Being hyperthyroid is a hormone-related condition that affects numerous functions throughout your body and can lead to serious complications. L-arginine, an amino acid, affects the risk of the developing the condition. Human adults can make L-arginine and can increase dietary intake from foods that contain the amino acid, such as beans, chocolate, dairy, eggs, fish, sesame seeds and whole grains. Consult your doctor about hyperthyroidism and arginine.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, also called an overactive thyroid, is a condition that occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine, also called T-4, a hormone that regulates growth and development, regulates body temperature, and regulates protein production and the amount of calcium in your blood. Hyperthyroidism is characterized by acceleration of your body's metabolism that can cause sudden weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased appetite, nervousness, irritability, excessive sweating and frequent bowel movements. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism causes complications that include heart disease, brittle bones, blurring, double vision, delirium, and red, swollen skin.
Arginine
L-arginine, also called arginine, is part of numerous proteins throughout your body. Arginine is also the precursor of nitric oxide and regulates the secretion of certain hormones, including insulin, glucagon and growth hormone. Nitric oxide is a gas that relaxes and widens your blood vessels to allow more blood flow. Arginine stimulates your immune system, enables your body to remove excess ammonia and assists in wound healing.
Arginine and Graves' Disease
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by your immune system producing antibodies that stimulate overproduction of thyroxine and causing hyperthyroidism. These antibodies mistakenly attack your thyroid gland and the tissues behind your eyes and skin of your lower legs. Scientists at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City have discovered that Graves’ disease is associated with a genetically influenced protein that contains arginine in a specific location that predisposes the individual to the autoimmune disorder, according to research published in "Genes Immunity" in May 2004.
Other Causes of Hyperthyroidism
Inflammation of the thyroid, called thyroiditis, and a hyperfunctioning thyroid nodule that causes adenoma are other causes of hyperthyroidism. Adenoma is a part of the thyroid gland that develops lumps that in turn cause the gland to enlarge. Arginine has anti-inflammatory properties and protects your body from adenomas. Although there has not been any clinical research specifically on arginine and adenomas with respect to hyperthyroidism, arginine may be effective against adenomas in the colon. Scientists at the First Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University in the People’s Republic of China found L-arginine suppresses the growth of colorectal adenoma, according to research published in "Clinical Cancer Research" in December 2007.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Hyperthyroidism; December 2010
- The Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning International; Proteins/Amino Acids; March 2011
- University of Southern California; How Nitric Oxide Maintains Health; Athan Bezaitis; February 2009
- "Genes Immunity"; Arginine at Position 74 of the Hla-Dr Beta1 Chain Is Associated With Graves' Disease; Y. Ban, et al.; May 2004
- "Clinical Cancer Research"; L-Arginine Reduces Cell Proliferation and Ornithine Decarboxylase Activity in Patients With Colorectal Adenoma and Adenocarcinoma; Qingyong Ma, et al.; December 2007
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