What is Thyroid?
The thyroid is a ductless gland present at the bottom of the neck. Thyroid glands produce essential hormones in the body. The hormone thyroid gland secretion helps the body for various purposes, including growth, development, temperature regulation, and metabolism.
What Does Thyroid work?
It is a gland that is responsible for regulating all bodily functions. It is also a part of the comprehensive endocrine system that helps with not only producing essential hormones but also its distribution to various components and organs of the body for proper functioning. If you encounter improper functioning of your thyroid gland or its levels are abnormal, consulting with a thyroid specialist is highly essential.
When does Thyroid Start to Give Trouble?
If the thyroid gland is not secreting a sufficient amount of hormones, it is responsible for doing just the opposite by producing more than required; it can cause problems in the body. The thyroid gland needs to produce hormones in optimal quantity and distribute it as needed in different parts of the body to regulate body function appropriately. If the production is more or less than required, it can cause severe health issues.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the name given to the condition in which the thyroid gland secretes more hormones than the body requires. It causes a high level of thyroid hormones in the body. Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the body doesn’t get a sufficient supply of thyroid hormones. In this condition, level depletes from typically required standards. Therefore, Hyperthyroidism can cause numerous health issues if left unchecked, which can be enumerated as follows.
- Grave’s Disease
- Toxic Adenoma
- Subacute Thyroiditis
- Cancerous nodule growth on the Thyroid gland
1-Grave’s Disease
It is a common problem seen in the case of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland enlarges in this disease and is mainly caused due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
2-Toxic Adenoma
It is a kind of tumor that appears in the case of hyperthyroidism at times. It causes nodules to form over the thyroid gland that secretes thyroid hormones in large quantities that interferes with normal body functions and disrupts the optimal chemical balance in the body.
3-Subacute Thyroiditis
In this condition, the thyroid hormones are leaked from the gland due to inflammation. Therefore, It leads to health complications and may need immediate medical attention.
4-Cancerous nodule growth on the Thyroid gland
A cancerous growth on the thyroid gland is a rare occurrence. However, cancerous growth on the thyroid gland can complicate the health condition of the patient as well as make treatment more difficult.
What Can Complications Hypothyroidism Cause?
Now, let us briefly understand the complications caused by hypothyroidism in the body. As mentioned earlier, it is caused due to low levels of thyroid hormones in the body. If the thyroid levels are not sufficient in the body, it can lead to low energy levels and may cause frequent episodes of headache, fatigue, dizziness, and exhaustion. Here are some of the complications.
i) Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
As an autoimmune disorder, the body attacks the thyroid gland in this health condition. Moreover, The tissue of the thyroid gland gets damaged and eventually dies due to the constant attack by the body, and it leads to a complete stoppage of the production of thyroid hormones.
ii) Excessive Iodine
Due to certain medications as well as exposure to X-ray and contrast dyes, a person may be overexposed to iodine. Therefore, It can lead to hypothyroidism in a person.
How can You Control your Thyroid?
Likewise with any other medical and health condition, along with medications, making a specific lifestyle. These changes can prove to be instrumental in controlling and treating the thyroid. Your diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in maintaining your thyroid. However, it is essential to note here that to get proper nutrients. One must not overdo it. It is because of deficiency, as well as excessive supplements of nutrients in the body. The excessive use of nutrients can also trigger thyroid-related issues.
Thus, To control thyroid, here are a few dietary changes you may want to consider.
a) Iodine – It is the critical element that plays a primary role in the functioning of the thyroid gland. You can get a sufficient quantity of iodine through iodized sea salt, eggs, vegetables, mushrooms, garlic, seafood, asparagus, spinach, and others.
b) Selenium – Selenium plays the role of a detoxifying agent for the thyroid gland. It helps in reducing stress, which is the key to ensuring the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Including foods like mushrooms, sunflower seeds, nuts, soybeans, and others. This diet ensures that your body gets a sufficient amount of selenium.
c) Copper, Iron, and Zinc – These are metal elements that play a vital role in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Therefore, Without these metal elements, the condition of the thyroid would worsen with time. Include food like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, walnuts, white beans, split peas, lentils, and spinach in your diet regularly. This food supply ensures your body gets a sufficient amount of these metal elements. Vitamin A and C are necessary for the thyroid gland to function optimally.
What Do You conclude from All This?
The optimal functioning of the thyroid gland is necessary for a wide range of bodily functions. Apart from making dietary changes, it is essential to exercise regularly. Moreover, Engage yourself in activities like yoga and tai chi that reduce stress. Quitting smoking and alcohol and limiting caffeine intake is also a necessary prerequisite to ensure the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
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