Halides are a family of chemicals that are very closely related. The group includes iodine, fluoride, chlorine, perchlorate and bromine. Apart from iodine the halide chemicals are detrimental to the body even in small quantities. Read more…

The physical postures at the heart of regular yoga practice can have broad physical and and emotional benefits.

There are different forms of yoga so it’s a good idea to find a yoga style that suits you. A yoga session should leave you feeling energised, not exhausted. This is particularly important when you have a thyroid disorder. In fact I recommend gentle yoga styles to aid thyroid health. Read more…

Soy foods and foods containing soy ingredients are best avoided when you have a thyroid disorder as they are goitrogenic, which means they will inhibit thyroid activity. There are also other serious health and environmental issues to consider with soy. Read more…

Have you been told you have ‘normal’ thyroid levels?

A healthy thyroid produces adequate amounts of two key thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Under normal conditions T4 readily converts to T3 as the body needs it.

The thyroid condition known as reverse T3 dominance develops when far greater quantities of T4 are converted to an inactive form of T3 known as ‘reverse T3′. This leads to many of the symptoms of an under active thyroid. Read more…

Iodine is an essential component of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid therefore selectively concentrates iodine in amounts required for healthy production of thyroid hormones. In Australia guidelines state the recommended daily dose of iodine from nutritional supplements must not exceed 300μg/day. Read more…

The parathyroid glands are part of the body’s complex hormone system. These four pea sized glands are attached to the rear of the thyroid. ‘Para’ means near which explains the name given to these glands. Although the parathyroid and thyroid glands have similar names each produces different hormones, each with their own specific functions. The primary role of the parathyroid glands is to tightly regulate calcium levels within the body. Optimal calcium activity supports a healthy nervous system and strong bones. A check of parathyroid health is normally done by measuring the balance of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels within the blood.

It’s Thyroid Awareness Week 1- 7 June 2012. With thyroid disease now affecting 1 in 7 Australians it’s becoming even more vital to highlight the importance of optimal thyroid health. If you think you may have a thyroid problem speak to your healthcare practitioner. Your symptoms can be assessed along with..Read more.