hormones define the rate of cellular metabolism. If the thyroid gland is functioning properly, and enough thyroid hormone is getting to the cells, the energy from food is properly utilized. If there is a problem with the gland itself or if something is interfering with the thyroid hormone's ability to bind to it's target cells, metabolism alters, slowing down or speeding up every process in the body, which in turn can cause many reccuring problems.

FATIGUE AND FREE-RADICAL DAMAGE

Fatigue can be directly related to problems with the thyroid. The process by which energy from food is released and transferred to useable energy by the cells is a complex chain of chemical reactions known as cellular respiration. Some energy is released from food in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic respiration), but most is derived in the mitochondria of the cells in the presence of oxygen (aerobic respiration). In the mitochondria, aerobic respiration produces cellular energy in the form of ATP ( a large energy molecule). T3 and T4 are needed to utilize oxygen during aerobic respiration. If T4 or T3 levels are low, cellular respiration and energy are depleted, excess oxygen builds up in the cells, and oxidative, or free-radical, damage occurs. When these levels are low, the number of mitochondria in our cells actually begins to decrease.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

The metabolism of fats and absorption of essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important functions of the thyroid. Insufficient T4 to stimulate fat metabolism can lead to Hyperlipidemia, or elevated cholesterol. Whithout the benefit of cardioprotective nutrients from essential fatty acids, you may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you have a high cholesterol reading, be sure to have your thyroid function evaluated before beginning medication. T3 is necessary for the utilization of oxygen by the mitochondria during cellular respiration. Inadequate T3 in the cells has a negative effect on oxygen consumption. Excess oxygen results in an increase in the oxidation of lipids (fats) and free radical damage. Increased oxidation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) form of cholesterol, often reffered to as "bad" cholesterol, has been identified in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroid states.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

T4 also influences how quickly glucose (sugar) is absorbed from the intestines and then taken up by the cells. T4 stimulates the conversion of proteins and fats to glycogen when blood sugar is high and the transformation of glycogen to glucose when blood sugar is low. The thyroid gland assists the pancreas and liver in maintaining stable blood sugar. In other words, T4 increases insulin response.

STRESS AND THYROID FUNCTION

Chronic stress affects the thyroid and endocrine function in a number of ways. The pituitary gland, the bodies "master gland," stimulates and controls the function of the adrenal cortex by secreting adrenocorticotropic (ACTH). If required to maintain a constant level of the major stress hormone cortisol in response to stress, the pituitary gland may over work. Too much production of ACTH may divert the pituitary from manufacturing other tropic hormones such as TSH, FSH, and LH. Cortisol production requires tyrosine, the same amino acid needed for the synthesis of T4. Excess cortisol production can deplete tyrosine levels, making it unavailable to the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones. Stress depletes other important nutrients for T4 production, namely chromium and zinc. Excessive cortisol production from chronic stress also inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 and the secretion of TSH.

HERE ARE SOME SYMPTOMS:

HYPOTHYROIDISM;
behavior and mood...depression, fatigue, sleepiness, poor concentration
cardiovascular.........slow pulse rate (<70bpm):
cholesterol..............elevated cholesterol
features..................coarse voice, stunted growth, enlarged thyroid
Gastrointestinal........slowed digestion, bloating, heartburn, poor appetite
metabolism..............decreased basal metabolic rate, weight gain
muscles and reflexes..muscle aches, cramping, numbness in hads and feet
respiratory...............breathing slows, poor ventilation
Tolerance to temp..... intolerance to cold.

HYPERTHYROIDISM

behavior and mood...nervousness, irritability, insomnia, exhaustion
cardiovascular.........heart palpitations, rapid pulse
cholesterol..............decreased cholesterol
features.................bulging eyes, enlarged thyroid
gastrointestinal........diarea, increased appetite
metabolism..............increased basal metabolic rate, weight loss
muscles and reflexes..muscle weakness, tremors
respiratory..............hyperventilation
tolerance to temp.....intolerance to heat.

I know that's alot to stomach, but perhaps people will consider the importance of their thyroid gland before taking thyroid meds out of ignorance or being miss informed...the choice is ultimately yours...compare and save!

If you haven't already, take the BMT test that I have posted and see where your thyroid lies. Be responsible and your body will thank you for it with long life!

**Solrock** · 03-16-2004, 05:44 PM

good stuff Mallet. thanks

**powerlifter** · 03-16-2004, 08:03 PM

Quality series of posts Bro - should be a sticky in the profiles section or something

**Mallet** · 03-16-2004, 09:26 PM

This series was a long time coming...I just couldn't find the time, but I've been responding to people mostly through PM's, which is unfortunate that others can't read the info being shared through PM's. I just hope even one person will consider the information given so they can make their own educated decision about supplementing with thyroid meds. Or even if they are just interested in living a healthier life, and decreases their chances of many undesireable complications that they may avoid facing down the road.

**Da Bull** · 03-16-2004, 09:30 PM

Another nice post bro....nice info in the whole series you posted today.

**Carlos_E** · 03-16-2004, 10:30 PM

HYPERTHYROIDISM

behavior and mood...nervousness, irritability, insomnia, exhaustion
cardiovascular.........heart palpitations, rapid pulse
cholesterol..............decreased cholesterol
features.................bulging eyes, enlarged thyroid
gastrointestinal........diarea, increased appetite
metabolism..............increased basal metabolic rate, weight loss
muscles and reflexes..muscle weakness, tremors
respiratory..............hyperventilation
tolerance to temp.....intolerance to heat

I've experience all of these. I take my meds and they help me grow.

**Mallet** · 03-17-2004, 07:49 AM

Are we talking about the same meds here???

Originally Posted by Carlos_E

HYPERTHYROIDISM

behavior and mood...nervousness, irritability, insomnia, exhaustion
cardiovascular.........heart palpitations, rapid pulse
cholesterol..............decreased cholesterol
features.................bulging eyes, enlarged thyroid
gastrointestinal........diarea, increased appetite
metabolism..............increased basal metabolic rate, weight loss
muscles and reflexes..muscle weakness, tremors
respiratory..............hyperventilation
tolerance to temp.....intolerance to heat

I've experience all of these. I take my meds and they help me grow.

**TheMudMan** · 03-17-2004, 08:48 AM

The 3 part series of these post should be put in the Educational Forum........... *hint*

Great stuff Mallet!

**Carlos_E** · 03-17-2004, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Mallet

Are we talking about the same meds here???

I have meds that slow my metabolism, reduced the amount of thyroid hormone in my body and another to slow my heart rate. Together, they make me gain weight. Add a little AS... I gain even more.

**Mallet** · 03-17-2004, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by Carlos_E

I have meds that slow my metabolism, reduced the amount of thyroid hormone in my body and another to slow my heart rate. Together, they make me gain weight. Add a little AS... I gain even more.

Are you taking Atenolol?

**Mallet** · 03-17-2004, 01:00 PM

Originally Posted by TheMudMan

The 3 part series of these post should be put in the Educational Forum........... *hint*

Great stuff Mallet!

Should we move this thread?...I thought it might get more traffic hear!...besides, by the questions being asked in this forum everyday I don't think anybodies reading the educational threads!

**TheMudMan** · 03-17-2004, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Mallet

Should we move this thread?...I thought it might get more traffic hear!...besides, by the questions being asked in this forum everyday I don't think anybodies reading the educational threads!

I was making that statement for the MODS that might see this..........

You're right most don't go to the Educational Forum but they are missing out because there's a lot of great information to be read and learned in there...... also after a while this will get lost in the many pages in this forum........ and this info is just to good to be lost...... JMO

**Mallet** · 03-17-2004, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by TheMudMan

I was making that statement for the MODS that might see this..........

You're right most don't go to the Educational Forum but they are missing out because there's a lot of great information to be read and learned in there...... also after a while this will get lost in the many pages in this forum........ and this info is just to good to be lost...... JMO

Thanx for looking out for us bro!...you've made a good point!

**Hyperlite** · 03-18-2004, 09:13 AM

Mallet: What is your stand on taking thyroid meds for weightloss?

**Mallet** · 03-18-2004, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Hyperlite

Mallet: What is your stand on taking thyroid meds for weightloss?

If taken correctly...thyroid meds can be very effective at fat loss...but there are certainly things you can do to improve your own thyroid function without supplementing with meds.

I will post a self test shortly for everyone to do to see what area is effecting their metabolism and I will provide solutions to treating these...because our metabolic code is effected by more than just thyroid function...stress, diet, genetics, drug therapy, blood sugar dysregulation, environmental exposure, lack of oxygen, and the list goes on...but we will be looking at mostly our adrenals and thyroid function.

**Hyperlite** · 03-18-2004, 07:53 PM

what do you think about taking 50mcg for weightloss?

**Mallet** · 03-18-2004, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by Hyperlite

what do you think about taking 50mcg for weightloss?

50mcg is inconclusive...you need to dose it according to your temp...you ultimately want to get your BMR between 97.6 - 98.2 for optimal metabolic rate.

I don't think any of this is setting in yet, to most people???

**SportsMedVIP** · 05-26-2004, 11:27 PM

and bump

**fatass** · 02-09-2005, 10:12 PM

-Mallet-

my body temp is 96.3 ( **** thats why i was fat) but i tooke a plood pressure test and its normal and my beets per minuit where 59 ever since i started doing cardio before they where 71bpm i do have a slow metabolism im the fat type. i just want to speed it up without having to takr thyroid but if i do whats the safest most efective way.