Are you aware of the important role that your thyroid plays in your overall health?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of your neck just below the Adam’s apple. Although small in size, it is responsible for producing hormones that help regulate metabolism; and it affects the function of many other important organs including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Thyroid disease affects approximately 200 million people worldwide, and it remains undiagnosed in far too many. 

Be Aware:
• Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid and hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid.
• Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heart palpitations, heat intolerance, weight loss, anxiety and insomnia.
• Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, hair loss, sensitivity to cold, constipation, poor memory, muscle weakness, and persistent fatigue. 

• Goiter is an additional thyroid condition that causes a visibly enlarged thyroid gland that may impact swallowing or breathing.
Many symptoms of a thyroid imbalance may be difficult to recognize and can often mimic other conditions. 

Making sure that your thyroid gland is healthy is important to your body’s overall health and well-being. If you’re having symptoms that you think may be related to a thyroid condition call your doctor get it checked!!

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Article provided by USANA Education and Science Department

Multivitamin/Mineral Supplementation May improve Aspects of Brain Function in Healthy Children

It is well known that adequate levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential for optimal neural functioning. A significant percentage of individuals, including children, suffer from deficiencies in one or more vitamins or minerals.  

This study investigated whether daily supplementation with multivitamins could alter cognitive performance and mood in healthy children.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 81 healthy children aged 8-14. The children were reportedly all healthy and free from food allergies. None of the children used other dietary supplements during the three months prior to the study. Participants were randomly assigned to daily multivitamin and mineral supplements or placebo for 12 weeks.

The children underwent laboratory assessments of their cognitive performance and mood pre-dose and at 1 and 3 h post-dose on the first and last days of the trial. Assessments were also completed at home after 4 and 8 weeks at 3 hours post-dose. Cognitive performance was measured using a battery of laboratory assessments, which included tasks assessing mood and the speed and accuracy of attention and aspects of memory. 

The children in the vitamin/mineral group performed more accurately on two tests of attention. No effects were observed on measures of the children’s mood.

Although the results of this study require further investigation, it suggests that vitamin/mineral supplementation has the potential to improve brain function in healthy children.

Haskell CF et al. Cognitive and mood effects in healthy children during 12 weeks’ supplementation with multi-vitamin/minerals.  Br J Nutr 2008 Nov;100(5):1086-96.

Article provided by www.askthescientists.info