The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the base of the neck. Itβs in charge of releasing essential thyroid hormones which control the bodyβs metabolism, the way the body uses energy. The thyroid glandβs hormones regulate vital body functions, such as breathing, heart rate, central and peripheral nervous systems, body temperature and more.
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As essential as the thyroid gland is, however, the bodyβs own immune system can sometimes malfunction and attack this important endocrine organ, ultimately affecting its function. Autoimmune thyroid diseases, like Hashimotoβs thyroid disease and Gravesβ disease, have been on the rise in the United States. While the diagnosis of thyroid disease has increased, many doctors still donβt know the cause of the issue, but these have been linked to several factors.
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A number of environmental factors have been associated with the development and growthΒ of autoimmune thyroid disease in individuals, including iodine intake and selenium deficiency as well as pollutants like tobacco smoke, infectious diseases, particular medications, and physical and emotional stress. Herein, we focus on the causes that are preventable. Itβs also suggested that, in addition to genetics, some variables can also be important to the development of AITDs, such as growth spurts in childhood, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, aging, and sex.
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Dietary iodine plays a significant part in the presence of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Epidemiological studies have indicated that increases in AITDs occur in parallel with increases in the consumption of dietary iodine and that AITDs are common in areas of iodine sufficiency than of deficiency. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is common in countries with a low iodine intake, according to research statistics.
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The thyroid gland requires the right amount of iodine in order to perform itβs everyday functions. Thyroid issues are caused by either too much or too little iodine intake. Decreased levels of iodine brings the adaptive immune mechanisms of the thyroid into action, but despite this natural solution, iodine deficiency disorders may result. Too much iodine can also affect the thyroid. Immune mechanisms of the thyroid associated with increased levels of iodine include diminished trapping of iodide by the thyroid gland and iodide organification. In experimental thyroid disease studies, Tg epitopes were discovered, including some containing conformational epitopes as well as some iodine and hormones.Β Increasing the iodination of Tg makes the protein more antigenic Optimally, the iodine intake of a population should be kept inside a relatively narrow interval that prevents iodine ailments, but avoid it being too high.
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The mechanism of action of iodine intake in contributing to autoimmune thyroid disease isnβt apparent. Iodine may stimulate B lymphocytes to increase the creation of immunoglobulin and so induce AITDs by enhancing the activity of lymphocytes which have been primed by thyroid-specific antigens. Iodine may enhance the antigen-presenting capacities of macrophages, resulting in enhanced lymphocyte stimulation and increased activity. Additionally, a high iodine intake increases the content of the Tg molecule. Lastly, iodine may cause issues by turning normal thyrocytes that are genetically predisposed to thyroid follicular cells to become APCs and thus potentiate AITDs.
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The next factor which plays a significant part in the presence as well as the progression of autoimmune thyroid disease is the trace component selenium, or Se. Selenium is a constituent of selenoproteins (SePs), in which it is incorporated as selenocysteine. Relevant actions of Se and SePs consist of antioxidant effects, proper operation of the immune system, antiviral effects, influence on fertility, and a beneficial effect on disposition.
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Selenium deficiency is considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease by lengthening the duration and exacerbating the severity of the illness; these effects might occur via activity of this SeP glutathione peroxidase, which leads to an alteration of hydrogen peroxide within the body. Another class of SePs are the selenodeiodonases D1 and D2, that are accountable for producing exceptionally T3 through 5 -deiodination in extrathyroidal tissues. Deficiencies and combined Se contribute to cretinism. Adequate Se nutrition protects the thyroid gland from harm from excess iodine exposure and supports metabolism and effi-cient thyroid hormone synthesis. In areas having acute combined de-ficiencies of Se and potassium, it is compulsory to normalize the Se supply before the initiation of supplementa-tion that is potassium to prevent hypothyroidism.
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In celiac disease, the inability to absorb Se may modu-late SeP gene expression and promote intestinal mucosal damage, and this deficiency could additionally predis-pose to complications such as AITDs. Derumeaux et al. found that between selenium status and thyroid gland as well as echo-structure in adults and reasoned that Se may protect against autoimmune thyroid disease. Duntas et al. found effects when treating patients with autoimmune thyroid disease for 6 weeks because of its ability using selenomethionine. In the category treated with LT4 together with Se, these effects were prominent after 6 months of therapy. A majority of the patients reported an improvement in well-being.
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The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .Β
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By Dr. Alex Jimenez
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Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
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The information on this blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.comΒ site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Β Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
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Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies that are available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
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Texas RN License # 1191402Β
ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
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