NAIROBI: The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped organ located at the front of the neck. Although it is small, it is a major gland that affects nearly every organ in the body and performs many vital functions including regulating body temperature, respiration, carbohydrate metabolism, brain development, the nervous system, skin integrity, menstrual cycle among others.

Disorders of the thyroid include hypothyroidism or an under-active thyroid and hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is caused by iodine deficiency or by an autoimmune response by the body against the thyroid itself. In hypothyroidism, thyroid hormones are deficient and thus not able to function properly, causing effects such as weight gain due to slowed down metabolism, fatigue, cold limbs, dry skin and hair.

In fact, hypothyroidism is said to be a major contributor of weight issues in the world. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is very active and releases too much of the thyroid hormones, causing weight loss, high blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat.

There are nutrients that are known to promote proper thyroid function and lack of or excess of these can result to thyroid dysfunction.

Iodine is a very important nutrient for thyroid function. With this nutrient is lacking in the body, it results in iodine deficiency disorders, which range from goiter, growth retardation and cretinism (severely stunted physical and mental growth). The universal salt iodisation law helped to reduce these cases in some countries, however in some, it is still a major problem. Sources of iodine include iodised table salt, fish, dairy and grains.

Vitamin B12 is another essential nutrient for thyroid function and one can find it in organ meat, dairy products, mollusks, sardines and salmon.

It is important to cook vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower as they contain goitrogens, which interfere with the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Cooking destroys these compounds.

Because of the all important function it plays in the body, having your thyroid checked regularly is vital.