Understanding The Endocrine System – Parathyroid
The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands, located in the neck, that control the body's calcium levels. Each gland is about the size of a grain of rice (weighs approximately 30 milligrams and is 3-4 millimeters in diameter). The parathyroids produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH raises the blood calcium level by:
Breaking down the bone (where most of the body's calcium is stored) and causing calcium release
Increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium from food
Increasing the kidney's ability to hold on to calcium that would otherwise be lost in the urine
Normal parathyroid glands work like the thermostat in your home to keep blood calcium levels in a very tightly controlled range. When the blood calcium level is too low, PTH is released to bring the calcium level back up to normal. When the calcium level is normal or gets a little too high, normal parathyroids will stop releasing PTH. Proper calcium balance is crucial to the normal functioning of the heart, nervous system, kidneys, and bones.
Basic Responsibilities:
Calcium absorption and utilization
Connective tissue maintenance
Symptoms of Parathyroid Weakness:
HYPO-Parathyroid:
Muscle aches or cramps
Tingling, burning, or numbness in the fingertips, toes, and lips
Muscle spasms, especially around the mouth
Patchy hair loss
Dry skin
Brittle nails
Fatigue
Depression
Anxiety
HYPER-Parathyroid:
Kidney stones due to increased calcium
Bone spurs
Arthritis
Frequent urination
Abdominal (stomach) pain
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion and personality changes
Impaired memory
Constipation
Lifestyle Factors:
Exercise is important for metabolism and body temperature as well. If you have low thyroid function, it is even more crucial to make exercise part of your daily life.
Avoid toxins. Radiation, chemotherapy, x-rays, heavy metals, nuclear fallout, and all man-made chemicals damage the thyroid gland. The thyroid protects us and is often the gland to suffer when toxicity is an issue.
High estrogen causes thyroid imbalance so avoid hormones in meat/dairy products, soy products, and synthetic estrogens found in make-up, plastics, herbicides, and pesticides.
Remove mercury or "silver" fillings. Heavy metals leak down into the thyroid and cause damage
Avoid tap water. Chlorine and fluoride are very dangerous to thyroid function. Question any dentist who still believes fluoride is good for your teeth.
Get grounded, get outside barefoot, connect to the earth, connect to God and heal your thyroid!
Nutrition Factors:
Avoid all soy (estrogenic and damaging to thyroid function)
Avoid grains and complex sugars. Grains especially, such as those with gluten, are hard to digest and can lead to auto-immune conditions such as Hashimoto's
Mineral-rich foods heal the thyroid such as seaweeds, sea vegetables, nuts and seeds
Healthy fats such as coconut, avocado, olives are also beneficial
Herbs & Supplements for the Parathyroid:
Synergy - Bone Renewal: Used for years for bone health and natural plant-based calcium
Ojio - Living Silica: Silica is crucial for bone health as well
Learn About Other Glands in the Endocrine System:
If you think you might have hormone imbalance, then take our free hormone assessment and we'll send you the results plus a free 29-day hormone balancing guide.