Thyroid disorders are associated with the thyroid gland. A thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland situated right at the base of one s neck. The role of the thyroid gland is to carry out numerous metabolic processes within the body. The brain regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland through a feedback mechanism. There are a number of disorders, both severe and trivial, which could affect the thyroid gland.

Main symptoms of thyroid disorders:

Weight loss and weight gain

Changes in heart rate (arrhythmia)

Hair loss

Frequent mood swings

Swollen neck

Sudden bouts of moderate to high fever

Other symptoms include:

Numbness or a tingling sensation in the hands

Constipation

Abnormalities or irregularities in menstruation

Brittle nails and dry skin

Blurred vision

Weakened muscle tone and frequent tremors in the body

Treatment Options:

Intake of thyroid hormone pills may prove beneficial. Once you start with the treatment, you may notice significant improvement within the first two or three weeks. Generally, once affected by thyroid disorders, one might have to be on these medications his/her entire life. Over time, this treatment procedure should result in lowering of the cholesterol levels, increased energy; but in certain cases, might throw up side effects in the form of sudden and unexplained weight loss.



Anti-thyroid medications help reduce and regulate the secretion of the thyroid hormone, thus treating certain thyroid disorders (such as hyperthyroidism).

Beta blockers are drugs help in reducing high blood pressure, heart palpitations and controlling heart rate.

In severe cases, such as enlargement of the thyroid gland, surgery is advised by the doctor, in which the thyroid gland is removed. Tumors or thyroid nodules are also treated by this surgical process.

In cases of thyroid cancer, besides the surgical procedure, radioactive iodine therapy (radioiodine) is recommended. This therapy helps destroy the thyroid gland and other thyroid (malignant) cells which may be taking up iodine. However, the side effects of this technique are minimal. This procedure helps to destroy those tissues which may not have been removed by the surgery. If the thyroid cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or to other parts within the body, this particular mode of treatment can be very effective.

Types of Thyroid Disorders:

Hypothyroidism: This is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland. In this case, sufficient thyroid hormone is not secreted in the body.

Hyperthyroidism: This is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland, that results in overproduction of the thyroid hormone.

Thyroid cancer: It is a type of cancer of the thyroid gland.

Goiter: This is a disorder wherein the thyroid gland gets abnormally enlarged.

Thyroid nodules: This is marked by swelling of the thyroid gland. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a endocrinologist and ask a free question.

Thyroid Disorders: Symptoms, Treatment and Types

The thyroid gland in your body is responsible for controlling and secreting those hormones that help in your natural growth and development. These hormones are crucial in regulating some of the most important functions of your body,  such as your heart rate, breathing, your body weight, your menstrual cycle and your muscle power to name a few. 

Problems of the thyroid gland (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can hamper all of these vital functions, and these problems usually arise due to a poor diet. However, your diet can also help in improving the health of your thyroid gland. Here are some diet tips to help you out:

1. Include lots of iodine in your diet
Iodine is a  nutritive element, without which your thyroid gland will not be able to function at all, being its building block. Therefore, iodine rich foods, such as fortified salt, eggs, seaweed and other dairy products should be a part of your diet. Along with iodine, zinc, selenium, copper and iron are other very important elements that should be a part of your diet too. 

2. Plenty of B vitamins and antioxidants help
Since stress (blame it on cortisol, the stress hormone that overworks your thyroid in case of chronic stress) plays a major role in hampering the proper functioning of your thyroid gland, eliminating it and detoxifying yourself is extremely important. This can be done by  including plenty of B vitamins and antioxidants in your diet. White meat, fishes like tuna, peanuts, brown rice and fruits such as goji berries and wild blueberries can be of great help in this regard.

3.  Say no to soy
Soy is one of the main culprits behind the malfunctioning of your thyroid gland, as it contains an element known as isoflavones, which can reduce the iodine reserve in the gland. Apart from that, vegetables that belong to the brassica family such as cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are linked to causing goitre and must be avoided. Consumption of gluten must be avoided too, as it can cause autoimmune thyroid disorders, celiac disease and hormonal imbalances.

4. Enjoy your daily meals
In today's fast paced world a stress-free meal is a thing of the past as most people are in a rush to get done with their breakfast, lunch or dinner. This hampers your digestive function and also puts stress on your thyroid glands. The best way to eat is to sit on a table and relax, enjoying every morsel you swallow. This ensures your thyroid remains healthy.

Diet Tips to Improve the Health of Your Thyroid Gland

The thyroid hormones, namely T3, T4 and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) play a pivotal role in various metabolic processes in the body. Any imbalance in the level of these hormones can interfere with the normal body functions. While an elevated level of the thyroid hormones gives rise to Hyperthyroidism, a reduced level of the same thyroid hormones can lead to a condition medically termed as Hypothyroidism. A proper diagnosis and treatment can bring about a significant improvement. However, there are some common mistakes that many people with thyroid problems often make.

Choose your diet with care: The health benefits of a balanced and nutritious diet are known to all. However, a food considered healthy may not be an ideal choice for a thyroid patient. Time and again, broccoli and kale have been recommended for its nutritive value. However, these vegetables may not be a good choice for thyroid health. Known to contain goitrogens, they may interfere with the production of the thyroid hormones. Gluten, a protein present in wheat, rye, and barley, though healthy should be avoided, especially in the case of Hypothyroidism.
Obesity may not be the trigger: While it is a healthy practice to maintain a healthy body weight, it is unfair to blame the extra kilos for every single disease that you suffer from. Many people believe that losing weight is the best way to deal with thyroid problems. However, the fact is quite different from what you believe. Thyroid problems can be an outcome of various triggers where losing weight may provide negligible or no assistance to reverse or improve the condition. In fact, rapid weight loss may give rise to some complications which may aggravate the condition further.
Thyroid glands are not always at fault: Many people associate thyroid problems with some abnormalities or improper functioning of the thyroid glands. There is no denying the fact that problems in the thyroid glands often trigger thyroid disorders. However, this is not the only cause. A host of other factors such as stress, medical conditions, certain medications and unhealthy lifestyle habits may be equally responsible for the thyroid problems. In some cases, the body may fail to utilize the thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid glands. In another condition, the thyroid hormone produced is unable to enter the cell (triggered by a problem in the cell receptor). It is important to identify the root cause of the problem rather than generalizing.
People with hypothyroidism do not need to gulp down tons of iodine. Always use the amount recommended by the doctor. Increased intake of iodine supplements (way above the recommended quantity) may result in unnecessary health complications such as Wolff-Chaikoff effect.
Many health organizations or individuals may promise instant relief and cure. They may lure you with some irresistible offers. However, it will be foolish on your part to fall for such claims. Always seek the help of experienced and genuine health professionals.

Thyroid - 5 Common Mistakes That Most People Do!

The thyroid gland is a stand out among the most important organs in the body. It is an organ with an extensive impact. It is one of the hormone-creating, endocrine organs, which fundamentally control the rate at which the body's different systems and organs work. It affects vitality levels, immunity, regulation of sugar and is the general controller of development, growth and metabolism of the entire body. During embryonic life, the thyroid gland moves downwards from the pharynx (portion of the throat which affects both digestion and respiration) to its position underneath the Adam's apple.

There are a number of remedies that are capable of treating the thyroid problems. Since homeopathy aims at treating the root cause of the problems, the treatment is stretched over a longer period of time. Additionally, homeopathy functions by stimulating the natural healing capabilities of the body. Some of the commonly used homeopathic treatments for thyroid diseases include Fucus vesiculosus, Calcarea carb, Iodine, Bromium, Lycopus, Calcarea phos, Lapis albus and Spongia. Some of them are discussed below:

    Fucus vesiculosus: Commonly known as Bladderwrack or sea kelp, this is a rich source of Iodine. The homeopathic medication utilizes the entire plant and is available in many dosage forms such as tablet, tincture and capsule. It helps in stimulating the production of thyroid hormones. It can be used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) and cysts.
    Iodine and Bromium: The homeopathic form of Iodine is called Iodum and it is prepared from iodate salts extracted from seaweed. Diversion from the optimum levels of iodine in the body causes thyroid problems. Homeopaths recommend Iodum for treating thyroid problems. Similar characteristics are exhibited by Bromium, which is a homeopathic form of bromine.
    Lycopus: The entire flowering plant of Bugleweed is used to prepare Lycopus. It is recommended for treatment of hyperthyroidism and cysts.
    Calcarea Carbonica: Calcarea Carbonica is a Homeopathic medicine which is regarded as one of the best homeopathic remedies for thyroid problems. It is highly recommended for hypothyroid patients who experience excessive sweating on head. It is also utilized for hypothyroidism afflicted patients having certain peculiar eating habits such as boiled egg cravings, desire for indigestible things such as pencils, chalk, lime, etc. This homeopathic medicine can also help in relieving constipation in patients having thyroid disorders.

Homeopathic Remedies for Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland that regulate a number of metabolic processes in the body. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two common thyroid disorders that affect how we create and use our energy. Though these conditions have no cure as such, they can be managed effectively with a few simple home remedies.
1. Include marine phytoplankton in your diet: Sea vegetables such as phytoplankton are rich sources of electrolytes and nutrients such as iodine that is essential to regulate thyroid activity. Some sea vegetables you can try are sea weed, kelp, arame, hijke, kombu and nori.
2. Eat cooked greens: Green vegetables such as kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower are rich sources of vitamins and minerals but if you are suffering from a thyroid problem, it is best to avoid eating them in their raw form. This is because these vegetables contain goitrogens that can disrupt the thyroid functioning if eaten in large quantities.
3. Get some vitamin D: A deficiency of vitamin D in the body can be one of the key factors triggering your thyroid problem. An easy way to deal with this is to expose your body to the early morning sun. Exercising outdoors in the early morning can help boost immunity and regulate calcium metabolism. Exercises like walking can also help stimulate the thyroid gland.
4. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar helps detoxify the body and aids in maintaining an acid alkaline balance. It also promotes weight loss by increasing metabolism and helps regulate hormone production. To benefit from this, mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water with a little honey and drink on a daily basis.
5. Detox from heavy metals: Heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, cadmium and lead can accumulate in the fat cells, bones and nervous system. If left unchecked, this can become extremely toxic. This accumulation of heavy metals can also lead to hypothyroidism. Hence, if you suffer from thyroid abnormalities, it is a good idea to detox your body. Including chia seeds, brazil nuts, onions, garlic and cilantro in your daily meals is an easy way of doing this. 
6. Cut back on sugar: Excessive sugar consumption may be promoting your thyroid problem and hence it is best to avoid all forms of processed sugar when suffering from a thyroid problem. If possible also cut back on foods that are rich in natural sugars.

Thyroid Disorder - 6 Ayurvedic Natural Remedies to Treat It

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck. There are specific kinds of thyroid disorders that include:

Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid Cancer
Epidemiology, Incidence, and Prevalence
It has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone. It can develop from problems within the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. 

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include:

Fatigue
Poor concentration or feeling mentally "foggy"
Dry skin
Constipation
Feeling cold
Fluid retention
Muscle and joint aches
Depression
Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding in women
Common Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland)
Thyroid hormone resistance
Other types involving inflammation of the thyroid, such as acute thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis
Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism refers to the excessive production of thyroid hormone, a less common condition than hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are usually related to increased metabolism. In mild cases, there may not be apparent symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:

Tremors
Nervousness
Fast heart rate
Fatigue
Intolerance for heat
Increase in bowel movements
Increased sweating 
Concentration problems
Unintentional weight loss
Common causes of hyperthyroidism

Graves' disease
Toxic multinodular goiter
Thyroid nodules that overexpress thyroid hormone (known as "hot" nodules) 
Abnormal secretion of TSH
Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
Excessive iodine intake
Goiter: A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, regardless of cause. A goiter may be associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or a normal thyroid function. 

Thyroid Nodules: Nodules are lumps or abnormal masses in the thyroid. Nodules can be caused by benign cysts, benign tumors, or less commonly, by cancers of the thyroid. If nodules are excessively large, they may cause symptoms related to compression of nearby structures. 

Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer is more common among adult women than men or youth. About 2/3rd of cases occur in people under age 55. There are different kinds of thyroid cancers depending upon the specific cell type within the thyroid that has become cancerous. Most cases of thyroid cancer have a good prognosis and high survival rates, especially when diagnosed in its early stages.

Investigations

Blood tests are done to measure levels of thyroid hormones. Blood tests are also done to identify antibodies against thyroid tissue, such as titers of antithyroglobulin, antithyroperoxidase, or TSH receptor-stimulating antibodies.

Treatment

Thyroid disorders can be treated with medications or, in some cases, surgery. The treatment will depend on the particular disease of the thyroid.Medications can be given to replace the missing thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism. Synthetic thyroid hormone is given in pill form by mouth. When hyperthyroidism is present, medications can be used to decrease the production of thyroid hormone or prevent its release from the gland. 

Thyroid Disorder - What All Should You Know 

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