101 Amazing Uses for Aloe Vera by Susan Branson

Author:Susan Branson
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781641702812
Publisher: Familius
Published: 2020-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

54. THYROID FAILURE, MILD

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland near the base of the throat just below the Adam’s apple. The gland produces hormones that regulate the body’s growth and development including body temperature, strength, weight, and mood, which basically control the way energy is used in the body. If the thyroid doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones, mainly triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), then it cannot maintain tight control over its many functions. This can result in a long list of symptoms including fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, muscle weakness, slowed heart rate, puffy face, and depression. Sometimes, thyroid dysfunction is mild as in the case of subclinical hypothyroidism. In such cases, thyroid hormone levels may be normal, but another important hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is elevated. This hormone is made by the pituitary gland, and the output is dependent on the levels of T3 and T4. When these levels are low (as in hypothyroidism), more TSH is secreted to stimulate the thyroid to put out more T3 and T4. Those with mild thyroid failure may require treatment with the hormone levothyroxine. Temporary hair loss may occur with this medication. This hormone should not be over-replaced as it can lead to irregular heartbeat, mood changes, and shortness of breath. These are just a few of the possible side effects.

Each year, only a low percentage of patients with mild thyroid failure progress to hypothyroidism. If not corrected by medication (and many times the risks outweigh the benefits), the thyroid doesn’t operate at full capacity, and the body suffers. Aloe vera has been studied as a potential product to improve thyroid function in this patient population. Thirty women with subclinical hypothyroidism who were not treated with levothyroxine took aloe vera juice each day for nine months. Levels of TSH decreased significantly, as did thyroid peroxidase antibodies, which attack thyroid cells, causing inflammation. Aloe also improved the function of thyroid cells that produce and secrete T3 and T4 and decreased the need of the body to convert T4 (mostly inactive form) to T3 (active form).82 Aloe appears to help restore thyroid function in mild cases of subclinical hypothyroidism by daily ingestion of its juice.

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