Explaining the Donguibogam concept of internal heat depleting body fluids from the perspective of modern medicine points to a high probability of an issue with the thyroid gland, the core organ regulating our energy metabolism. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the front of the neck that secretes thyroid hormone, primarily triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones act as an accelerator regulating our metabolic rate. They broadly influence heart rate, body temperature, energy expenditure, and even nervous system function.
Hyperthyroidism refers to a state where the thyroid gland is excessively activated and produces too much thyroid hormone. It is like pressing the car accelerator too hard, causing the engine to overheat. When the metabolic rate begins to run faster than necessary, our body constantly burns energy. As a result, the following symptoms appear.
First is heat sensation and thirst. When metabolism accelerates, internal heat production rises rapidly. Hence, you alone feel hot when others feel cold, and even slight movement leads to sweat pouring down like rain. When the body sweats heavily to cool excessive heat, leading to significant fluid loss, thirst naturally intensifies. Continuing to feel thirsty despite drinking water occurs because bodily fluids are lost faster than the hydration rate the body requires.
Second is extreme fatigue. Because the body runs at high speed without pause, it excessively consumes energy, much like a marathon runner who never rests. Systems including the brain, muscles, and organs become exhausted, bringing on chronic fatigue and lethargy that do not resolve even with ample rest.
Third is weight loss. Because energy is constantly burned, weight loss occurs no matter how well you eat. This happens because the energy consumed by the body exceeds the energy gained from food intake. It is also a signal that the body cannot properly store nutrients and is becoming depleted.
In addition, excessive secretion of thyroid hormone can induce diverse symptoms such as palpitations due to increased heart rate, hand tremors, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, and in severe cases, exophthalmos where the eyes protrude. The most common cause is the autoimmune disease known as Graves' disease, where the immune system attacks one's own thyroid gland and triggers hormone oversecretion. If these symptoms persist, do not consider them mere fatigue or thirst; it is crucial to consult a specialist and undergo a thyroid function test. When discovered early and properly managed, it is a condition from which you can sufficiently recover. You can rest assured.
