Thyroid

The Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the lower, front part of your neck near the trachea. It controls your metabolism and keeps your whole body functioning properly. The Thyroid is very light and appears larger in men than in women.

The main job of the Thyroid is to produce hormones to help the body make energy, keep body temperature regulated and assist other organs in their function. The Thyroid produces two major hormones: triiodothyronine and thyroxine commonly referred to as as T3 and T4. (The "3" and the "4" relate directly to the amount of iodine molecules which are used to create those hormones)

The Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that are able to absorb iodine. Iodine is a very vital mineral which is found in food.

Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism. Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.