Thyroid Issues, Goiters, and CBD
The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including body temperature, moods, and digestion. If the thyroid isn’t working correctly, it may increase in size, resulting in a goiter. Initial studies show that CBD may inhibit tumor growth on the thyroid. In addition, CBD is known to treat many goiter symptoms.
What causes goiter?
There are three main reasons for an enlarged thyroid.
• Both an overproduction (hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease) and underproduction (hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease) of thyroid hormones will cause the gland to swell.
• The production of the thyroid hormones requires iodine, so a deficiency will cause the gland to grow to draw in more iodine. Some countries add iodine to table salt to prevent iodine deficiencies in their population.
• Any combination of having a family history of autoimmune diseases or being over 40 years old, female, or pregnant.
What are the symptoms of goiter?
In addition to the thyroid swelling, a goiter can lead to tightness in the throat, dizziness, shortness of breath, coughing, a scratchy throat, and difficulty swallowing. The cause of the problem could cause additional symptoms. Hyperthyroidism may result in a rapid pulse, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, and shaking. Hypothyroidism may lead to fatigue, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, and in females, menstrual changes.
What can CBD do to help treat goiters?
There is not enough conclusive research on how CBD might promote thyroid health, but initial studies show that CBD may inhibit tumor growth on the thyroid. In addition, CBD is known to treat many goiter symptoms, including nausea, dry skin, or the general malaise that may come after a medical diagnosis.
As research into CBD and its effect on the thyroid and hormone production continues, additional therapeutics may be discovered. Patients should speak with their doctors before starting any CBD products to address goiter symptoms to determine if they complement the other medications used for treatment.
