Thyroid diseases
The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located
just below the Adam’s apple in our neck. The Thyroid produces hormones like
tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). These hormones help the metabolic
process of our body, physical growth and development, fertility, etc. Any
decrease (hypothyroidism) or increase (hyperthyroidism) of this hormone makes
thyroid diseases. Females are more prone to thyroid problems.
What causes thyroid
disease?
Some cardiac medicines (Cordarone) prolonged
use can cause thyroid dysfunction.
Prolonged exposure to radioactive substance
makes thyroid imbalances.
Increased or decreased iodine intake is a main
reason.
The non-stick Teflon-coated cookwares are one
of the main reasons for thyroid disease. The non-stick coating contains two
types of harmful chemicals such as Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and
Perfluoroctanoic Acid (PFOA). These chemicals are unstable at very high
temperature, prevent the thyroid hormone mechanism, and cause thyroid disease.
Once the Teflon coating is damaged, do not use this for cooking purpose. Always
use wooden spoon instead of stainless steel to protect the coating.
The Indian ginseng “Aswagandha” believes to be
a booster in thyroid function. This is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic
practices. It increases the thyroid hormone production.
The goiterogens in cauliflower, radish,
millet, cabbage, and broccoli prevents the absorption of iodine in the body.
Therefore, over consumption of these goiterogenic vegetables makes thyroid
disease. However, this goiterogens destroyed by proper cooking.
The oral contraceptive birth control pills are
a combination of estrogen's and progestin (female sex hormones). These hormones
affect the effectiveness of the thyroid gland. As a result, more thyroid
hormone is secreted in woman’s body. The condition is hyperthyroidism.
Other reasons are cigarette smoking and
inhalation of this smoke. The tobacco smoke contains substances that influence
the function of the thyroid gland. Therefore, smoking increases the risk of
thyroid disease.
During increased tension or stress cortisol
hormone is released and this causes thyroid dysfunctions. Thus, chronic stress
affects the thyroid health.
Decreased function of
thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism)
Weight gain, intolerance to cold, tiredness,
hair fall, dry skin, irregular menstruation, abortion, and depression occurs
due to low thyroid hormone level.
Increased activity of
thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism)
The thyroid hormone level increases due to
increased function of the thyroid gland. This causes increased sweating, hair
falls, weight loss, intolerance to heat, softness of skin, and abortion.
Thyroid hormone and
adolescence
The hormone level variations of the thyroid gland
and this will cause delays maturity in boys and girls. Sometimes this may cause
late menstruation or absence of menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy and thyroid
A well-balanced thyroid hormone level needs the
growth and development of fetal brain. The congenital mental retardation is
due to low thyroid hormone level during pregnancy.
Food items help for the
smooth function of the thyroid gland
You must include vegetables, green leaves,
fruits, fish, and coconut water daily in your diet for the thyroid health.
Avoid cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli because this will affect thyroid
health. Recent studies show Green gram is good for thyroid health
No comments:
Post a Comment