If you feel under the weather and drowsy at all times, are peevish and susceptible to the common cold, there is cause to sit up and take notice. You also need to be careful if there is a sudden increase or decrease in body weight, without any remarkable change in lifestyle. Your thyroid gland could be malfunctioning. The thyroid gland is part of your body’s endocrine system and secretes hormones that control your metabolism. Any imbalance can lead to disastrous results.
Not many of us take such changes within our system seriously but a survey conducted by the National Institute of Health reveals that as many as 42 million people in India may be suffering from thyroid disorders. This effectively means that more than one person in a hundred is afflicted.
The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the front of your neck, directly below your Adam’s apple. Despite its small size, the thyroid gland has a big impact on how the body functions. It regulates body temperature, energy levels, and metabolism by synthesizing hormones, mainly thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Well-functioning thyroid is important because these tiny messengers influence everything from your mood to your heartbeat.
Thyroid disorders generally fall into two categories – Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.
If your thyroid is producing fewer hormones than your body requires, it may be Hypothyroidism. In that case, the body may be telling you to walk a little more briskly because of your thyroid. Getting too little iodine in your diet is a common cause. Resultantly, you feel cold all the time and it seems that you are dragging yourself through the day.
An overactive thyroid that produces too many hormones is the cause of Hyperthyroidism. You might lose weight without trying, feel your heart racing, and always be a bit too warm. It’s like your thyroid is on fast-forward and your body can’t keep up. Whether you have Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) or Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), you will experience different symptoms of a thyroid disorder.
The symptoms of Hypothyroidism are weakness, exhaustion, mood swings, susceptibility to cold, dry skin and hair, cramping in the muscles, depression, heavy menstrual cycles, foggy head, and
a sour voice. On the other hand, Hyperthyroidism causes anxiety, weight loss, heat intolerance, tremors, rapid heartbeat, troubled sleep, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, bulging eyes, nail changes, and vision problems. Both conditions can lead to fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, heavy menstrual periods, brain fag and a sour voice.
However, there is no need to panic. Both conditions are easily diagnosed with a simple blood test. Thyroid symptoms may come and go at different times. Effective management of both Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism, as well as prevention of long-term effects, depends on early diagnosis and treatment.
To maintain a healthy thyroid, focus on iodized salt, seafood, seaweed, and dairy products. Iodine, an antioxidant mineral, protects the thyroid. Whole grains and fiber aid in blood sugar regulation and protect against thyroid strain. Oily fish, sunshine, and fortified foods are also beneficial in this regard. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, as these can interfere with proper thyroid function.
Physical activity is key to a healthy thyroid. One should try dancing, swimming, walking and cycling. Enhanced metabolism and an increase in calorie burning even when at rest is necessary. Natural stress relief comes from exercise acting as a stressbuster. Mind and body relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and outdoor activities can also be beneficial. Thyroid hormone equilibrium also depends on getting good sleep at night.
January might be the first month of the year and that of a new resolution. It is also Thyroid Awareness Month. So, it is time to make a resolution to keep the light focused on this often-overlooked butterfly-shaped gland in your throat, so you may keep fluttering happily for the rest of your life.
Shared By: Dr Sagarika Mukherjee,
Author’s bio: DR. SAGARIKA MUKHERJEE is a Consultant – Endocrinology-Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, Pituitary & Adrenal Problems, Growth Disorders, PCOD, Gestational Diabetes, Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake, Kolkata
