Thyroid disorder

What is Thyroid?

Thyroid is a large ductless gland in the neck which secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism. A thyroid disease is a medical condition impairing the function of the thyroid. These diseases have a no. of symptoms and affect all ages. The thyroid has important roles to regulate numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. 

Your thyroid is a small gland at the base of neck that makes thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone controls many activities in your body, including how fast you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. Diseases of the thyroid cause it to make either too much or too little of the hormone. 

 In general, these disorders are more common in women than men. A deficiency in thyroid hormone has effects on growth and development, on intermediary metabolism, on central nervous system development and function, cardiovascular, skeletal, gastrointestinal and reproductive system activity.

Causes of thyroid:

      1.    Toxic adenomas:

 Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance. Some goitres may contain several of these nodules.

     2.    Hypothyroidism:

This condition occurs when the immune system produces an antibody that stimulates the entire thyroid gland; this leads to overactivity and higher levels of thyroid hormones.

    3.    Removal of the thyroid gland:

 The thyroid may be surgically removed or chemically destroyed as a treatment for hyperthyroidism.

    4.    Thyroiditis:

Hyperthyroidism is a condition called thyroiditis. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed. Depending on the type of thyroiditis, this may lead to temporary hyperthyroidism that might be followed by hypothyroidism.

    5.    Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide:

 Cold and sinus medicines, the heart medicine amiodarone or certain contrast dyes given before X-rays may expose you to too much iodine. You may then be at greater risk of developing hypothyroidism, especially if you have had thyroid problems in the past.

Symptoms of thyroid:

1.   Hair Loss:

Hair loss is sign that thyroid hormones may be out of balance. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause hair to fall out. In most cases, the hair will grow back the thyroid disorder is treated.

2.     Weight Gain or Loss

An unexpected change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly.

3.     Changes in Heart Rate

Thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body and can influence how quickly the heart beats. People hypothyroidism may notice their heart rate is slower than usual. Hyperthyroidism may cause the heart to speed up. It can also trigger increased blood pressure and the sensation of a pounding heart.

4.     Surgery for Thyroid Disorders

Removing the thyroid gland can cure hyperthyroidism, but the procedure is only recommended if anti-thyroid drugs don't work or if there is a large goiter. Once the thyroid is removed, most patients require daily supplements of thyroid hormones to avoid developing hypothyroidism.

5.    Swelling in the Neck

A swelling in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid. It can also be due to a cause unrelated to the thyroid.

Diet for Thyroid:

1.   Fatty foods:

Fats have been found to disrupt the body's ability to absorb thyroid hormone replacement medicines. Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone as well. Some health care professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.

2.    Consult With Your Physician:

If you are suffering from thyroid disorder, it is extremely important to consult with your physician for his suggestions regarding your treatment. Thyroid patients generally have to work harder and pay greater attention to their food diet. Follow the advice of your physician regarding the methods to be implemented to lose weight safely with low thyroid.

3.    Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone, particularly people who have an iodine deficiency. Digesting these vegetables can block the thyroid's ability to absorb iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function. People with hypothyroidism may want to limit their intake of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips. Cooking the vegetables can reduce the effect that cruciferous vegetables have on the thyroid gland.

4.    Have A Cup Of Green Tea:

Hypothyroid patients often feel sluggish and too tired to work out. But to lose weight successfully, they require additional energy to exercise. Having a cup of green tea can make them feel more energized and motivated to exercise.

5.    Coffee:

Coffee has been found to block absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. People who taking their thyroid medication with their morning coffee had uncontrollable thyroid levels and we couldn't figure it out. I now have to be very careful to tell people. You should wait at least 30 minutes after taking your medication before having a cup of joy.

6.    Exercise Regularly:

A daily exercise is beneficial for working out your body and strengthening your muscles. People with low thyroid condition need to incorporate a fairly long and strenuous workout. A rigorous workout will improve the patient’s metabolism and help him lose weight. Strength training is an effective way to build lean muscle which improves the body’s ability to burn more calories when not exercising. A pound of muscle can burn up to 60 calories in a day as compared to a pound of fat which burns just 6 to 10 calories each day.

Home remedies:

         1.   Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that help improve thyroid functioning. It will also stimulate metabolism and boost energy. Also, it will help raise the basal body temperature which is important for those dealing with low thyroid function.

• Use coconut oil for cooking. Always use extra-virgin organic coconut cooking oil.
• You can also add two tbsp of coconut oil to milk and drink it in the morning along with your breakfast every day. You can also add it to your smoothies.

      2.   Drop the cell phone

We already know about the connection between cell phones and brain tumors. But this little radiation machine that you hold up to your ear is fully close to your thyroid gland as well. A good alternative is to get a headset to use while speaking on the phone.

     3.   Fish Oils

Fish oils are considered good for increasing thyroid hormone uptake and maintaining healthy thyroid function. Being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, they also fight inflammation and increase immunity.

Take fish oil supplements after consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking blood thinners. The general dosage is up to 3 grams per day.

4.   Apple Cider Vinegar

 

Apple cider vinegar may also help deal with this thyroid disorder. It is believed that it aids detoxification, restores acid alkaline balance, facilitates weight loss, and helps regulate hormones and improve their energy metabolism.

Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and others.

1. Add two tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix in a little honey.
3. Drink this solution daily on a regular basis.