Understanding and Managing Thyroid Disorder

Did you know that undetected low levels of thyroid hormone may cause subtle changes that can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease?

Thyroid disease is one of the most common health issues caused by thyroid gland, either through hypothyroidism (under function) or hyperthyroidism (over function). Thyroid diseases are life-long conditions, more common in women than in men. With careful management, people with thyroid disease can live healthy, normal lives.

The thyroid gland is an essential organ for maintaining body metabolism through the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4 hormones). Thyroid hormone plays a major role in regulating metabolism (the process of cells converting nutrients into energy) and thus helps regulate body temperature, heart rate, and even brain function.

Diagnosing Thyroid Disease through symptoms can be confused with other conditions. A TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test helps identify thyroid disorders even before the onset of its symptoms. When thyroid disease is caught early, treatment can control the disorder even before the onset of symptoms.

If your LDL cholesterol has been advancing or if you notice unexplainable weight gain, you can discuss with your doctor and get your thyroid screened. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists notes that low thyroid hormone is often the cause of high cholesterol.

Treatment

Hypothyroidism is treated by medication that helps replace the missing thyroid hormone in the body. With the right dosage prescribed by your doctor you can return to your normal lifestyle.

Hyperthyroidism is generally more difficult to treat, as it requires the normalization of thyroid hormone production. Treatment could involve drug therapy (to block hormone production), radioactive iodine treatment (to disable the thyroid), or even thyroid surgery to remove part or the entire gland.

Diet

A nutritious diet is important for the normal functioning of thyroid gland and for maintaining correct thyroid levels in the blood. This not only keeps your metabolism healthy but also makes you feel good once your thyroid levels are normal. Additionally a regular exercise program may also help in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

Healthy Food for Healthy Thyroids

Eat healthy: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole-grain foods to improve your overall health. They contain ample soluble fiber and protein. Incorporate fish or beans for lean protein sources. Also use healthy oils such as olive oil.

Choose healthy fats: Certain dietary fats contribute to heart disease and some forms of cancer. Avoid saturated fats from animal products such as meat and cheese, and trans fats in the form of hydrogenated oils in processed foods. Prefer monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils, Seeds, nuts, and legumes and omega-3 fats found in certain kinds of fish.

Eat Complex Carbohydrates: These are found in whole-grain foods, fruits, and vegetables. Cut down on soft drinks, potato chips, candy, crackers, and other high calorie junk foods.

Limit foods high in soy protein, as large amounts of soy might interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone. Also avoid excessive amounts of iodine, either in medications or supplements, as this could potentially alter your thyroid hormone level.

Get above the thyroid problem with careful management and lead a healthy and happy life.