By Zenab Ishtay, Aromatherapist and Cosmetologist
Many of the most important functions of the body are controlled by the endocrine system, which consists of glands that secrete various hormones into the bloodstream.
Hormones act as “chemicals messengers” targeting and regulating specific cells and tissues to alter their activity and keep the body’s system in balance.
Iodine and the thyroid gland
Today, we are going to talk about the thyroid gland which is part of the endocrine system. This gland, produces hormones, secreted in the blood and transferred to different part of the body. These hormones regulate the body’s metabolic rate controlling heart, muscle and digestive function, brain development and bone maintenance. The correct functioning of the thyroid depends on a good supply of iodine from the diet. Cells producing thyroid hormones are very specialised in extracting and absorbing iodine from the blood and incorporating it into the thyroid hormones.
The thyroid is found in the neck in front of the larynx and trachea. It consists of two lobes.
The thyroid gland produces 2 hormones; T3 and T4; both regulate growth and development, as well as influences mental, physical and metabolic activities. The thyroid gland also secretes the hormone calcitonin, which controls the level of calcium in the blood. The body will increase its demand for more thyroid hormones at various times, such as during the menstrual cycle, puberty and pregnancy.
Thyroid hormones and bodily functions
Our thyroid affects the following bodily functions:
How your body uses energy (metabolism)
Heart rate
Breathing
Digestion
Body temperature
Brain development
Mental activity
Skin and bone maintenance
Fertility
So, how can
aromatherapy help?
Some of the common problems of people who suffer from thyroid issues are an overactive thyroid, (Hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism), a condition where your body doesn’t produce enough
thyroid hormones.
Some essential oils contain plant hormones known as phytohormones, which are similar in action to our own and act in the body in a similar manner, reinforcing or replacing the human hormones when needed.
But we have to take into consideration many factors before we start taking any essential oils as hormone replacement, and of course consult your doctor before taking any action. In many cases, essential oils can only help reduce symptoms and give a better quality of life.
Essential oils can’t substitute for the thyroid hormone, but they can help with some symptoms. Here’s how…
Be sure to be in tune with your body to understand and try to deal with your internal physical functions. Your diet is very important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The principal ingredient we have to keep in mind when we think about the thyroid is iodine. Eating seafood and using iodised salt are all essential to keep our thyroid functioning properly.
You can contact Zenab Ishtay at [email protected]
