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Goiter
Goiter is an
enlargement of the thyroid gland in the front of the
neck. Associated with the overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones.
What to look for
swelling at the base of
the neck
If you have an overactive
thyroid gland, you may also experience weight loss despite an increased appetite, an
increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure,
nervousness, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and hand tremors.
If you have an
under-active thyroid gland, you may also experience lethargy, slowed physical and mental
functions, depression, loss of hair, dry skin, a lower heart rate, an intolerance to cold,
constipation, easy weight gain, and tingling or numbness in
your hands.
Goitres can be any one of
several types of growths in the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck. A goitre
may be a temporary problem that will remedy itself over time without medical treatment, or
a symptom of another, possibly severe, thyroid condition that requires medical attention.
Causes
Goitres can occur when the
thyroid gland produces either too much thyroid hormone or not enough.
Most goitres are caused by
iodide deficiency, a key ingredient in the manufacture of thyroid hormone. To make up for
the resulting shortfall of the hormone, the gland begins to grow. If the swollen gland
causes breathing problems it must be removed.
If you consume too many
foods such as soybeans, rutabagas, cabbage, peaches, peanuts, and spinach a thyroid growth
called a sporadic goitre, can form.
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Traditional Treatment
A goitre may require no
treatment, especially if it is small and has succeeded in boosting production of thyroid
hormone. However, if the goitre develops because of excessive thyroid hormone production,
fails to produce enough hormone, or causes discomfort, you should seek medical help.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Alternative therapies treat
goitres by attempting to boost production of thyroid hormone and correct the body's
chemical imbalance.
Chinese Herbs - Notoginseng
root (Panax Notoginseng) and Tang-kuei formula may help reduce the size of a goitre.
Consult a Practitioner for correct dosages. Notoginseng
root (Panax Notoginseng) and Tang-kuei formula may help reduce the size of a goitre.
Consult a Practitioner for correct dosages.
Herbal
Therapies - To improve an underactive-thyroid condition, try bladder
wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) three times a day. Take it in tablet form.
To improve an
underactive-thyroid condition, try bladder
wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) three times a day. Take it in tablet form.
When to seek further
professional advice
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