Thyroid Hormone

The Thyroid is a hormone, a butterfly-shaped gland that regulates the body’s metabolism and influences every cell, tissue and organ in the body. This gland is located in the middle of the lower neck.

Thyroid disease is a common problem that can cause over or under-function of the thyroid gland. The Thyroid hormone secretion can be overactive or underactive.

Women are more likely to have thyroid problems than men. Common thyroid disorders include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis and thyroid nodules. Many thyroid disorders are genetic in nature. The Untreated thyroid can cause the high risk of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility.

Stress can affect the secretion of thyroid hormone

Thyroid diseases are life-long conditions that can be managed easily with medical care, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle changes.

For a thyroid patient, it is essential to manage stress. In fact, excessive stress may aggravate thyroid condition.

A hormone cortisol and adrenaline releases at the time of stress can cause many health-related problems. This can also interfere with the production of thyroid hormone.

So to overcome your stress one should practice deep breathing, meditation, massage, healthy lifestyle and diet.

Smoking can also affect the secretion of the thyroid hormone.

Smoking, as well as exposure to second-hand smoking, is not good for thyroid patients. Cumulative cigarette consumption is a risk factor in autoimmune thyroid disease.

Cigarette smoke contains a compound called cyanide, which acts as an anti-thyroid agent. Cyanide inhibits iodine uptake and hormone synthesis. Functioning of the thyroid is also affected by several other components of smoke.

Causes Of Hypothyroidism

The most common cause is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or autoimmune disorder.
This disease is caused due to your own immune system.

Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism

Tiredness and fatigue
Depression
Weight gain
Constipation
Sensitivity to cold temperature
Frequent heavy periods
Slower heart rate
Dry skin and hair
Elevated blood cholesterol

Foods To Be Avoided In Hypothyroidism

Cruciferous veggies such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and kale are known as
goitrogens, however, cooking these vegetables properly can make the goitrogens inactive.
High sugar foods, processed foods as these are high in sugar and sodium which can spike
your blood sugar and cholesterol which will deteriorate hypothyroid condition. Soya bean and its products.

Causes Of Hyperthyroidism

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder Graves’ disease due to which there is excessive production of thyroid hormone.

Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism

Sweating and sensitivity to high temperature
Weight loss
Hair loss
Protruding eyes
Rapid heart rate
Light or Missed menstrual periods

Foods To Be Avoided in Hyperthyroidism

Iodized salt
Milk and its products
Foods rich in iodine, zinc, and selenium should be avoided such as sushi, egg yolks, shellfish,
oysters, seaweed and Brazil nuts.

Care To Be Taken For Keeping Your Thyroid Hormone in The Control

Proper medication, exercise and doctor check-ups help thyroid hormone to function normally.
It is necessary to treat the thyroid problems with properly prescribed medicines
and this should be consumed regularly to keep your hormone normal. One should never self-medicate and change the dosage on their own without consulting the
doctor as wrong dose can disturb your thyroid hormone and can cause many health-related problems. A person on medication for a thyroid disorder should regularly do the blood test to check its level once in every three months.

Dietary Guidelines

There are no shortcuts for weight loss you need to be disciplined and dedicated towards your goal.
Always eat healthy and nutritious food rather than eating junk and processed foods.
Choose whole-grain foods and avoid refined foods.
Eat something healthy every 2-3 hrs, this will help you to boost your metabolism and also helps you to avoid overeating.
Always carry some healthy snacks along with you whenever you are going out like nuts, kurmura, roasted grams, roasted makhanas, fruits etc.
Never leave your house empty stomach as you tend to eat more when you are starving for more than 4 hours.
Be mindful and eat slowly.
Choose your food wisely when you are out.
Drink enough of water every day to reduce water retention.
Always start your meals with salads & soups.
Eat more fibrous foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Avoid high caloric foods like Chocolates, Pastries, Aerated drinks, Alcohol, Fruit juices, Ice creams, Jam & Sweets.
Choose eating whole fruits over Juice.
Make time from your routine schedule to exercise or walk for minimum 45 mins.
Use stevia instead of refined sugar.
Eat calcium and protein-rich diet to maintain healthy bones and minimize muscle loss.
For proper functioning of the brain and the immune system, it is necessary to get proper sleep for at least 7-8 hrs daily. Keep yourself gadget free to get sleep early.