Location: It is a butterfly-shaped, two-part gland that rests
that stimulates the metabolism (or activity) of your many body cells
against the front of your windpipe. It releases thyroxin, a hormone
Hormone Function: Thyroxin determines the rate at which
thyroxin (hyperthyroidism) accelerates metabolism; too little
your body burns up its foodstuffs and consumes oxygen. Too much
loss or excessive weight gain. In some situations, an erratic thy-
(hypothyroidism) slows it down. This can cause excessive weight
roxin release may cause rapid beating of the heart and pulse, fast
breathing, development of goiter, eye bulging and extreme nervous-
ness. The rate at which thyroxin is released is determined by the
availability of enzymes in your system.
Enzyme Control Program. Enzymes need an essential trace
mineral (so-called because its requirements are minute but its de-
ficiency can cause serious upheavals) called iodine. Enzymes will
use this mineral to control the cellular oxidation rate of thyroxin.
Even the smallest shortage of iodine can cause disturbances. But
even more important is that the weakness of enzymes can render
adequate amounts of iodine insufficient. Therefore, you may have
adequate iodine but weak or inadequate enzymes cannot distribute
that iodine to your thyroid gland. A general guideline could be:
enzymes first and iodine second for total thyroid health.
Thyroid Nourishing Tonic. You can wake up your sluggish
thyroid with this delicious and easily prepared tonic. To one glass
of tomato-celery juice add one-quarter teaspoon of kelp powder
(made from seaweed, available in all health stores) and stir vigor- ously. Drink one glass of this Thyroid Nourishing Tonic just once a
the essential iodine and use it to invigorate your thyroid. You’ll
week. That’s all. Immediately, your metabolic processes will seize
start to look and feel better in minutes.