THYROID DISORDERS – HIGHER RATE IN WOMEN

Thyroid disorders are reported in higher numbers for women. Thyroid conditions are not serious and timely treatment will enable the individuals to resume normal lives again. Thyroid hormonal imbalance occurs leading to variation in the outlook of the individual. Increase and decrease production of the hormones will result in symptoms which have an impact on the menstrual cycle.

The other common symptoms observed are gaining weight, tiredness, joint pains etc. At times the resistance of body is very low that you get repeated health problems like disrupted bowel movements, diarrhea, dry skin problems, high fever with body pains, unbearable pain in the muscles of legs and hands. At times you will not have the energy to stand , you will feel like lying down. You become tired quickly and weak.

Upon visiting the Doctor, he will recommend for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) tests results. You can give blood sample upon fasting i.e early in the morning. The normal range is from around 0.5 to 5.5. If the TSH level is below normal, your doctor may determine that you are hyperthyroid (overactive thyroid). If the TSH level is above normal, your doctor may determine that you are hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) .

Based on the results in the medical reports, the Doctor will be able to diagnose and prescribed medications. For a person already taking medication, the dosage will be changed as per health condition.

Few points to remember: take your medication daily. Early morning is the ideal time for taking the tablet as it works well to act on the hormonal changes. Do not neglect health. Conduct blood tests once in 2 to 3 months. This will ensure you keep your Hormonal balance and can keep away from health problems.

It is advisable to perform Sugar tests also simultaneously. There is a tendency for people to get affected by Diabetes. Therefore keep a conscious check on your food habits and overall hygiene aspects.

Anti-thyroid medications are helpful in regulating thyroid levels, but prolonged or excessive use may actually adversely affect the gland and result in hypothyroidism. In some cases, thyroid disorders occur after pregnancy.

The menstrual cycle gets disturbed . For persons suffering with hypothyroidism the problem is excessive bleeding and variations in the frequency of monthly cycle. For individuals suffering with hyperthyroidism the menstruation stops abruptly, symptoms of menopause are seen. In few cases blood flow during cycles becomes very low.

The appetite of the thyroid patient is usually very large and the weight reduction cannot be prevented for some time.

Great care must be taken never to allow the body to become exhausted and any irritation likely to cause emotional stress should be avoided. The cure of thyroid disease is not a speedy one and there is often a recurrence of symptoms but these should gradually become less prominent. Strict adherence to diet is essential for complete cure.

Foods that disturb iodine absorption in the body and lead to swelling of thyroid gland are: spinach, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and peanuts. In case of severe thyroid disorder, it is best to avoid vegetables such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and fruits such as pears and peaches as they may have a suppressive effect on thyroid function.

Iodine is undoubtedly most helpful in many cases, but it should be introduced in organic form,  all foods containing iodine should be taken liberally. These are cabbage, garlic, onion, oats, pineapple, whole rice, asparagus, tomatoes, watercress and strawberries.

Use food which helps curing constipation with rich in fiber, like salads, green vegetables and drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.

For people with hypothyroidism and associated with severe weight gain you can include turkey, yogurt, avocados, lean chicken, fish, lentils, almonds and sesame seeds.

To improve metabolism, it is best to consume smaller, frequent meals throughout the day. Do yoga and exercises to maintain your health.

All efforts should be made to prevent emotional stress. There may be slight recurrence of this extremely nervous complain for some times, but the attacks will become less severe and of shorter duration as the treatment progresses. And above all, the approach to the treatment and personal care should be consistent , the patient’s should put in efforts to help themselves because success can only be attained by constant efforts.

THYROID – RECOMMENDED DIET AND HOME REMEDIES

Thyroid problem occurs mainly due to thyroid hormonal imbalance in the body. You need to understand the basics of thyroid gland and how it affects the well being of the body.

What is Thyroid Gland?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in the central area of the neck. It is involved in the release of two hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones assist in various functions of the body and must be produced in adequate amounts. Their most important task is to regulate metabolic rate which is imperative for good health of an individual. In case there are problems in the functioning of the thyroid gland, several health complications may arise

Thyroid gland has very important and complex role in human body what includes: keeping normal pace of metabolism of all cells. It also affects regular absorption of glucose, synthesis of proteins, frequency of cardiac activity and circulation of blood in organism. In this way, thyroid gland is directly responsible for regular physical and mental development and good overall condition of the body.

Types of Thyroid

By the disorder of secretion of hormone there are 2 types of illness: and hypothyroidism (condition of reduced function of thyroid gland ) and hyperthyroidism (condition of increased function of thyroid gland). There are many reasons for its disorder and the most common are: irregular nutrition, irregular type of life, chronic anxiety and stress, excessive efforts during the long period of time and hereditary factor.

Symptoms of Thyroid

The patient will have dry hair which would look coarse throughout the day. The skin would be excessively dry while the patient might look tired, weak and fatigued. Other problems include cold intolerance, tremors, cramps, aches, depression, loss of weight, decreased or increased appetite, constipation, unbalanced bowel movements, decreased libido, miscarriages, high cholesterol, memory loss, poor concentration levels, irritability, insomnia, infertility, family history etc.

People with Hyperthyroidism suffer the contradictory situation in which they feel fatigue and lack of energy and yet are compelled to move about, talk and do things. They are constantly fidgeting and the slightest remark may set off an inappropriately angry response.

Severe problems from hypothyroid are the result of failure to develop properly, such as cretinism and juvenile myxodema. Long term hypothyroidism, such as adult myxodema, which is characterized by swelling of skin and subcutaneous tissues; dry, cold and slightly yellow skin, puffy face, loss of eyebrows, anginal pain, bradycardia, anorexia, constipation, and anemia.

Hair loss leading to scanty hair or patches appearing on the scalp is observed. Irritation is observed and feeling of being rejected, unwanted, seeps in and therefore are emotionally down. An individual handling tough situations in high spirits and tackled with ease becomes jerky and emotionally low causing tears to flow for smaller issues too.

With thyroid problems men will have low sperm count and infertility issues. Their nails will be small and brittle. A low performance and low libido will eventually lead to chronic depression. Men often face rejections in most of their decisions which often makes them depressed and unsorted. Hence, even men need to visit their docs periodically that will help them to get over some of the problems with medications and counseling.

Recommended diets

Iodine is undoubtedly most helpful in many cases, but it should be introduced in organic form. All foods containing iodine should be taken liberally. These are asparagus, cabbage, garlic, onion, oats, pineapple, whole rice, tomatoes, watercress and strawberries. The diet should consist of at least 50 percent of fresh foods, organic foods which aid in proper metabolic activity. To improve metabolism, it is best to consume smaller, frequent meals throughout the day.

People with hypothyroidism often face the problem of weight gain. Include turkey, yogurt, avocados, lean chicken, fish, lentils, almonds and sesame seeds.

Certain foods like milk, barley, Green grams, Bengal gram, sugarcane juice, cucumber and milk products are good for thyroids. At times foods like carrot, amla which are high in calcium also needs to be consumed.

Coconut oil is considered better for overall thyroid health. Coconut oil is a saturated fat. Its triglycerides increase metabolism and control weight.

Vegetable juices, unrefined sea salt are healthy foods that can improve thyroid functioning.

Foods to avoid

Certain foods should be avoided as they can disrupt iodine absorption in the body and lead to swelling of the thyroid gland. These foods include spinach, sweet potatoes, cauliflower and peanuts. Avoidance of excess wheat flour, refined sugars, potatoes, and other glycolic foods also helps. Stimulants like caffeine should be avoided at all costs.

In case of severe thyroid disorder, it is best to avoid vegetables such as cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and fruits such as pears and peaches as they may have a suppressive effect on thyroid function. On the other hand sour foods often worsen the situation.

Useful Herbs:

• Shilajeet-Asphaltum puniabiunum – Shilajeet is known as India’s wonder drug, it contains 85 minerals in different forms.
• Kanchanara – Bauhinia veriegata (purple mountain ebony): Helps in healthy functioning of thyroid.
• Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) – A natural source of iodine.
• Licorice – Used to maintain a healthy balance between glands and energy building.
• Guggulu: It supports removal of toxins and relief of inflammation, especially in the joints and muscles.

Consult the doctor for medical advice and dosage forms.

Yoga Practices and Exercises recommended

Thyroid disorder can be cured from root if yoga and pranayama is practiced regularly.

• Perform Ujjayi pranayama and other yogas which helps in throat problems.
• Practicing Surya Namaskar benefits the Endocrine system and enables the various endocrinal glands to function properly. These include the thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary glands as well as the adrenal gland, testes and ovaries. Like most forms of exercise, Surya Namaskar provides mental benefits to regular practitioners. You will feel wonderful after performing the Sun Salutation. It is relaxing and rejuvenating, and tension, stress and anxiety melt away as you perform Surya Namaskar.
• Important asanas for thyroid problem are Sarwangasana, Halasana, Matsyasana, ushtrasana, ardhchandrasana, sinhasana.
• Practice bhastrika, anuloma viloma and kapalbhati pranayama daily. Also practice Nadi shodhan. Practice Vajrasana after lunch and dinner.
• Practicing goumukhasana, makrasana, bhuganasana, dhanurasana, shalbhasana can also produce good results in curing thyroid.

 

Always advised to perform the yoga asanas in the presence of the trainer till you are thorough and can do it independently. Walking is an essential exercise , at least 30 minutes.

Home Remedies

• Use food which helps curing constipation with rich in fiber, like salads, green vegetables and drink eight to ten glasses of water daily.
• Prevent emotional stress. Make it a practice to consult the doctor every 2 to 3 months before situation worsens.
• The individual should make a conscious effort to control hormonal imbalances, consuming medication religiously and doing exercises.

Keep your mind occupied. Initiate reading habit and engage yourself with a passion you enjoy and you will definitely see changes.