The health question box

Measures for Stimulating the Thyroid Gland Q. How can the thyroid gland be stim­ulated? A. By cold baths, massage of the thyroid gland, applications of electricity and local light baths of chief importance, however, in the adop­ tion of a diet which will tax the thyroid as little as possible . T h is r eq u ire s a strict anti-toxic diet and highl y la xa ti ve d i et. The bow e ls should be made to move fully three or four times a day.

Functions of the Thyroid Gland Q. What are the functions of the thyroid gland. A. The thyroid gland is a so-called antitoxic gland. This is, its duty is to supply a secretion which aids in the destruction of poisons, especially the poisons which are absorbed from the intestines. The thyroid gland also regulates the functions of the skin and has a very important relation to nutrition in general. Mental develop­ment and growth appear to be influenced in a very important way by it. When this gland is deficient in children, cretinism appears.

The Thyroid Gland as a Remedy Q. In what cases is the use of dried thyroid g land indicated? A. Persons whose thyroid glands are inac­tive-the condition of so-called hypothyroidism, are benefit e d b y the use of dried th y roid gland. (Sheep ' s thyro i d). There are numerous indi­cations of this condition, among which are dry­ness of the skin, pigmentation and atrophy of the skin, and falling of the hair with other s y mp­toms. It is important, however, to note that w hen t akin g d ri e d th yro id a thorou g hl y anti-toxic diet must be a d op t e d, that is, me a ts mu s t be entirely discarded, while milk should be taken only in the form of buttermilk, and in some cases even but­termilk must be avoided. Eggs must also be omitted fro m the dietary. Fresh v egetables and especiall y un coo k e d fruits and ve g etables should be freel y u sed . Tonic baths, a n o utdoor life and free water drinking are other measures important in such a case.