Dr. Milind Ruke

A fairly common health disorder that is said to affect a substantial percentage of the total population is thyroid, but the worst part is that half the affected population is unaware of the condition they are suffering from.
Thyroid, the master gland present in the neck is responsible for controlling our metabolism. Thus, if the thyroid is not running optimally, you will also not be able to function adequately.

Here are some of the most common thyroid disorders and their symptoms:

1. Hypothyroidism: This is a condition that develops when the thyroid glands are not able to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones. It may stem from issues within the thyroid gland, hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland. The most common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue and extreme tiredness, dryness of skin, constipation and bowel problems, feeling too cold, retention of fluid, depression and muscle and joint issues.
2. Hyperthyroidism: This is yet another thyroid disorder where there is an excessive production of thyroid hormone. The common symptoms of this problem are tremors and agitation along with nervousness and adverse effects on the functioning of the brain. Though sluggishness and depression are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism often leads to lack of concentration. Thyroid disorders are known to cause prolonged and excessive menstrual bleeding while hyperthyroidism causes scanty menstrual flow. Both are equally harmful to the reproductive health. Other symptoms are racing heartbeat or tachycardia, fluid retention, and unexplained weight gain.
3. Goiter: This refers to the enlargement of the thyroid gland, which may be associated with either hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism or even normal thyroid function. Thus, the symptoms could resemble that of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism or may not cause any symptom altogether.
4. Thyroid nodules: Nodules are abnormal masses occurring within the thyroid. It may be caused by benign cysts or by thyroid cancers. When the nodules become too large, they may compress the nearby structures and cast an impact on their functions.
5. Thyroid cancer: Thyroid cancer is more common in adult women than men. There are various types of thyroid cancer, and the symptoms may include swelling in the neck, a formation of a lump in the neck, hoarseness of voice, trouble breathing and swallowing and constant coughing which is not due to cold.

It is worthy of mention here that none of these symptoms shall be able to specify thyroid disease. Also, one may not have to experience every symptom mentioned here to be affected by the disease. Every person's experience with thyroid disorder is unique. You may find that your hair and skin is becoming rough and lackluster while another person of almost your age may have heat intolerance and another person may have high cholesterol levels.

Therefore, if you are currently experiencing some of these symptoms, it is crucial to get your health condition evaluated by a healthcare professional who may use some diagnostic tests to determine if you have any thyroid problems.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Are you suffering from diabetes? If yes, then it’s time for you to be extra careful about your health. Diabetes may cause several other diseases as well. You must check your lifestyle and take efforts to get rid of diabetes as soon as possible. If you have diabetes, then youu are at risk of developing nerve damages (neuropathy), vascular injuries and other heart diseases, regardless of your age, sex or other external or internal factors. Diabetes patients must strive to maintain fasting blood glucose levels less than 110 mg/dL and hemoglobin HbA1C level less than 7%. Also, diabetes patients should keep a check on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Here’s how diabetes can affect your overall health:
There is a correlation between blood pressure, cholesterol levels and diabetes. Researchers have found that high bad cholesterol levels act as hindrance to insulin regulation. People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart-related diseases. About 60% diabetes patients die due to heart attacks. Diabetes is responsible for hardening of arteries or atherosclerosis. This situation is dangerous and can cause heart attacks, strokes or other chronic diseases.

Diabetes leads to impaired nerve function. This is called neuropathy. This condition is of two types: Peripheral (affects toes, feet, legs, hand, and arms) and Autonomic (affects digestion, bowel, bladder, heart and sexual activity). Symptoms of neuropathy include tingling, weakness, burning sensation, numbness in the limbs, digestive disorders, infection of the bladder and erectile dysfunction.

Diabetes is responsible for causing damage to the kidneys as well. This is called nephropathy. In this condition, the filters in the kidney or glomeruli get damaged. As a result, there is a leakage of protein in the urine. Consequently, kidneys get damaged. Urine showing small amounts of protein is an indication of kidney damage. About 20-40% patients suffering from diabetes die due to renal failure. The symptoms of renal disorder due to diabetes include itching, fatigue, urine with protein, swelling of feet and ankles and pale skin colour.

Diabetes causes non-injury amputations as it affects the nerve in the limbs, especially foot. Usually, minor infections in the foot may lead to ulcers and later require amputation. In rare cases, charcot joint or charcot foot may also occur. This is called neuropathic arthropathy. The symptoms include swelling and reddening of the foot. The bones of the affected foot have a tendency to develop cracks, deforming the entire region. Diabetes leads to blindness in adults. The eye disorder caused due to diabetes is called retinopathy. Patients with diabetes develop cataract easily. The capillaries and blood vessels in the retina get damaged or obstructed, resulting in damage to the entire retina.

Ayurveda is a system of medicine that takes a holistic approach to treat various diseases. It is believed in Ayurveda that when a disease occurs in your body then it means that the mind, body and soul is unbalanced. 

It is believed that everyone is made up of five elements that is  earth, air, water, ether and fire. If all of these elements in the body are well balanced, then the body tends to function in a healthy manner. An illness is a sign that one or multiple elements in the body are not balanced. A practitioner carries out a diagnosis of your diet, lifestyle, seeks to find out the cause of the imbalance and provides treatment accordingly. 

Ayurvedic remedies for diabetes:

1. Plan your diet as it is one of the most important thing in order to manage your diabetes. One must take balanced diet. But avoid foods increasing the Kapha Dosha. These include sugar, fats, potatoes, rice. You must avoid alcohol
2. Take the help of physical exercises or yoga to stay fit.
3. Check your weight.
4. Don’t sleep during daytime.

Here is a list of useful herbs for diabetes management–

1. Jambhul (Eugenia jambolana) powder from jamun core.
2. Gurmar(gymnema sylvestre)
3. Bitter Gourd/bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
4. Bel (Aegle marmelos).
5. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
6. Turmeric
7. Neem
8. Triphala
9. Shilajit

Apart from these basic natural foods, you must contact an Ayuvedic practitioner, who will help you not just in planning your diet, but will suggest certain specific Ayurvedic medicines which will boost you efforts to get rid of diabetes. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!