The tiny endocrine gland situated right below the Adam’s apple is known as the thyroid. The thyroid gland is capable of controlling the functioning of the body as the hormones it releases influences the growth and development of the human body, puberty, fertility, functioning of the organs, and metabolism. The thyroid gland uses iodine to make tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) which help to control and regulate the rate of metabolism of the human body. There are two kinds of thyroid disorder: hypothyroidism where the gland is underactive and metabolism becomes slow and hyperthyroidism, where hormone production goes into overdrive producing more than is necessary, thereby forcing the body to use energy faster than it should.
Thyroidism is symptomised by dry flaky skin, coarse hair, loss of hair in larger than usual amounts, trouble when swallowing, acute weight loss or gain, and problems with vision. Irritability of the eyes, tremors, mood swings, memory lapses, infertility, and irregular menstrual periods in women may also be experienced by people facing this condition. An enlarged thyroid or goitre as it is commonly called is a sign of thyroid disease, but may be the result of a variety of conditions, even cancer of the gland. This condition requires immediate medical attention and if treated properly the gland will shrink back to normal size. In most cases, the goitre (indicating either hypo or hyper thyroidism) is caused due to a deficiency of iodine and this can be remedied by using iodized salt while cooking, and by consuming seafood. While the medical treatment goes on you may pay attention to your diet by consuming food sources that are rich in organic iodine such as oats, whole rice, lettuce, turnips, carrots, egg yolk, water cress, garlic, onions, tomatoes, pineapples, strawberries, guavas, and other citrus fruits. If the thyroid production is more than necessary you can slow it down by an application of water cress to the gland and keeping it there for about 15-20 minutes. Apply the paste made out of flex seeds onto the enlarged area and wash off in half an hour. Extract the juice out of swamp cabbage and mix it with tea almonds and then apply to the affected area. You can also apply dandelion leaves over the swollen area to aid in getting it back to normal size. First smear the leaves of the dandelion, warm them till lukewarm, and apply onto the gland. Use a bandage or clean piece of cloth to keep it in place. Also make sure that you drink plenty of water to keep your body healthy and hydrated.