Our busy work schedules and hectic lifestyle impact our thyroid health the most. Maintaining thyroid health is pivotal for healthy living.
Table of Content
-
Why is the thyroid important?
-
Functions of Thyroid Gland.
-
Thyroid disorder.
-
Why is World Thyroid Day Celebrated?
-
What are the causes and symptoms of Thyroid disorder?
-
How to prevent Thyroid disorders?
Why is the thyroid important?
The thyroid is an important butterfly-shaped gland at your neck’s base. It is an endocrine gland that releases hormones in the body. It is responsible for performing many crucial tasks that facilitate our body’s normal functioning.
The hormones that the thyroid produces regulate your body’s metabolism and support growth and development.
Functions of Thyroid Gland:
-
Digestive functions
-
Muscle growth
-
Bone maintenance
-
Regulating the heart’s functioning
-
Brain development
Since the thyroid is a crucial gland of your body, if it doesn’t function normally, it may cause serious health conditions like heart disease, problems in pregnancy, nerve damage, and goitre, which can even lead to thyroid cancer.
Thyroid Disorders
The main conditions that may occur due to the non-functioning of the thyroid gland are:
-
Hyperthyroidism: A condition when the thyroid produces more hormones than required.
-
Hypothyroidism: Unlike hyperthyroidism, this is a condition when the thyroid produces lower hormone levels than required.
-
Goitre: It is caused by swelling in or around the thyroid gland.
-
Autoimmune Disorders: When your Thyroid does not function properly, it may cause autoimmune diseases like Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s disease
-
Thyroid nodules: A thyroid nodule is an unusual growth of cells on your thyroid gland.
Why is World Thyroid Day Celebrated?
May 25th of every year is observed as World Thyroid Day to highlight the importance of the thyroid in the normal functioning of our body and to educate people about the diseases that can be caused due to thyroid disorder.
On this day, healthcare institutes encourage people to take thyroid health seriously and take preventive measures to avoid getting any thyroid-related disorder.
What are the causes of Thyroid disorder?
Major causes that may trigger the thyroid to function improperly are:
-
Genetic disorders in individuals.
-
Iodine deficiency may cause non-functioning of thyroid.
-
Swelling in the thyroid due to bacteria or viruses.
-
Autoimmune diseases can lead to abnormalities in thyroid functioning.
-
Radiotherapy or thyroid surgery.
-
Cancerous and non-cancerous tumours.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
You should be alarmed if you have symptoms like frequent bloating, palpitation, constant body ache, high cholesterol levels, heat intolerance, nervousness, poor attention span, and weight gain. These symptoms may hint at the non-functioning of the thyroid.
If you experience any similar symptoms, ensure you test your thyroid level and meet an endocrinologist.
How to prevent Thyroid disorders?
It is vital to take precautionary measures to keep your thyroid healthy and avoid thyroid-related disorders. Here are seven simple ways by which you can maintain good health of your thyroid gland.
-
Keep stress Away: High levels of mental stress can cause your thyroid to function abnormally. Try to stay stress-free and have sufficient undisturbed sleep. This shall keep stress under control.
-
Increase probiotic intake: Probiotics are known to increase the good bacteria in our gut, helping the thyroid gland function well. Add yogurt, curd, buttermilk, cheeses, and fermented food to your diet.
-
Add Selenium-rich food to your diet: Selenium is a micro-element and is important for the normal functioning of the thyroid. Some foods rich in selenium are brown rice, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, turkey, egg, chicken, and fish.
-
Healthy Iodine Levels: Abnormal levels of iodine may cause thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. It is important to have an appropriate amount of iodine in your food.
-
Limit sugar intake: Sugar intake should be controlled as it is not good for thyroid health. It may disturb thyroid levels.
-
Maintain a healthy weight: An individual with obesity or overweight is prone to have thyroid. You must ensure that you have a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly.
-
Monitor your Thyroid level regularly: It is crucial to get your thyroid level tested and consult a doctor regularly. Regular screening can help you detect thyroid early, thereby treating it at the earliest.
To sum up, Thyroid health is as important as your overall health. Additionally, reduce the consumption of soy and soy products. Also, avoid processed food, gluten-rich food, and fast food. Ensure you practise above seven habits for a healthy thyroid and stay healthy.
