thyroid gland

_-1_0

Botanical-Profile

Botanical Profile

Botanical-Profile_0_0

The maca plant belongs to the Brassicaceae family, sharing its lineage with other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli (Brassica oleracea), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), and kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala). Maca grows predominantly in the high plateaus of the Peruvian Andes, withstanding harsh weather conditions and poor soil. The plant produces a radish-like tuber, which is the part primarily consumed, often in powdered form.

Benefits-of-Maca

Benefits of Maca

Hormonal-Balance

Hormonal Balance

Hormonal-Balance_1_0

Among the most notable benefits of maca is its potential to balance hormones. A study in the International Journal of Biomedical Science found that maca could help decrease symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and sleep disruptions by supporting endocrine health^

Energy-Boost

Energy Boost

Energy-Boost_1_0

Maca is rich in essential nutrients including proteins, fibers, and minerals that can offer an energy boost. Research published in Phytotherapy Research indicated that participants who consumed maca extract showed improved endurance during physical activities.

Sexual-Health

Sexual Health

Sexual-Health_1_0

Maca has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac. Studies have shown that it can improve sexual health, with a systematic review from BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies reporting enhanced sexual desire in men and women who consumed maca regularly.

Sexual-Health_1_1

Easy-to-Prepare-Maca-Recipes

Easy-to-Prepare Maca Recipes

Maca-Smoothie

Maca Smoothie

Maca-Smoothie_2_0

Maca-Smoothie_2_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 banana</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 cup of almond milk</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 tablespoon of maca powder</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 tablespoon of honey</li></ul>&nbsp;

Maca-Smoothie_2_2

Maca-Smoothie_2_3

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blend all the ingredients together until smooth.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">This recipe serves as a great breakfast or afternoon snack, providing an energy boost for the day.</li></ol>

Maca-Energy-Balls

Maca Energy Balls

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_0

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_1

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1 cup of dates</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1/2 cup of almonds</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">2 tablespoons of maca powder</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">1/4 cup of shredded coconut</li></ul>Preparation:

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_2

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Blend all the ingredients (except the coconut) in a food processor until they form a sticky mixture.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Roll the mixture into balls, coat with shredded coconut, and refrigerate for an hour.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">These energy balls are a quick and easy snack that harnesses the benefits of maca.</li></ol>

Maca-Energy-Balls_2_3

Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

Questions-and-Answers_3_0

Q: Is maca safe for everyone to consume?

Questions-and-Answers_3_1

A: While maca is generally safe for most people, it should be consumed in moderation. People with thyroid problems should be cautious as maca contains goitrogens which may interfere with normal thyroid function.

Questions-and-Answers_3_2

Questions-and-Answers_3_3

Q: Can maca help with fertility issues?

Questions-and-Answers_3_4

A: Some studies suggest that maca can improve fertility by enhancing sperm quality in men. However, more research is needed, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional for advice.

Questions-and-Answers_3_5

Questions-and-Answers_3_6

Q: How does maca taste?

Questions-and-Answers_3_7

A: Maca has a unique taste, often described as earthy and nutty. Some people enjoy it, while others prefer to mix it with other ingredients to mask the flavor.

Questions-and-Answers_3_8

Questions-and-Answers_3_9

Q: Can I grow maca at home?

Questions-and-Answers_3_10

A: Maca grows best in specific high-altitude conditions found in the Andes. It might be challenging to replicate these conditions at home, but you can certainly try growing it if you have a suitable environment.

Questions-and-Answers_3_11

Questions-and-Answers_3_12

Q: How much maca should I take daily?

Questions-and-Answers_3_13

A: The appropriate dosage can vary depending on individual factors. However, a general recommendation is 1-2 teaspoons of maca powder daily. As with any supplement, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before starting a new regimen.

Referrals

Referrals_3_0

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dini, A., Migliuolo, G., Rastrelli, L., Saturnino, P., &amp; Schettino, O. (1994). Chemical composition of Lepidium meyenii. Food Chemistry, 49(4), 347-349.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hermann, M., &amp; Hellmuth, H. (1997). Lepidium peruvianum (maca) plant from the high Andes of Peru: From tradition to science. Rostlinna Vyroba, 43(12), 505-510.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Meissner, H. O., Mscisz, A., Reich-Bilinska, H., Mrozikiewicz, P., Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska, T., Kedzia, B., ... &amp; Barchia, I. (2006). Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (I) Biochemical and Pharmacodynamic Study on Maca using Clinical Laboratory Model on Ovariectomized Rats. International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS, 2(3), 260&ndash;272.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Julio Rubio, J., Caldas, M., D&amp;aacute;vila, S., Gasco, M., &amp; Gonzales, G. F. (2006). Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 6, 23.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shin, B.C., Lee, M.S., Yang, E.J., Lim, H.S., Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 10, 44.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Gonzales, G.F., Cordova, A., Vega, K., Chung, A., Villena, A., &amp; Gonez, C. (2001). Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on sexual desire and its absent relationship with serum testosterone levels in adult healthy men. Andrologia, 34(6), 367-372.</li></ol>

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a Peruvian root from the Brassicaceae family, has potential benefits for hormonal balance, energy, and sexual health. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions results in a nutrient-rich tuber that can support endocrine health, boost energy, and enhance sexual desire. Incorporating maca into your diet can be as simple as adding it to smoothies or making easy-to-grab snacks like maca energy balls.

Maca: A Peruvian root, maca has potential benefits for hormonal balance, energy, and sexual health

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9bf96f2f-c4e1-42c1-89d3-f65996c4d221_middle.png

Maca: A Peruvian root, maca has potential benefits for hormonal balanc

Екипът на Санацио

What-is-the-thyroid-gland

What is the thyroid gland

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_0

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_1

It may be small in size, but the butterfly-shaped gland, which is located in the neck area, has indispensable health functions. Your thyroid gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormone (TH), which regulates, among other things, the body's temperature, metabolism, and heart rate.&nbsp;

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_2

Things can start to go wrong when the thyroid gland is with hyper or hypofunction due to various factors. If it is with decreased function - hypofunction, when it produces too little TH; Alternatively, if it has an increased function - hyperfunction, then it produces too much of this hormone. In addition, other hormones, such as LH, FSH, as well as antibody levels, also serve as a comprehensive factors of the actual condition.

What-is-the-thyroid-gland_0_3

But what makes your thyroid gland out of balance? The factors may be genetic, autoimmune processes may take place in the body. Impaired thyroid function can also occur during pregnancy, stress, nutritional deficiencies or accumulation of toxins in the environment. And while the hypofunction tends to attract more attention among scientists, there's also the opposite situation where we're talking about an overactive thyroid. It should also be taken into account, since the effects of an overactive thyroid gland are related to weight, overall hormonal background, reproductive abilities, ability to concentrate, memory and others.

Hyperfunction-and-hypofunction---two-sides-of-an-impaired-thyroid-function

Hyperfunction and hypofunction - two sides of an impaired thyroid function

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism

10 signs of hyperthyroidism 

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_0

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_1

As mentioned, hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. When this happens, the body produces an excess of thyroid hormones, such as triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T4 is produced specifically when the pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Here are the signs that your thyroid is working at an elevated speed and producing abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones: &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673616002786" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[Ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_2

Nervousness and anxiety&nbsp; - When the thyroid gland works excessively, hormones tell the body to work even harder. This leads to several symptoms that can make you feel nervous and anxious. But before that, these hormones lead to mood swings and racing thoughts.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_3

Fast heart rate (plus palpitations) - As one of the physical symptoms of high hormone levels, your heart rate may increase. An increase in heart rate can also lead to palpitations. So, if you feel that the heart is undergoing any unusual changes, be sure to seek medical attention.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_4

Increased sweating - Because thyroid hormones tell your body to become more active, naturally it will try to cool itself by sweating, even in less active situations when you're not physically active.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_5

Weight loss - Although this effect is usually sought with other methods, hyperfunction is possible, but with adverse consequences. The abundance of thyroid hormones will speed up your metabolism and appetite. Although you may notice unexplained weight loss, it can lead to dramatic and unwanted changes related to the type of skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_6

Change in peristalsis - Changes in hormone levels can even affect your digestive system. More frequent bowel movements may indicate other conditions, such as Crohn's disease or problems with gluten absorption or lactose intolerance.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_7

Goiter - Goiter occurs when the thyroid gland begins to enlarge due to the overproduction of hormones. Normally, the thyroid gland needs adequate levels of iodine, which we should get from the diet. However, if you do not have enough iodine, your body will try to compensate for what is missing, and the thyroid gland will enlarge. If you develop a goiter, you should take iodine supplements after consulting a specialist to suggest other personalized medical solutions.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_8

You should also keep in mind that Hashimoto's thyroiditis often causes goiter. It is an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people around the world, mainly women. Specifically, this disease causes inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland. As a result of Hashimoto's, the body tries to compensate by triggering thyroid growth and a host of different symptoms affecting joints, skin, hair, and other aspects. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2018.00737/full" target="_blank" data-ref="The Pathology of Hyperthyroidism" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_9

Hair loss and brittle nails - Hair and nails grow continuously. This is because a critical thyroid function is sending hormonal signals to trigger hair and nail growth. With hyperthyroidism, additional hormones tell your body to increase the growth of hair follicles and nails in a shorter time.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_10

Although it seems that rapid nail growth would be a positive side effect of thyroid dysfunction, this is not the case. This forced growth is happening too quickly. As a result, your body needs to use its natural resources, which can lead to thinner and brittle hair and nails.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_11

Sensitive skin or discoloration - Thyroid hormones also affect the health of your skin in different ways. For example, with hyperthyroidism, you may have itchy dry spots on the skin. Your face may feel softer and swollen. You may even notice swelling around your fingertips. Other symptoms include darkening of the skin, rashes and reddish spots.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_12

Disturbed sleep or insomnia - It is quite possible that you suffer from disturbed sleep in case of excessive levels of thyroid hormones. They make your body more active than usual. For example, hormonal changes can make the nervous system hyperactive. In addition, you may experience nervousness and anxiety due to thyroid problems that also affect sleep.

10-signs-of-hyperthyroidism_1_13

Changes in the menstrual cycle - Since hyperthyroidism determines accelerated metabolism, the menstrual cycle may become shorter or begin at different times.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism

10 signs of hypothyroidism 

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_0

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_1

Fatigue&nbsp; - First, when you develop hypothyroidism, your body produces fewer thyroid hormones, making it difficult to recover from everyday stress. As a result, you will start to feel tired more often. You may become slower and slower, you may have difficulty concentrating as mental fatigue or brain fog occurs. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=56c36d9c-f416-4176-b335-115f0af3d09f" target="_blank" data-ref="Hypothyroidism in Context: Where We&rsquo;ve Been and Where We&rsquo;re Going - Advances in Therapy" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;3]&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_2

Sensitivity to cold Hormones secreted by your thyroid gland also regulate body temperature. With fewer hormones, your body has difficulty warming up because your metabolism is slower.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_3

Constipation - While hyperthyroidism speeds up the digestive process, hypothyroidism slows it down. As a result of these delayed processes, constipation often occurs.&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_4

Dry and itchy skin - Just as overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to skin problems, a lack of these hormones also affects skin health. Skin tends to become dry, itchy and scaly, it may even wrinkle or become pale. These symptoms can also be caused by other skin diseases.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_5

Weight gain - Thyroid problems lead to a significant slowdown in metabolism. As a result, your body begins to burn less energy and therefore stores more fat. You may find it difficult to exercise because of the fatigue that comes with hypothyroidism.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_6

Muscle weakness - Without the stimulation of thyroid hormones, your muscles begin to lose their strength. They can even atrophy or become permanently relaxed.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_7

Muscle aches and cramps - Likewise, your muscles can become painful and low in function. In addition, with a slower metabolism, your body uses catabolism to generate energy. Catabolism is a process that breaks down muscles and other tissues, resulting in weakness, soreness, and possibly pain.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_8

Joint pain and edema - Catabolism also affects the joints, contributing to fatigue, pain, and even inflammation. In rheumatoid arthritis, for example, we are talking about an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and causes inflammation and pain. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673617307031" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;4]&nbsp;

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_9

Abundant or irregular menstrual cycle - Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism causes the menstrual cycle to become slower and heavier. Cycles can also become less frequent.

10-signs-of-hypothyroidism_2_10

Depression and brain fog - Among other things, with hyperfunction of SHJ, the nervous system slows down because the body can not use energy as efficiently. In combination with the feeling of fatigue, you can feel sluggish, experience mood swings and depression.

Think you may have a thyroid disorder and have any (or several) of the listed symptoms? Ask your doctor to check thyroid hormone levels, especially if you have a family history of Graves' disease, Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis, or another endocrine disorder. These symptoms may be related to other conditions, but if it is found that the cause is impaired thyroid function, measures can be taken in terms of diet, physical activity, filling nutritional deficiencies and taking medications to normalize the condition.

Symptoms of Hyperfunction and Hypofunction - Impaired Thyroid Function

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/ac1a8890-cfa2-45a4-b779-209c199e6e48_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

Understanding-high-free-T3

Understanding high free T3

Understanding-high-free-T3_0_0

Triiodothyronine (T3) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a crucial role in regulating your body's metabolism, temperature, and heart rate. Free T3 refers to the unbound form of the hormone that is freely circulating in your bloodstream and is readily available for use by your body's cells. High free T3 levels can be indicative of an overactive thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, or other underlying medical conditions.

Causes-of-high-free-T3

Causes of high free T3

Causes-of-high-free-T3_1_0

There are several possible reasons for elevated triiodothyronine levels, including:

Graves'-disease

Graves' disease

Graves'-disease_1_0

This autoimmune disorder is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to produce excessive amounts of T3 and T4 hormones.

Toxic-nodular-goiter

Toxic nodular goiter

Toxic-nodular-goiter_1_0

This condition occurs when non-cancerous nodules in the thyroid gland produce too much thyroid hormone, leading to high free T3 levels.

Thyroiditis

Thyroiditis_1_0

&nbsp;Inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause a temporary increase in thyroid hormone production, which may result in elevated T3 levels.

Excess-iodine-intake

Excess iodine intake

Excess-iodine-intake_1_0

Consuming large amounts of iodine, either through diet or supplements, can sometimes stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more T3 hormone.

Medications

Medications_1_0

Certain medications, such as amiodarone and lithium, can interfere with thyroid hormone production and lead to high free T3 levels.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Medications_1_1

Symptoms-of-high-free-T3

Symptoms of high free T3

Symptoms-of-high-free-T3_2_0

Elevated triiodothyronine levels can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Symptoms-of-high-free-T3_2_1

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rapid heartbeat or palpitations</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Weight loss despite increased appetite</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tremors, especially in the hands</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sweating and heat intolerance</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Insomnia or disturbed sleep</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Frequent bowel movements</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Fatigue and muscle weakness</li></ol>

Management-of-elevated-triiodothyronine-levels

Management of elevated triiodothyronine levels

Management-of-elevated-triiodothyronine-levels_3_0

If you suspect that you have high free T3 levels, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They will likely perform blood tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels and confirm the diagnosis. Once the cause of the elevated T3 is identified, your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Some common treatment options include:

Management-of-elevated-triiodothyronine-levels_3_1

<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Antithyroid Medications: These drugs, such as methimazole and propylthiouracil, help reduce the production of thyroid hormones.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Beta-Blockers: These medications can help alleviate symptoms like rapid heartbeat, tremors, and anxiety by blocking the effects of thyroid hormones on the body.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Radioactive Iodine: This treatment involves taking a capsule or liquid containing radioactive iodine, which damages the thyroid cells and reduces hormone production.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Surgery: In some cases, partial or total removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) may be recommended to manage high free T3 levels.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lifestyle Changes: Eating a well-balanced diet, managing stress, and getting regular exercise can help support overall thyroid health and hormone balance.</li></ol>

Possible-side-effects-of-medical-drugs-that-can-cause-high-free

Possible side effects of medical drugs that can cause high free 

Possible-side-effects-of-medical-drugs-that-can-cause-high-free_4_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Amiodarone: This medication, primarily used for treating irregular heartbeats, can increase T3 levels as a side effect. Potential side effects of amiodarone include lung toxicity, liver damage, and thyroid dysfunction (either hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism).</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lithium: Used to treat bipolar disorder, lithium can interfere with thyroid function, leading to elevated T3 levels. Side effects of lithium may include weight gain, hand tremors, increased thirst, and kidney problems.</li></ul>

Possible-side-effects-of-medical-drugs-that-can-cause-high-free_4_1

Herbal-and-Natural-Remedies-for-High-Free-T3

Herbal and Natural Remedies for High Free T3

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon-Balm-(Melissa-officinalis)_5_0

&nbsp;Lemon balm is known for its calming effects on the nervous system, which may help alleviate some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as anxiety and irritability. It also contains compounds that may help inhibit the production of thyroid hormones, thereby reducing high free T3 levels.

Bugleweed-(Lycopus-virginicus)

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)

Bugleweed-(Lycopus-virginicus)_5_0

Bugleweed has been traditionally used to treat hyperthyroidism, as it may help regulate thyroid hormone production. This herb is believed to work by reducing the levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which in turn decreases T3 and T4 hormone production.

Motherwort-(Leonurus-cardiaca)

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort-(Leonurus-cardiaca)_5_0

Motherwort may help alleviate some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat and palpitations, due to its soothing effect on the cardiovascular system. Additionally, it is known to have calming properties that may help with stress and anxiety associated with high free T3 levels.

Ashwagandha-(Withania-somnifera)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

High free T3 levels can significantly impact your health and well-being. Understanding the possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for managing this condition effectively. By making lifestyle changes, adopting a balanced diet, and considering natural treatments, you can support your thyroid health and maintain balanced hormone levels.