Health Check:

5 Signs your thyroid may be out of whack

That little butterfly-shaped gland in your neck known as the thyroid can have a significant impact on many bodily functions. An estimated 30 million Americans are said to have a thyroid disorder, and as many as one in three women who are over 35 may be suffering from thyroid problems, according to some estimates.

The thyroid produces a hormone that helps to regulate your heartbeat, body temperature, metabolism and other functions. Whether its underactive or overactive, you may start to notice negative effects.

There are many things that can cause the thyroid to get out of whack, including pregnancy, genetics, stress, toxins and nutritional deficiencies - there is no one definitive answer, and because thyroid hormones can affect practically every area of the body, diagnosing a disorder isn't always easy.

Here is a look at some of the signs of a thyroid problem:

Extreme fatigue: If you're always tired, even after sleeping 8 to 10 hours a night, it's a common sign that your thyroid hormone levels are low. Of course, fatigue and low energy is associated with many conditions, but if you don't have enough TH (thyroid hormone) flowing through your body, your muscles aren't receiving a signal to get up and get moving.

Brain fog: If it feels as though you're walking around in a fog all day, or you're having difficulty focusing, or forgetting things frequently, it could be that your thyroid is out of whack. Too much TH can make it hard to concentrate, while too little can cause memory problems.

Digestive issues: Those with hypothyroidism often complain of constipation as it can cause the digestive process to slow. An overactive thyroid gland can cause the opposite problem, such as diarrhoea or more frequent bowel movements.

Mood problems: Mood swings, anxiety or depression can develop in those with thyroid disorders. Anxiety and nervousness are linked to hyperthyroidism because the body is flooded constantly with a message to "go, go, go." Weight gain or loss: Putting on a few pounds can be caused by many different things, so few physicians will consider weight gain as a symptom of a thyroid problem.

But if you aren't eating any more than usual and you exercise regularly and still can't seem to lose those extra pounds, it could very well be an underactive thyroid. On the other hand, a sudden loss of weight without really trying could be a symptom of hyperthyroidism.

If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, you should see your healthcare provider, but there are a number of things you can do to naturally correct thyroid function as well.

Switch from iodized table salt to sea salt as it has more minerals that help support better thyroid functioning.

Follow a gluten-free diet, which has also been shown to improve thyroid function. Research has found a link between wheat allergies and thyroid disease. Practice stress reduction techniques such as meditation or deep-breathing. Chronic stress is said to be one of the main triggers of hypothyroidism. Avoid chemicals like Triclosan, which is commonly found in items like antibacterial soap, deodorant, lotions and even in cutting boards.

Supplement with probiotics as good thyroid functioning depends on a supply of healthy gut bacteria.

Follow an anti-inflammatory diet by eliminating processed foods and eating as many whole, organic foods as possible.

Take a high quality multivitamin and make sure you're getting enough iodine, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, zinc and copper.

A thyroid disorder can be very detrimental to your quality of life - if you suspect a problem, don't ignore it!

The Alternative Daily

CPLF sets up new Dream Centre

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is life lasting developmental disorders which hampers mobility and impedes speech. But there is new hope for CP sufferers with the Cerebral Palsy Lanka Foundation (CPLF), a non-profit organization set up primarily to assist persons affected by CP and other developmental disorders in Sri Lanka, opening their third Dream Centre in the country.

Established by chairman of the Foundation, Dr Gopi Kitnasamy the 'Dream Centre' is a first of a kind resource and rehabilitation centre that provides educational and therapeutic services exclusively for children with Cerebral Palsy.

With two Centres set up in Wattala and Moratuwa, the new Dream Centre is being set up in Battaramulla and will come into operation on September 1, 2015. "It will operate as a resource for children with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down Syndrome and other developmental disorders. We will be provide educational and therapeutic (Physio, Speech and Language, Occupational therapy) services as well as Sensory Integration therapy and Neuro Developmental therapy," says Dr Kitnasamy.

Explaining how CP affects children, he says, "Children born with developmental disorders (Cerebral Palsy, Autsim and Down syndrome) may display an abnormal degree of sensory processing, whether decreased or increased. Sensory Integrative Dysfunction (SID) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) makes a child appear clumsy when he or she walks. Often fine motor skills are affected. Sensory dysfunction can also cause over-sensitivities or under-sensitivities that lead to mental and physical distraction or fatigue. SID can also cause problems with sight, hearing, and balance."

So how do the different types of therapy available at the Resource Centre help such children?

"Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) is a process by which children build and strengthen the connections within the brain that most young people develop through childhood experiences. Therapy is designed to help children interpret sensory input, understand its relevance, and respond - especially to external stimuli that are often beyond their control. The benefits of Sensory Integration Therapy (SIT) are numerous, and far-reaching," he says, explaining that the benefits of therapy are often physical, but also psychological."

The physical benefits of therapy include:

Hand-eye coordination, improved motor-planning, gravitational security, posture, balance responsivity (over responsivity and under responsivity), improved sleep cycles, and language development.

The psychological benefits of therapy include improvements in socialization, procrastination, moodiness, restlessness, emotional outbursts and frustration Confidence, Attention. "Physical therapy such as swinging, jumping, spinning and rocking are important to children not only for fun and exercise but also to help their bodies organize and to regulate their sensory systems," Dr Kitnasamy points out.

For further information on admission and care contact CPLF on 0714342247 or 0777592382 or visit their website www.cplanka.org  /www.cplanka.lk