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Humans can develop thyroid problems due to many reasons. Your thyroid is located just under your adam's apple, in your neck.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:off ice:office" />

Fun Fact: Your thyroid produces the hormone, THYROXIN. This hormone is converted outside of the thyroid gland where is becomes activated and stimulates the cells in your body.

The thyroid produced several hormones such as THYROXINE and TRIIODOTHYRONINE.

What does the thyroid do?

The thyroid helps our body's cells absorb the oxygen we need in every breath, and the thyroid can help control your metabolism, helps development, and temperature regulation. When your thyroid stops doing the job it is intended to do, you run into complications, some minor, while others can be life threatening.

Thyroid problems can be hereditary, but most adults over the age of 60 years old have a higher risk of developing thyroid problems, simply due to old age. Excessive radiation, such as radiation circulating through your body at work can cause thyroid problems. Another reason you may develop thyroid problems is that you developed a very strong illness as a child that weakened your metabolism and thyroid hormones to help absorb oxygen into your body.

When you eat certain foods, you are actually increasing your chances of developing thyroid problems, so be sure to eat lots of greens, like the doctor always says - eat healthy and exercise! Such foods like turnips, saturated fats, white flour products, soy protein, whole / 2% milk products, powders (including spices like garlic powder and onion powder), and medication capsules can cause thyroid problems.

Some people have HYPERTHYROIDISM. This is an over-active thyroid. As a result, you may experience the following symptoms:

1. Uncontrolled shaking of the body, from the nervous system
2. Anxiety or Nervousness
3. May experience difficulty falling to sleep or staying asleep
4. Weight loss that you may not be able to control. (May also experience a weight increase or unbalanced increase/decrease)
5. May develop asthma
6. Loss of hair
7. Moist, "shiny" skin on your hands, legs, and arms, possibly causing acne breakouts

On the other hand, some people experience HYPOTHYROIDISM. This is an under-active thyroid. This could result to serious health issues because the thyroid fails to produce enough T3 and T4 hormones, necessary for your daily bodily functions. Symptoms of an under-active thyroid include::

1. Feeling depressed or tired
2. Uneccessary weight increase
3. May develop skin problems, such as dry, cracked, or flaky skin
4. Constipation
5. Muscle pain and mild headaches
6. You may notice a change in your brain activity such as in memory or concentration
7. Some noticeable swelling may occur, but in rare cases

How can I be diagnosed?

Your health professional can diagnose you with thyroid problems. The reason why early-staged thyroid diagnosis is difficult is mainly because TSH tests do not always reveal what is necessary, and the same goes for a medical examination. You will be on your way to living a long, healthy life.

Learn more about this author, Stacy Zahn.
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