More than 40% of U.S. adults may suffer from thyroid disorders. Some of the most common sources are family history, diet, x-rays, stress, and structural injuries.

Thyroid problems are startlingly common. According to Dr. Broda O. Barnes, "no less than 40 percent of the adult population of the United States suffers from an often hidden condition known as hypothyroidism." (1) Yet most people know very little about the causes of thyroid disorder and what may be done to prevent it. The following are some of the typical factors that can contribute to hyperactive or hypothyroid.

Family History of Thyroid Disorder

A family history of thyroid disease is a warning signal. Thyroid problems have a genetic factor, so if your aunt, mother, and great-uncle were all hypothyroid, it's a good idea to ask your doctor to monitor your thyroid hormone levels regularly. Basal temperature tests can also flag a thyroid issue, even if other tests come back normal.

A family history of depression, autoimmune disease, low immune system, chronic fatigue, or weight issues can also signify thyroid problems – any of these may be connected to thyroid disorders.

Radiation and X-Rays

Radiation and x-rays are known to cause damage to the thyroid, which is why x-ray technicians should always cover a patient's throat, as well as the reproductive organs, when administering x-rays.

Radioactive iodine is used medically to lower the function of a hyperactive thyroid, and radioactivity can have the same effect on a normal thyroid, shutting down or decreasing its function.

Thyroid Function and Diet

Certain foods have been shown to inhibit the effect of thyroid hormones on the body. These include vegetables from the Brassica family: kale, broccoli, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and mustard (the greens and the seeds or condiment).

Soy, wintergreen, turnips and walnuts may also be a problem to those vulnerable to low thyroid. Tobacco (although it's not part of anyone's "diet", per se) and sugar have also been shown to have a negative impact on thyroid health.

Because of the thyroid's connection to the immune system, people with allergies may find that the allergens to which their bodies react can affect thyroid health, as well.

Injuries and Structural Damage to the Thyroid

There is some evidence that injury to the neck, back and throat can have an impact on thyroid health. More the domain of chiropractors and subtle energy practitioners than medical doctors, injuries to the spine or the entire body can throw out structural alignment to the throat and the thyroid gland.

Injury to the thyroid can be the result of:

• car accident and/or whiplash
• sports-related accidents (riding, skiing, etc.)
• dental braces
• bad chiropractic adjustment
• surgery

These kinds of structural injury to the thyroid may also cause headaches and neck or back pain.

Stress, Feelings and the Thyroid

Stress is a factor in almost every type of disease, and it can affect the thyroid – especially if one or more of the above risk factors is already present.

In Ayurvedic and traditional Native American healing, the thyroid is linked through the human energy field to the throat or voice, so thyroid has to do with speaking up and feeling that our creativity and our contribution is heard and appreciated by others. It also relates to being true to oneself. Read more on the role of emotions in physical health.

Reference:

(1) Stephen E. Langer, M.D. and James F. Scheer, Solved: The Riddle of Illness, 3rd Ed., Keats Publishing, 2000.