Parathyroid - Thyroid Supplements

I. What is it?

The parathyroid glands are small glands in the endocrine system lying near the thyroid gland in the neck area. There are four parathyroid glands that are normally having the size of a single rice grain. In some normal cases, they can be as big as the size of a pea.

The parathyroid gland acts as a controller as it controls calcium levels in the body. This means that this endocrine gland controls how much calcium can be absorbed in the bones and how much calcium are released in the bloodstream.  It should be understood that calcium is one important element needed by the body for its function. With this, calcium needs to be regulated carefully and parathyroid gland is responsible for it.

II. How it works?

The parathyroid gland can perform its function, which is regulating the amount of calcium in the body, by secreting one important hormone called the parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. When the body’s calcium level is low, the parathyroid releases more hormones. On the other hand, when there is a high level of calcium, the parathyroid decreases the amount of hormones to be secreted.

However, one should understand that as soon as the parathyroid releases its parathyroid hormones, the bones in the body also tend to release some of its calcium content. With this, too much parathyroid activity in a long time can led to some major bone problems like weakening of the bones and osteoporosis.

III. Hyperparathyroidism and its symptoms

One condition that affects the parathyroid’s functions is the hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder where one or more of the parathyroid glands develops into a tumour and in effect causes abnormalities by releasing excessive parathyroid hormones regardless of the calcium level. With this, the affected parathyroid gland is aid to lose its inhibitions and controls.

Some symptoms of this disorder include loss of energy in doing usual routine, los of concentration, onset of osteoporosis and swelling of the bones, difficultly in sleeping, gastric problems, kidney stones and high blood pressure.

IV. The remedy

There are available conventional methods that may address one’s problem in hyperparathyroidism. Some of which are drug therapy, radioactive iodine therapy and even surgery. However, one should also take into account the importance of healthy eating to prevent the onset of these diseases.

One should monitor one’s calcium and vitamin D intake. This will somehow help replenish the body’s supply of calcium, causing the parathyroid to stop releasing its hormone. Food like dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, beans, almonds can be eaten. More importantly, consult a physician for professional advice about parathyroid and its diseases.