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My thyroid is a small bowtie or butterfly-shaped gland, located in my neck, wrapped around the windpipe, behind and below the Adam's apple area. The thyroid produces several hormones. These hormones help oxygen get into cells, and make my thyroid the most master gland of metabolism. When you suffer from a thyroid disorder, your thyroid glands swell up. During a physical the doctor will feel on different parts of your neck. If the glands appear to be swollen by touch, you will be given a blood test in which your thyroid levels will be tested. In my case, I was tested and diagnosed with Hypothyroidism; more specifically, Hashimoto’s disease. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to the development of thyroid problems: • Exposure to radiation, such as occurred after the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident • Over consumption of isoflavone-intensive soy products, such as soy protein, soy capsules, soy powders • Some drugs, such as lithium and the heart drug cordarone, can cause hypothyroidism. • An over consumption or shortage of iodine in the diet can also trigger some thyroid problems. (This also applies to iodine-containing supplements, such as kelp and bladder wrack.) • Radiation treatmen