Functional Tests
THYROID PANEL
Our immune system, under certain conditions, may form antibodies and attack our thyroid gland tissue. The autoimmune state may follow an infection, trauma, or have no apparent reason. About 10% of the normal US adult population have an undetected autoimmune thyroid disease which can be detected by this saliva test.
The thyroid has hormones that exert multiple effects summarized in part below:
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Metabolic Rate:
Thyroid hormones are known to increase the metabolic rate to help provide an optimal body temperature.
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2.
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Carbohydrate Metabolism:
Thyroid hormones stimulate all the aspects of carbohydrate processing in the body, from increased rate of absorption to more insulin secretion.
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Fat Metabolism:
Thyroid hormones mobilize fat from fat tissue and stimulate its burning. This causes the person to lose fat. For this reason hyperthyroid causes wasting of the body.
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4.
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Effect on Vitamins:
An increase in thyroid activity leads to rapid utilization of vitamins and coenzymes. This may lead to relative vitamin deficiencies. Supplemental vitamins are usually recommended for hyperthyroid individuals.
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