Hypothyroidism or Underactive Thyroid :
The thyroid gland lies in the neck, is controlled by the pituitary and hypothalamus, and produces two hormones. These are called thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine. They helpregulate the body’s oxygen consumption, heat production and growth. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is ten times commoner in women than in men, and affects almost one woman in ten at some time.
It can cause heavy periods; weak, aching muscles; fatigue; coldness and weight gain. The skin may be dry and pale, with puffiness around the eyes. Some people develop anemia, constipation, bloating, swollen ankles and depression.
A croaky voice, unsteadiness, and insomnia are possible; fertility problems, numb and tingling fingers, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease are more common and the gland may swell in the neck.
Triggers include antibody attack (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), a poor diet, treatment for an overactive thyroid and certain drugs. Hypothyroidism after childbirth can mimic postpartum depression. Smoking, stress and inactivity encourage thyroid under activity.
Treatment:
The problem sometimes corrects itself. It’s important to stop smoking, to manage stress effectively and to take regular exercise.
Food and Drink:
- Eat more foods rich in iodine, selenium, and essential fatty acids. Avoid piped water (as its fluoride and chlorine content can block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland) and drink distilled water.
- Eat Sweet potato and soybean
- Eat plenty of milk and water
Eat more pumpkin - Include Cauliflower and cabbage in your vegetables
Food Supplements:
- Vitamin E and selenium
- Multivitamin and mineral tab
Hyperthyroidism or Overactive Thyroid:
The thyroid gland in the neck is the “energy gland”, because its hormones, thyroxine, and tri-iodothyronine, regulate how fast the body burns the energy. The increased hormone production resulting from an overactive gland causes abnormal sweating, feeling hot, hunger, shaky hands, and rapid heartbeat.
The gland may swell and the person may feel anxious, restless and exhausted. There may be muscle wasting and irregular periods. Sleep becomes difficult, the heartbeat rhythm may be irregular and the eyes can take on a startled, starting appearance.
The commonest cause of thyroid overactivity (thyrotoxicosis) is a Graves’ diseases. This mostly affects young and middle-aged women. It results from antibody attack but the trigger is unclear though stress sometimes plays a part. Other causes include inflammation, infection, a tumor (benign or cancerous) and certain drugs.
Treatment:
Graves’ disease often disappears spontaneously in time. However, it’s wise to check that your stress management strategies are effective
Food and Drink:
- Eat more foods rich in vitamin C and more thyroid-suppressing foods. The latter include cabbage, turnips, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach and broccoli.
- Cut down on dairy products and avoid stimulating, caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee, tea and cola
- Eat more spinach
- Eat at least five kinds of vegetables and fruits daily
- Quit smoking and stop drinking alcohol
Food Supplements:
Multivitamin and Multimineral tab
Calcium-Magnesium
Vitam-B Complex
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