Thyroid Disorders Tips

Thyroid is a small gland situated in front of the neck and secretes hormones like thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). These hormones control various functions of our body like heart, blood pressure, digestion, metabolism, growth, blood formation, brain function etc. Any fluctuation in the functioning of the thyroid gland can have a great impact on health.

The thyroid gland is primarily responsible for energy and metabolism. This gland triggers the genes that make all the cells in the body conduct their specific jobs. But over a period of time, the optimum functioning of the thyroid may reduce because of specific reasons. The gland may start to under-produce or overproduce the thyroid hormone, which may lead to conditions known as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, respectively.

• Patients with hypothyroidism may feel extreme tiredness and fatigue even though they may be sleeping more than before. An unexplained gain in weight, constipation, inability to stand cold temperatures, and constant pain in muscles and joints are some of the other symptoms of hypothyroidism.
• Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is an endocrine disorder. Patients with this disorder may experience excessive sweating, fatigue, and intolerance to heat. They may even experience restlessness, puffy or protruded eyes, hair loss, and muscle weakness. Such patients may lose weight and are unable to sleep properly at night. In some cases, palpitationsor abnormal heart rhythm may also be experienced.

Complications of Thyroid Disorder

Hypothyroid and hyperthyroid can cause a number of complications if patients don’t take medications. It is important for you to not to ignore any of the aforementioned symptoms and speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Hypothyroid complications

• Myxedema: This condition is characterized by slowed thinking, swelling of tissues, and accumulation of fluid around major organs like brain, lungs and/or heart. This condition may prove life-threatening if not treated on time.
• Enlarged goiter: This is characterized by enlargement of the thyroid gland because of a constant increase in the TSH levels. High cholesterol and triglycerides: This may eventually pave way for heart disease and stroke.
• Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects nighttime breathing where the brain that temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles that control breathing, or by an obstruction in the airway. This may prove fatal if left untreated.
• Low blood pressure: This means not enough blood is getting to capillaries and tissues, particularly in your hands, feet, and brain. You may have chronic nail fungal infections and cold hands and feet if so.

Hyperthyroid complications

• Heart disorders (cardiac arrest): If left untreated, excess thyroid hormones can lead to congestive heart failure and heart rhythm disorders.
• Osteoporosis: Too much thyroid hormones interfere with the body’s ability to use calcium to build bone. This may lead to brittle bones and osteoporosis.
• Thyrotoxic crisis: This is a rare yet life-threatening complication characterized by high fever, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and agitation.
• Hypertension or high blood pressure: It is a condition in which a patient has high blood force striking the walls of the artery An early diagnosis can help make the treatment of this disorder easier.

Depending on the condition of the thyroid condition, it requires different ways to manage it. The conventional TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and T-4 (thyroxine) blood tests will be advised and the results should provide a reasonable confirmation of the condition. If doubts still persist an ultrasound or scan can also be ordered. 

The thyroid may be a small gland but plays a large role in the functioning of the body. It is located just below the voice box. Along with producing hormones that help in the transportation of blood, it also helps regulate metabolism, keeps the organs functioning optimally and helps the body conserve heat. In some cases, when the gland produces excessive hormones or when it develops structural problems, it may become necessary to remove the thyroid gland. 

There are several ways of removing the thyroid gland. The most common amongst these are:

1.  Lobectomy
A lobectomy is performed when only half the thyroid gland is affected. In such a case, the doctor will remove only one of the two lobes. 

2.  Subtotal Thyroidectomy
In such cases, the doctor will remove the thyroid gland but leave behind a small amount of thyroid tissue. This tissue can preserve some thyroid function but hormone supplements are often required to supplement the production of hormones. 

3. Total Thyroidectomy

In cases of thyroid cancer or when swelling and inflammation affects the entire thyroid gland, it may become necessary to remove the whole gland along with all thyroid tissues. 

You will need to be admitted into a hospital for a thyroid removal surgery. Once admitted, meet the surgeon and anesthesiologist to answer any questions you may have about the procedure. It is important not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery. The surgery is performed under anesthesia so you will not feel a thing. Once you are asleep, the surgeon will make an incision in your throat and remove a section or all of the thyroid gland. This procedure can take between 2-3 hours. After the surgery, you will be kept in observation for 24-48 hours.

The surgery can result in a slightly raised scar that can take upto 6 weeks to heal. You can resume normal daily activities a day after the surgery. However, it is advised to wait for a week before undertaking any strenuous activities. Your throat may feel sore for a few days following the surgery. This can be treated with over the counter pain medication. You may also develop hypothyroidism. 
The most major risk of a thyroid removal surgery is an allergic reaction to anesthesia. Other risks of this surgery are damage to the nerves connected to the vocal cords and damage to the glands controlling calcium levels in the body.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism-

• Fatigue and Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Hair loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Irritability
• Memory loss

Causes of Hypothyroidism-

• Over treatment of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).
• Thyroiditis – an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Severe iodine deficiency
• Radiation treatment or Radioactive iodine
• Pregnancy – during or after, may seriously affect the fetus
• Inborn defect
• Viruses and bacteria

Risk factors of Hypothyroidism-

• Being treated with radioactive iodine (or other anti-thyroid drugs)
• Age, people over 60 years of age
• A close relative having an autoimmune disease
• Exposure to radiation therapy
• Thyroidectomy – partial surgical removal of the thyroid

Complications of Hypothyroidism-

• Heart problems such as an enlarged heart and heart failure
• Severe Depression
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Birth defects
• Goiter
• Intense cold intolerance and drowsiness

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism

Diagnosis of Hypothyroidism includes following

• Medical History and physical exam
• Blood test such as Thyroid –stimulating hormone (TSH) and Thyroxine (T4) measurement test.
• Imaging test such Thyroid ultrasound and thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test
• Other test such as computed tomography (CT) Scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Precautions & Prevention of Hypothyroidism-

• Avoid alcohol and soft drinks
• Precautions & Prevention of iodine deficiency

Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

• Homeopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Acupuncture Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Psychotherapy Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hypothyroidism
• Other Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Homeopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Homeopathy is known for balancing hormonal system. It treats the person as a whole. Treatment is constitutional. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. It balances the energy system, improves immunity and body functions. It naturally cures the root cause of disorder. Some homeopathic medicines for hypothyroidism are:

• Calc
• Lith met
• Calc sil
• Thyr
• Graph
• Puls
• Sepia

Acupuncture and Acupressure Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Acupuncture may be helpful in correcting hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disorders. The needles function by getting rid of the pain endured by the individual and curing the ailment.

Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy treatment creates positivity in mind and is very effective for your mind and soul.  It has been said that a mind that is free from all negative thoughts is the best treatment for overall health problems.

Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

Treatment of hypothyroidism in allopathy is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) which compensates the insufficiency of the hormone that the thyroid gland is unable to produce.

Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

• Eat diet which contains iodine such as seafood, iodized salt, eggs and meat.
• Avoid eating Junk foods
• Eat rice, barley malt, carob, fruits, carrots 
• Drink vegetable juices

Other Treatment of Hypothyroidism-

• Yoga and medication
• Physical activities like fishing, photo-safari, riding or golf.
• Do Swimming in non-chlorinated water

Thyroid disorders are conditions that affect the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all the metabolic processes in the human body. These include how fast one burns calories and how fast the heart beats. Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer.

Types of Thyroid: The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Excessive thyroid hormone results in a condition called hyperthyroidism and insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism – If a person has hyperthyroidism, it means the thyroid is overactive and produces too much of a hormone called thyroxine. It can significantly speed up the metabolism and cause unpleasant symptoms. Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include being irritable or nervous, weight loss, fatigue, trouble sleeping, hand tremors, mood swings, rapid and irregular heartbeat, frequent bowel movements or diarrhoea and goiter.

Hypothyroidism – It occurs when a person’s thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism often begins slowly. Anyone can have an underactive thyroid, however, it is more common in women, people with other thyroid problems, and those who are above sixty years of age. Common symptoms include fatigue, unplanned weight gain, muscle weakness, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, pale and dry skin, puffy face, joint pain, stiffness or swelling, brittle hair and fingernails, forgetfulness, and constipation.

Diagnosis of Thyroid: In case a person witnesses symptoms of an underactive or overactive thyroid, a healthcare provider must be contacted immediately. A diagnosis is confirmed after a thorough review of the patient’s symptoms, medical and family history, risk factors, physical examination and most effectively – a blood test. A blood test will be done to measure the amount of thyroid hormone and TSH in the blood.

Treatment of Thyroid:

Hyperthyroidism – Several treatments exist for hyperthyroidism, including radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications, beta blockers, and surgery. The best approach for treatment, however, depends on the age, physical condition, the underlying cause of hyperthyroidism, personal preference and the severity of the disorder.

Hypothyroidism – The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is the administration of synthetic thyroid hormone. One can take the supplement daily in the pill form. This oral medication restores adequate hormone levels, thus reversing the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Can thyroid be prevented or avoided?

The thyroid is known as a metabolic master as it controls every single cell in the human body. Any kind of problem with the thyroid affects everything from weight to mental health, fertility, heart disease risk, and many other important aspects of your day-to-day health. While there is definitely a genetic component to thyroid disease, it doesn’t exclude the fact that certain lifestyle habits can slow your thyroid dose.

1. Avoid any kind of starvation diets.
2. Say no to excessive endurance exercise.
3. Go for short, high-intensity circuit training workouts by keeping excess cardio to a minimum.
4. Protect yourself from X-rays.
5. Always ask for a thyroid collar when undergoing an X-ray.
6. Stop smoking.
7. Keep an eye on blood work and monitor them on a yearly basis.
8. Detox yourself to save your thyroid.

What is Hormonal Disorder?

Hormone diseases also occur if your body does not respond to hormones the way it is supposed to. You may have a hormone disorder when your hormone levels are too high or too low. 

Symptoms of Hormonal Disorders-

• Depression and Anxiety
• Dizziness or Fatigue
• Weight gain or Weight loss
• Headaches
• Excess hair growth
• Water retention 

Causes of Hormonal Disorders-

• Hereditary factors
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Infections
• Trigger thyroid disease
• Use of alcohol
• The use of illegal steroids

Risk factors of Hormonal Disorders-

• The use of prescribed medications
• Low body fat
• Chronic diseases
• Ovarian cysts.

Complications of Hormonal Disorders-

• Loss of sexual desire
• Dangerous pregnancy
• Swelling in the breast
• Change in facial and body hair
• Weakness
• Personality transformation

Diagnosis of Hormonal Disorders-

Diagnosis of hormonal disorders is done through the observation of the noticeable signs and symptoms, or through blood and tissue testing. 

Precautions & Prevention of Hormonal Disorders-

• Avoid contracting infections such as fungal infections
• Avoiding close contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses
• Regularly wash the hands with soap and water
• Avoid triggers of stress

Treatment of Hormonal Disorders

• Homeopathic Treatment of Hormonal Disorders
• Acupuncture Treatment of Hormonal Disorders
• Psychotherapy Treatment of Hormonal Disorders
• Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hormonal Disorders
• Surgical Treatment of Hormonal Disorders
• Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hormonal Disorders
• Other Treatment of Hormonal Disorders

Homeopathic Treatment of Hormonal Disorders-

Homeopathy is safe, natural and effective treatment of hormonal disorders. Homeopathic medicines are very effective in treating hormonal imbalances like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, cushing syndrome, prolactinemia etc. It relieves complaints and helps to correct the constitution of a person. Following are some homeopathic medicines for treatment of hormonal disorders.

• Calcarea carb
• Natrium mur
• Kalium carb
• Thyroidinum
• Iodum
• Pulsatilla 

Acupuncture and Acupressure Treatment of Hormonal Disorders-

Acupuncture therapy is effective in correcting many hormonal disorders which can lead to obesity, reduced fertility or infertility, breast tenderness, acne, digestive disturbances and problems of sexual function. 

Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Treatment of Hormonal Disorders-

Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy treatment of hormonal disorders include sessions that teach individuals how to manage their time, stress, and anger. 

Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hormonal Disorders-

Conventional or allopathic medicine aims to reduce the hormonal disorders symptoms. Allopathic medicines depend upon the type of hormonal imbalance. 

Surgical Treatment of Hormonal Disorders-

There are different types of surgeries for different types of hormonal disorders. Each surgery depends upon the type of hormonal disorder. After surgery hormone levels return to normal. 

Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hormonal Disorders-

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eat diet high in fiber
• Avoid white flour products and have breads and cereals
• Avoid fried foods and junk food 

Other Treatment of Hormonal Disorders-

Music therapy, relaxation therapy, and yoga may help relieve symptoms of hormonal disorders such as stress. 

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not producing the thyroid hormones adequately. This is a fairly common condition.

What is thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located just below Adam’s apple. It encircles the windpipe or the trachea. It is about 4 cms in height and weighs about 18 gms. This gland is responsible for the secretion of thyroid hormones. Hormones are chemicals produced by special glands like thyroid, adrenals, ovaries etc. They act as messengers and are carried by the blood to the various target organs.

What are the hormones produced by thyroid gland and what do they do?

The thyroid hormones are of two types – T3 (Tri iodo thyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine). These hormones are mainly responsible for the body’s metabolism - a process in which food is converted into energy in the cells. They influence growth and development and regulate various bodily functions which are mentioned below:

• Heartbeat
• Body temperature
• Breathing
• Body weight
• Metabolism of fat
• Menstrual cycles in females
• Functioning of Nervous system
• Digestion
• Burning calories etc.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Inadequate production of hormones by the thyroid gland is termed as hypothyroidism. This is also called Underactive thyroid state. Hypothyroidism can make the body’s development to slow down and reduces metabolism rates.

What are the causes of Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism can be caused by a number of factors:

1. Hashimoto's thyroiditis: This is the commonest cause. This is an autoimmune disorder (normally body’s defence system fight against external infections. In autoimmune disorder the defence system attacks the healthy cells of the body by mistake). In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis the immune system/defence system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland and destroy it.
2. Iodine deficiency in diet. For the production of thyroid hormones iodine is very important. The body does not produce iodine normally, so it needs to be supplemented from outside. Iodine is mainly present in the food we eat. It is mainly present in shellfish, salt-water fish, eggs, dairy products. If a person does not eat iodine rich foods, he may end up with iodine deficiency leading to hypothyroidism. Currently, this causative factor is on the decline due to government initiative of table salt with iodine.
3. Surgery: Surgery to remove thyroid gland (for e.g. thyroid cancer treatment, overactive thyroid etc.)
4. Radiation to the neck (to treat cancer in the neck area): The thyroid gland cells are damaged due to the radiation.
5. Treatment with radioactive iodine: This treatment is used for managing hyperthyroidism/overactive thyroid, where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones. One of the treatment modalities is by radioactive iodine. Sometimes this radiotherapy destroys normal functioning cells which lead to hypothyroidism.
6. Certain medicines: Certain medicines used to treat heart conditions, cancer, psychiatric conditions etc. – for e.g. amiodarone, lithium, interleukin-2, interferon-alpha.
7. Pregnancy: Pregnancy (the reason is unclear but it has been noticed that the thyroid may get inflamed after delivery – this is called Postpartum thyroiditis.
8. Damage to the pituitary gland: Pituitary gland is a gland which is present in the brain. It produces a hormone called TSH (Thyroxine-Stimulating hormone).The TSH tells the thyroid gland how much thyroid hormone it should make. If the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood are low, then the TSH will stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more Thyroid hormone.
9. Hypothalamus disorders: This is an organ in the brain. This produces a hormone called TRH (Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone) which acts on the Pituitary gland to secrete TSH. So any disorder of Pituitary gland will indirectly effect the production and secretion of Thyroid hormones. These are very rare disorders.
10. Congenital thyroid defects: Some babies are born with thyroid problems. This is due to the thyroid not being developed normally during pregnancy. Sometimes the thyroid gland does not function normal. This can be identified by screening for thyroid disorders in the first week after delivery. This is usually by a blood test using a small drop of blood from the baby’s heel.

What are the different types of hypothyroidism?

One classification is based on whether the defect is with the thyroid gland or not:

1. Primary hypothyroidism: The problem is in the thyroid gland itself and thus there is reduced production /secretion of thyroid hormones.
2. Secondary hypothyroidism: Here the problem is with the Pituitary gland or the Hypothalamus. This results in abnormal production of TSH or TRH, which indirectly leads to less production and secretion of thyroid hormones.

Another classification is based on the symptoms and levels of the thyroid hormones and TSH:

1. Overt hypothyroidism: Here the patient is having the symptoms. Further the T3/T4 are low and TSH is high
2. Subclinical hypothyroidism: Here patient may or may not have symptoms. The T3/T4 levels are normal but TSH is high. In this situation the patient is at an increased risk of developing overt hypothyroidism in the future especially if he has Thyroid peroxidase antibodies on testing.

Who are at risk of developing Hypothyroidism?

1. Women have a higher risk of suffering from hypothyroidism than men.
2. Older people are at increased risk.
3. People suffering from other autoimmune diseases like Coeliac disease, Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus, Vitiligo, Pernicious anemia, Multiple sclerosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Addison’s disease etc.
4. People with psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder
5. People with Chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, Turners syndrome also have a high risk of suffering from hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

Symptoms vary from person to person. They may also mimic other conditions and hence be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms may also develop very slowly over a span of moths-years. Some of the characteristic symptoms of this disease are:

1. Depression
2. Constipation
3. Hair loss
4. Dry hair
5. Dryness of the skin
6. Tiredness
7. Body pains
8. Fluid retention in the body
9. Irregular menstrual cycles
10. Increased sensitivity to cold
11. Reduced heart rate
12. Increase in size of the thyroid gland – called Goitre. This is due to constant stimulation of the thyroid gland by TSH.
13. Weight gain
14. Carpal tunnel syndrome
15. Hoarse voice
16. Infertility
17. Loss of libido/sex drive
18. Confusion or memory problems especially in the elderly

What are the symptoms to look for in a baby if you suspect hypothyroidism?

Infants suffering from congenital hypothyroidism may show no symptoms or exhibit signs of excessive drowsiness, cold hands, cold feet, constipation, hoarse cry, poor growth or absent growth, poor appetite, bloating of abdomen, puffiness of face, swollen tongue, persistent jaundice.

How to diagnose hypothyroidism?

Blood tests:

1. TSH: This hormone is made in the pituitary gland and it stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine. If the thyroxine levels are low in the blood, the pituitary gland produces and secretes more TSH into the blood to act on the thyroid gland to produce more thyroxine. A raised TSH level indicates hypothyroidism. Other tests are not usually necessary unless a rare cause of hypothyroidism.
2. T4: A low level of thyroxine indicates hypothyroidism.
3. T3: these levels are generally not needed to diagnose hypothyroidism
4. Anti-Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO antibodies) or Anti- thyroglobulin antibodies are present in 90-95% of patient with autoimmune thyroiditis.
5. Other blood tests include Creatinine Kinase, Serum Lipids, Complete blood picture etc.
6. Ultrasound of the neck is done if the patient presents with a thyroid swelling.

What is the treatment of hypothyroidism?

Overt hypothyroidism is treated by synthetic Thyroxin hormone which should be taken every day on an empty stomach at least 30 – 45 minutes before breakfast. The treatment is continued for the rest of the patient’s life. Regular thyroid function tests are done once every 8 weeks-12 weeks to adjust the dose of the thyroxine in the initial period of diagnosis. Once the thyroxine dose is stabilised, the tests can be done even once a year. This treatment is quite effective.

Sub-clinical hypothyroidism is only treated if the patient is a woman and is contemplating pregnancy, in patients with symptoms or if the TSH is quite high.

What are the side-effects of thyroxine medication?

There are few side effects if any. Most people tolerate these medications quite well. An important consideration before starting medication is to check if the patient has chest pain/angina. These people are started on the least available dose. If these patients are started on a higher dose they notice a worsening of their angina pains.

Side effects mainly occur if the thyroxine dose is high which leads to hyperthyroidism. The symptoms of this could be palpitations 9increased heart beat), weight loss, profuse sweating, anxiety, irritability etc.

There are some tablets which increase with thyroxine tablets. These include carbamazepine, iron supplements, calcium supplements, rifampicin, phenytoin, warfarin etc.

What are the complications of hypothyroidism?

If untreated hypothyroidism can lead to:

• Heart problems like heart attack due to increased levels of bad cholesterol like LDL, or heart failure due to fluid retention
• Obesity
• Infertility
• Joint pains
• Depression
• A pregnant woman with hypothyroidism is at increased risk of giving birth to a baby with congenital hypothyroidism, also known as cretinism. Further, the woman may have pregnancy related complications like pre-eclampsia, premature delivery, low birth weight baby, anemia, post-partum haemorrhage (bleeding after delivery) etc.
• Myxoedema is another complication where the patient has extremely low levels of thyroid hormone. The body temperature drops drastically making the person lose consciousness or go into a coma.

Preventive health check-ups have become more indispensable to positive health in the 21st century than even a healthy diet and regular exercise. This is because a number of factors have cropped up and factored into human health maintenance, which is beyond people’s control. These factors include environmental pollution, faulty genes, and adulterated food products.

Therefore, to ensure that your health is really fine, and if not, to diagnose diseases as early as possible, regular health check-ups are something you should do without fault. These are the most important types:

1. A complete body check: You should get your body fully checked once every year. This acts as a blanket test for all your organs, including the visceral and the internal, from head to foot.

2. Thyroid examination: This helps clear up doubts related to an under or over-performing thyroid gland, or hormonal deficiencies. You should drop by for this test once after every five years.

3. Blood pressure: This has risks related to heart diseases and even fatal strokes, so you should get your levels checked every month.

4. Liver function: This comprises of a total of 11 tests that detect possible problems with your liver, and otherwise testifies to its healthy functioning. It mainly tests bilirubin, albumin, and serum globulin levels.

5. Kidney function: This comprehensively tests your kidney functioning through five extensive tests. This tests for calcium, urea nitrogen, and uric acid levels.

6. Lipid profile: This is a very important test for you in terms of your entire body. It checks for normalcy of triglyceride and cholesterol levels, that can get lethal if garbles.

7. Iron deficiency profile: This checks for iron functioning and deficiencies in your body, checking for important parameters like serum iron and its total binding capacity.

8. Diabetes profile: This is also a very essential test as diabetes paralyses millions of Indian lives across the country every year. This tests for blood glucose levels.

9. Complete blood count: This checks for all kinds of important blood cells you have in your body, which are essential for basic bodily functions like defence against infection, oxygen production and hemoglobin level maintenance in blood. It checks for red and white blood cells, platelets, and all their sub-branches.

10. Vitamin D total: This checks for deficiencies or otherwise normal levels of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is a very important element and its deficiency causes rickets.

11. Vitamin B12:  This checks for normalcy of vitamin B12 levels in your body. Vitamin B12 is also integral to your body’s healthy functioning. It helps in DNA production and in keeping your nerve and blood cells in good shape.

Preventive and regular health check-ups have become an integral need for good health in current times. If you are ready with the results of the 12 above, you can comfortably go to bed each night, feeling good about your body instead of pressurized.

Cow Urine Therapy has been in practice for many health problems in India for centuries. In India, cow is a symbol of spirituality and cow urine is not only used in devotional practices, but also comes packed with a bunch of health benefits.

'Kamadhenu' is worshipped for thousands of years as the Goddess who fulfils desire. In Ayurveda, cow is considered as the mother of all entities as the products obtained from cow are beneficial to all mankind in many ways. The milk, urine, curd, ghee and dung obtained from cow are beneficial in different ways as food supplement and medicine. Cow urine or Gomutra destroys the poisonous effects of residues and makes body disease free. The medicinal usage of Panchgavya, especially cow urine is practiced in Ayurveda which is classified as complementary and alternative medicine.

The two Indian epics, Shushruta samhita and Charaka samhita, have described that the consumption of cow urine produces body warmth. In modern medical science, it has been well established that the thyroid hormones are responsible for producing body warmth. The oral administration of cow urine has thyroid stimulating effect and therapeutic value of urinary iodine present in the cow urine is immense. Cow urine or Gomutra contains iodine, which is easily absorbable from the gastrointestinal tract. The mean urinary iodine levels in dairy cows may vary from 79.2 to 94.8 micrograms of iodine per litre of urine depending upon their physiological conditions. Iodine is an essential element to produce thyroid hormones such as triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These are catabolic hormones that generate heat and cause body warmth. It has been proven that the cow urine contains iodine in required level for normal functioning of thyroid gland.

Urinary iodine concentration in cow urine varies depending upon its biological status and it could stimulate the patient's thyroid gland activity on oral administration of iodine. Thyroxine stimulates more oxygen utilization and heat production by many different cells of the body.

During iodine deficiency, the pituitary gland secretes enhanced amounts of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which causes compensatory adjustment.This leads in the production of more extensive secretory epithelium which in turn will result in enlargement of the thyroid gland and loss of colloid material in the thyroid follicles. In this scenario, exogenous supplementation of iodine brings back the normal thyroid status.

The administration of cow urine, which contain good levels of iodine, can keep the thyroid gland activity on a better footing. We now have the support of scientific validation for the experience of warming up of the human body after consumption of cow urine or Gomutra.

Thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland is present at the lower frontal region of the neck, right beneath the voice box. It produces hormones which regulate metabolism (the breakdown of food by the body to convert it into energy). It even plays a pivotal role in boosting organ functions as well as in helping the body sustain heat. However, too much of hormone production by the thyroid gland might yield structural problems, for instance, growth of nodules (abnormal tissue growth) or cysts (non-cancerous sac-like structures containing fluid) and swelling. Hence, a thyroid surgery is a must once these problems occur. The surgery, administered with general anesthesia, eliminates the thyroid gland either wholly or partially.

Why is surgery required?

1. The presence of tumors or nodules on one’s thyroid gland is one of the reasons why one should go for the surgery. Although most of the nodules are benign, few can be pre-cancerous or cancerous too. Also, those benign nodules can spell trouble if they expand in size, thus obstructing the throat. They can be problematic as well if they cause the thyroid gland to overproduce hormones, giving rise to a condition known as hyperthyroidism.
2. Hyperthyroidism can be corrected through surgery. It is often an outcome of Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disorder wherein the body misidentifies the thyroid gland as a foreign body, thereby creating antibodies to combat it. The thyroid gland gets inflamed in the process, resulting in the overproduction of hormones.
3. Another reason is the enlargement or swelling up of the thyroid gland, termed as goiter. Similar to large nodules, goiter too can clog the throat, thus interfering with one’s breathing, speaking and eating.

Types of surgeries available

1. Lobectomy: This procedure calls for the partial removal of the lobes when a nodule or an inflammation affects just half of the thyroid gland.
2. Subtotal Thyroidectomy: Here, a small proportion of the thyroid tissue is left behind even after the elimination of the thyroid gland.
3. Total Thyroidectomy: Through this procedure, the entire thyroid gland is taken out along with the thyroid tissue.

What is Hashimoto’s disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body’s activities.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease-

• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Depression
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin
• Hoarse voice
• Swelling of the legs
• An elevated blood cholesterol level
• Unexplained weight gain
• tenderness and stiffness in your shoulders and hips
• Pain and stiffness in your joints
• Muscle weakness
• Excessive menstrual bleeding

Causes of Hashimoto’s disease-

No one knows what causes your immune system to attack your thyroid gland. A combination of factors, including heredity, sex and age, may determine your likelihood of developing the disorder. Hashimoto’s disease is most common in middle-aged women and tends to run in families.

Risk factors of Hashimoto’s disease-

• Heredity
• Middle-aged women

Complications of Hashimoto’s disease-

• Heart problems
• Goiter
• Depression
• Myxedema
• Birth defects 

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease-

Diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease is based on your signs and symptom and the following tests:

• A hormone test
• An antibody test

Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease-

• Homeopathic Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease
• Acupuncture & Acupressure Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease
• Psychotherapy Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease
• Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease
• Surgical Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease
• Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease
• Other Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease

Homeopathic Treatment of Hashimoto’s Disease-

Homeopathy controls the immune system and relieves complaints of Hashimoto’s disease. It treats the person as a whole. Treatment is constitutional. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. It balances the energy system, improves immunity and body functions. It naturally cures the root cause of disorder. Some of the homeopathic medicines for treatment of Hashimoto’s disease are:

• Calc P
• Acid P
• Lith M
• Nat M
• Thyroid

Acupuncture and Acupressure Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease-

Acupuncture has worldwide reputation in treatment of immunological disorders. It balances energy system of the body. Disease specific acupoints are stimulated by therapist to relieve both acute and chronic complaints.

Conventional / Allopathic Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease-

If Hashimoto’s disease causes thyroid hormone deficiency, you may need replacement therapy with thyroid hormone. Synthetic hormones include Levothroid, Levoxyl and Synthroid. This medication restores adequate hormone levels and reverses all the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Dietary & Herbal Treatment of Hashimoto’s disease-

• Eat low-fat and low-cholesterol diet
• Eat whole grains and whole grain products
• Eat high fiber foods