What is Thyroid?

Numerous glands in the human body tend to synthesize and release substances in the bloodstream. The thyroid gland is located on the front side of the neck. It is a small butterfly-shaped organ, wrapped around the trachea (windpipe).

The secreted substances produced by various glands help the body parts perform specific tasks. Similarly, the thyroid gland produces substances that help the body perform some vital tasks related to the body’s metabolic control.

There are two further distinct conditions based on thyroid hormone levels. If the body produces too much of the thyroid hormone, one can develop hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, if the body produces less than the needed amount of thyroid hormone, hypothyroidism can be developed.

Tasks Performed by the Gland

Hormones like T4 (thyroxine, containing four iodide atoms) and T3 (triiodothyronine, containing three iodide atoms) control the body’s metabolism. The two hormones guide the body’s cells to utilize energy in the right amount.

How do we get energy from the food? Metabolism is a process through which energy is transferred from food. Metabolism of the body works as a generator, where the energy produced performs all the tasks.

The pituitary gland oversees the process by adjusting the number of hormones whenever it is there in excess or scarce. The pituitary gland is situated in the centre of the skull. The monitoring is done by the hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

Things To Know About the Thyroid Disease

As mentioned above, the thyroid gland’s function is to produce and secrete substances to balance the body’s metabolism. However, when the gland fails to produce the right amount of the substance, it results in thyroid disease.

In hyperthyroidism, one’s body receives too much of the thyroid hormone, which leads to quick usage of it. This results in higher heart rate, weight loss, and nerve issues. On the contrary, in hypothyroidism, one encounters weight gain, lethargicness, and intolerance to low temperatures.

Symptoms:

Causes:

Hypothyroidism

Thyroiditis: In this case, the thyroid gland gets swelled up, which leads to a lower amount of thyroid hormone production.

Postpartum thyroiditis: It is a temporary condition that occurs in 5% to 9% of women after pregnancy and childbirth.

Iodine deficiency: Since iodine is used for the production of the thyroid hormones, its deficiency leads to various hurdles faced by millions of people in the world.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: It is an inherited, painless, and autoimmune condition where the cells attack the thyroid system.

Non-functioning thyroid gland: In many cases, children are born with a non-function thyroid gland, which leads to psychological and mental conditions in the future, if left untreated. Thus after birth, every child goes through a screening process to check the working of the gland.

Hyperthyroidism

Graves’ disease: In this condition, as the cause itself declares, the gland gets overactive and produces more than needed thyroid hormone. The condition is also known as the diffuse toxic goitre.

Nodules: There are numerous nodules within a gland. In this condition, the nodules get swelled up (overacting). A gland containing several nodules is known as a toxic multinodular goitre, and a single nodule is known as a toxic autonomously functioning thyroid nodule.

Thyroiditis: It is a temporary condition, lasting for weeks or months, that can cause either a lot of pain or cannot be felt at all. In this condition, the thyroid releases the hormones that were stored.

Excessive iodine: As mentioned earlier, iodine is used to make thyroid hormones. Thus, when it is present in an excessive amount, the thyroid gland produces more hormones than needed.

How to Prevent Thyroid?

Food Items and Habits for Thyroid Care and Thyroid Hormone Treatment

Brazil Nuts: Being a high source of selenium, fibre, calcium, protein, and magnesium, it fulfils the deficiency present in thyroid patients. Selenium converts the thyroxine to its active hormone form, T3. These nuts are also called hazelnuts or macadamia nuts. 

The recommended daily portion of brazil nuts in a day is 1-3. It is important to check how much selenium is present in the brazil nuts you purchase. The upper limit is 400 mcg.

Iodized Salt: One of the ideal ways to cope with iodine deficiency is to opt for iodized salt. As mentioned above, balance thyroid hormones are necessary. Iodine is only recommended in the right amount as its overdosage is also hazardous.

The National Institute of Health recommends nearly 150 mcg of iodine for adults. Without iodine in the body, the gland cannot have enough building blocks to bring T3 and T4 into an active state.

Iodine helps produce thyroid hormone in the body. A deficiency of the same can cause hypothyroidism. It is a condition in which the body stops producing thyroid hormone.

Nonetheless, it is easy to prevent. Add a pinch of iodized salt over your meals and you can meet your daily requirement.

Some of the excellent food sources of iodine are seaweed, yoghurt, seafood like tuna fish, shrimps, etc.

Eggs: Eggs are an eminent source of iodine as well as protein. As per research, one egg can ionize 16% of the whole diet. It also contains a good amount of selenium. Selenium plays a vital role in thyroid function and helps overcome oxidative stress.

While the whites are full of protein, the yolk of the egg contains healthy cholesterol, thus catering to a healthy diet.

Prefer Decaf Over Caffeine: Those who consume coffee usually add milk and sugar in it. Milk has natural sugar present in it which is broken down into glucose. This can spike the insulin level in the body. Thus, it is not recommended for people having thyroid issues as it can disrupt their blood sugar levels.

Drinking several cups of coffee also produces a stress hormone called cortisol which can increase the anxiety level.

If you are a person who can not make do without their daily cuppa Joe, then it is vital you switch to Decaf. However, moderate consumption is recommended for decaf as well.

Aerobic Exercise: A study found that moderate aerobic exercise can fight hypothyroidism by boosting energy levels and can combat hyperthyroidism by promoting better sleep. Maximum heart rate raises the levels of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). So, it is necessary to indulge in work out habits to keep the heart pumping well.

Exercise helps boost metabolism which helps burn calories faster and promotes muscle growth. The more the muscle, the faster you lose the excess fat. This is beneficial for people with hypothyroidism.

For people with hyperthyroidism, strength training can help them increase their bone density.

Taking care of the thyroid gland is necessary to maintain the metabolic process of the body.

One needs to take care of the system by following a balanced diet, working out, and consulting a doctor when facing any symptoms. We hope this article provided you all the information that you needed. Stay tuned for more health related blogs!