Just below your Adam’s apple sits the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. The thyroid secretes two hormones - and these hormones have everything to do with your metabolism (the conversion of nutrients into energy); body temperature; heart rate and blood pressure; bowel function; skin, hair, and nail growth; cholesterol levels; and numerous other functions.

An underactive thyroid fails to produce enough of the hormones it is supposed to produce. This condition is called hypothyroidism (it affects women more than men). An overactive thyroid produces too many hormones - this condition is called hyperthyroidism. Since an underactive thyroid is the most prevalent, we will limit this discussion to hypothyroidism.

There are several causes of hypothyroidism - but whatever the cause, the end result is the same: A slow metabolism which affects every single cell in your body. This leads to weight gain as well as feeling tired all of the time. Constant fatigue also affects your brain, leaving it too tired to motivate your body into action. To other people, you may appear lazy. Is it any wonder that hypothyroidism often leads to depression?

Besides weight gain, fatigue, and depression - there are other symptoms of hypothyroidism. Poor digestion, constipation, feeling cold while those around you are warm (a particularly miserable symptom if you’re going through menopause and having hot flashes too), aching muscles and joints, dry skin and brittle nails, thinning hair, irregular menstrual cycles, high cholesterol, and recurring infections are all potential symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Four common reasons for hypothyroidism are (1) not enough of the mineral selenium, (2) a damaged thyroid gland, (3) miscommunication between the brain and the thyroid about hormone production, and (4) not enough of the mineral iodine.

Let’s take a look at each dysfunction.

(1) The thyroid produces two hormones: T3 (which contains 3 iodine molecules) and T4 (which contains 4 iodine molecules). T3 is more active and about four times more potent than T4, and on an as-needed basis the body converts T4 to T3. Since roughly 80% of your thyroid hormones are T4 and 20% are T3, there is plenty of T4 hanging around to be converted to T3.

Conversion takes place mostly in the thyroid gland and liver, and conversion requires a special enzyme to remove one iodine from T4 to make it into T3. That enzyme can only do its job when the mineral - selenium - is available to ‘activate’ the enzyme. Too little selenium, and the conversion of T4 to T3 is sluggish, slowing down your metabolism.

(2) Sometimes the body attacks its own thyroid gland through a (still) mysterious autoimmune disease mechanism. This apparently happens when the immune system creates an antibody against something else, but the antibody ‘cross-reacts’ and attacks the thyroid gland.

Researchers think food allergies could be involved in producing this antibody; or, during pregnancy, cells from the fetus could be seen as foreign to the body, thus producing the antibody (helping to explain why hypothyroidism is mostly found in women).

(3) The thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland - a peanut-sized gland located just under the brain. The pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus - a part of the brain.

Here’s how it works: When the brain detects low levels of T3 and T4 in the blood, it sends a hormone (TRH) to the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland then sends a hormone (TSH) to the thyroid that relates this message: Make more T3 and T4.

Any disease state involving the brain or pituitary gland could lead to a miscommunication with the thyroid about hormone levels. Most often, it is the pituitary gland that has a problem.

(4) A low iodine supply causes a problem for the thyroid in producing the (3-iodine) T3 hormone and (4-iodine) T4 hormone. This is not ‘much’ of a problem in the U.S. anymore because we use iodized salt. However, if you have all but given up salt (usually to control high blood pressure), you may be low in iodine.

T3, T4, antibodies that attack the thyroid, TRH, TSH, and iodine can all be measured with lab tests to determine if you have hypothyroidism. These tests are reasonably accurate, but sometimes miss low or moderately-low hypothyroid conditions.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above for hypothyroidism, get the lab tests done.

In Part 2, I’ll say a bit more about thyroid tests and share some tips for supporting your thyroid function.

Visit 1healthyboomer.com 1healthyboomer.com - where “incompletely healthy” baby boomers learn to get healthy and stay healthy.

Tags: allergies, cholesterol, Hair, Heart, menopause, mineral

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Monounsaturated fats are commonly referred to as the healthy fats. These fats have been shown to have a benefit against heart disease and may assist in lowering cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats are also thought to ward off different types of cancers such as breast cancer and colon cancer. They are typically high in Vitamin E. A really good source would be olive oil, Canola (rapeseed) oil, avocados, almonds, and also peanuts. The best source, I believe, is cold pressed olive oil. It is best kept in a cool and dark place to ensure it doesn’t go rancid. You’ll notice that although a lot of margarines coming out state that they are not hydrogenated, although they maintain a certain solid consitency at room temperature. I think this is a good reason to avoid them because there certainly is a certain amount of chemical manipulation going on in order to ensure they remain solid.

You should also consider Omega -3 fatty acids!

Omega-3 fatty acids are a form of polyunsaturated fats, one of four basic types of fat that the body derives from food. (Cholesterol, saturated fat, and monounsaturated fat are the others.) All polyunsaturated fats, including the omega-3s, are increasingly recognized as important to human health. According to the American Heart Association, research has shown that these fats can reduce the risk of Cardiovascular disease by decreased risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death; decrease triglyceride levels; decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque; lower blood pressure (slightly)

Scientists made one of the first associations between omega-3s and human health while studying the Inuit (Eskimo) people of Greenland in the 1970s. As a group, the Inuit suffered far less from certain diseases (coronary heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, psoriasis) than their European counterparts. Yet their diet was very high in fat from eating whale, seal, and salmon. Eventually researchers realized that these foods were all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provided real disease-countering benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids are also natural blood thinners, reducing the “stickiness” of blood cells (called platelet aggregation), which can lead to such complications as blood clots and stroke.

So with all that said, I’m sure you can appreciate that you can consume certain type of fat and fatty acids without feeling guilty. Now you know what type of fat to look for.

Whether you are looking for healthy fats or you are looking for more information about them you can click allhealthfoodstore.com/ here.

Matthew Wagner has an undergraduate degree in Psychology, and has additionally studied Physics, Consciousness, and Wellness. Matthew’s passion involves researching and sharing with others information on how they can improve the quality of their life and the life of other people, by having Optimum Awareness.

Tags: cholesterol, diet, Heart

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Research has revealed that a regular meditation practice can improve psychological and physiological well-being. As one meditates, the brainwave pattern is brought into an alpha state, a level of consciousness that encourages the rejuvenation and healing of the mind and body.

Physiological Benefits of Meditation

* decreases stress resulting in lower levels of cortisol and lactate

* decreases muscle tension and headaches (as with PMS)

* promotes a more restful state (lowers heart rate, lowers body’s core temperature, decreases high blood pressure, and decreases metabolic rate)

* decreases cholesterol levels

* improves respiratory function and decreases respiratory rate

* enhances immune system

* increases the production of serotonin-low levels of serotonin are connected with insomnia, depression, obesity, and headaches

* reduces level of free radicals

* promotes pain management especially for women during childbirth

Psychological Benefits of Meditation

* decreases stress

* decreases depression and irritability

* decreases anxiety

* promotes greater creativity

* improves memory and learning ability

* improves ability to focus and concentrate

* leads to increased self-actualization, self-confidence and self-acceptance

* leads to increased emotional stability

* promotes increased levels happiness and contentment in life

* discovery of personal and spiritual growth

Create A Meditation Space

Meditation can be done virtually anywhere, but creating a proper environment will make your meditation practice more fulfilling. Create an environment that is appealing and motivates you to practice regularly. If possible, devote a room or part of a room to meditation. If you don’t have an entire room, section off some space in a quiet, low traffic part of your home. Consider personalized icons, artwork or colors that inspire or soothe you during your meditation.

*Turn off phones, ringers, and any other items that can potentially distract you.

*If possible, have a source of fresh air.

*Have a source of warmth. Have a blanket or shawl to keep warm.

*Try to meditate in natural light - a source of natural light is perfect, though not too much direct sun. Dim artificial sources of light, if possible.

*Keep it clean. The mind is more able to be steady and relaxed when your meditation area is free of clutter. Stow your props (mats, blankets, cushions etc.) in a cupboard or a basket.

*Meditation should be done on a rug, carpet, or blanket. Avoid sitting directly on a cold floor.

*You can light candles and use a diffuser with a blend of essential oils to create a more relaxing mood.

Taking time to establish a meditation space will help you become more dedicated to your practice and will make your meditation experience more fulfilling.

How to Start Meditating

Preparing for a meditation is essential as this will enable you to receive all the health benefits from the practice. You can meditate anytime, but the most favorable times of day are at dawn and at dusk, when the atmosphere is charged with spiritual energy. More important, choose a time when your mind is free of everyday concerns. Consider meditating around the same time each day and in the same place.

We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing as this will allow the freest movement of the body. Also, create a meditation space that is free of distractions, mentally soothing, and will help still the mind. As most meditations are performed sitting, assume a comfortable upright position with your back, neck and head in a straight line. Modify your sitting posture with a cushion or meditation bench, if needed. If you have difficulty sitting due to back or knee discomfort, try meditating with legs straight or seated in a chair. Most important, avoid any feelings of strain, discomfort, or excess fatigue.

If you have any previous or current health issues (i.e. heart or circulatory conditions, respiratory conditions, muscle or joint problems, pregnancy), we strongly recommend that you consult a qualified physician prior to meditating as some the positions and breathing techniques may have contraindications.

Allow meditation to bring mental clarity and awareness. Practice without judgment. Enjoy the stillness that grows with a regular meditation practice.

Michelle Trantina is a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher and the Co-Founder of myyogaonline.com myyogaonline.com and

Tags: anxiety, cholesterol, Hair, Heart, obesity

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