Hypothyroidism and Low Metabolism in the Body

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, located at the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple, reduces production of the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine is responsible for balancing the bodily processes and metabolism. A lower level of thyroxine (also spelled thyroxin) means the body’s metabolism is reduced or lowered.

According to Encarta Dictionaries, the word “metabolism” has two meanings:

1. Life-sustaining chemical activity: the series of processes by which food is converted into the energy and products needed to sustain life.
2. Chemical activity involving a particular substance: the biochemical activity of a particular substance in a living organism

It is clear that the metabolic processes in the body are what converts food to energy.

A decrease in thyroxine levels in the body results in muscle loss. Because the metabolic activities are mainly carried out in the muscles, it becomes harder for the body to process foods at a normal rate. Therefore, body metabolism is reduced, and consequently, strength and energy.

Unfortunately, many people who have hypothyroidism think they have symptoms of stress. They think that rest and reducing stressful activities will handle the problem.  Then they discover that even with adequate rest, they seem to get worse. By that time the hypothyroidism is far progressed. Recent estimates have shown that over 5 million people in the United States alone are victims of this ailment. Over 10 percent of women in the United States suffer from one form or another of hypothyroidism.

Fortunately, it can easily be treated with supplements that nourish the thyroid and rehabilitate its functions.



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