Learning about Thyroid: Functions, Effects on Health, Disorders, Symptoms, and Treatment

It is a tiny gland but performs a monumental role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of the body. This butterfly-shaped gland is in the neck, below the Adam's apple, and produces hormones that affect nearly every organ system. Let us know about the thyroid, its functions, impact on health, common disorders, symptoms, treatments, and Indian dietary tips to manage thyroid health effectively.

What is the Thyroid and Its Functions?

The thyroid gland makes two major hormones, which include thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. These hormones influence how the body system gets metabolized: energy production and usage, heart rate and muscular strength, body temperature, bone growth, and brain. The pituitary gland controls the function of the thyroid by producing the thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. The function of the thyroid should always be balanced. It serves to play an essential role in metabolic equilibrium, growth, and energy.?

Thyroid hormones are kept on the production through hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis. This occurs through hypothalamus's dispatching TRH which instructs pituitary to start release of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone. TSH then sends instructions to the thyroid for releasing its own hormones. Therefore, a feedback system maintains this system with much subtlety.

Thyroid on Health

A healthy thyroid will ensure:

1. Metabolic Balance: Thyroid determines whether the body is properly producing energy through the food.

2. Cardiovascular Health: The thyroid controls heartbeat, Blood pressure, and cholesterol. Over- and under-secretion of these hormones cause heart diseases.

3. Mental Health: These hormones are vital for mood control and a clear mind. This is why thyroid problems frequently manifest as psychological symptoms. Unbalanced hormones can trigger anxiety, mood swings or depression.

4. Reproductive Health: Thyroid function significantly impacts fertility, menstrual regularity in women, and reproductive health in both genders.

5. Skin, Hair, and Nails: Healthy thyroid function promotes radiant skin, shiny hair & strong nails.

6. Bone Health: Thyroid has a strong influence on metabolism and bone health, which leads to bone density and strength.

7. Energy Levels: Thyroid hormones regulate energy levels or resistance to fatigue by controlling cellular metabolism.

If the thyroid is not working properly, it affects many body systems.

Common Thyroid Disorders

1. Hypothyroidism: Caused by an under functioning thyroid or insufficient hormone production.

• Symptoms: Tiredness, weight increase, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, depression.
• Common Causes: Hashimoto's thyroiditis-an autoimmune disease, iodine deficiency, or removal of the thyroid.

2. Hyperthyroidism: This is caused by an overactive thyroid gland that produces excess hormones.

• Symptoms: Weight loss, rapid pulse, intolerance to heat, nervousness, shakiness, and increased appetite.
• Common Causes: Graves' disease-an autoimmune disorder, thyroid nodules, or excessive intake of iodine.

3. Goitre: Caused by the enlargement of the thyroid gland, mostly because of a deficiency in iodine.

• Symptoms: Swelling in the neck, difficulty in swallowing or breathing.

4. Thyroid Nodules: Cause: Lumps in the thyroid gland, which can be benign or malignant.

• Symptoms: Usually painless but might lead to swollen or painful enlargement.

5. Thyroid Cancer: Etiology: Carcinomatous mass within the thyroid

Symptoms: Mass in the neck, hoarseness of voice and shortness of swallowing

Symptoms Presentation

Thyroid diseases mostly present themselves as subclinical, and most also come in the form of mimicking other diseases. Among the symptoms presented below are the most significant ones:

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms:

• Prolonged fatigue
• Unexpected weight gain
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin, brittle hair
• Depression, brain performance
• Weak muscles, joint pains

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms:

• Unwanted weight loss
• Anxiety, irritability
• Sensitivity to heat
• Palpitations
• Tremors
• Sleep problems

Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders

1. Blood Tests: TSH, T3, and T4 levels.
2. Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or radioactive iodine uptake test for nodules or goitre.
3. Biopsy: For suspected thyroid cancer.

Treatment Options

1. Medications:

• Hypothyroidism: Synthetic hormone replacement therapy (levothyroxine).
• Hyperthyroidism: Anti-thyroid medications (methimazole or propylthiouracil).

2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy:

• It is used to shrink the thyroid in hyperthyroidism.

3. Surgery:

• Partial or total thyroidectomy for large goitres, nodules, or cancer.

4. Lifestyle Changes:

• Exercise regularly and maintain stress-free conditions to go well with medical therapy.

Indian Diet Guidelines for Thyroid Care

A very good diet will go a long way in helping the thyroid to function well. Here are some dietary guidelines for each condition:

For Hypothyroidism:

• Iodine-Rich Foods: Iodized salt and seafood like fish, prawns, and dairy products are a must. Too much iodine may worsen the condition. Seafood, especially marine fish, is good for thyroid health. For vegetarians, seaweed and iodized salt are better alternatives.
• Selenium-Rich Foods: Selenium is also known to cause hormones to be produced in the body. Include nuts such as Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and whole grains. All of these items prepared in the Indian tradition are nutritious and filling.
• Zinc-Rich Foods: Chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and lentils enhance the functions of the thyroid. Legumes, in particular, such as Bengal gram (chana) and pumpkin seeds, are good sources of zinc, which the thyroid needs for its functioning.
• Fiber: High-fibre products are helpful in weight management control that comprises oats, barley, fruits, and vegetables.
• Avoid Too Much of Goitrogens: Raw, uncooked forms of cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and kale can interfere with thyroid functioning if taken in excess amounts. Cooking these vegetables reduces their goitrogenic properties.
• Anti-inflammatory Foods: Include these ingredients in diet daily-turmeric, ginger, and holy basil (Tulsi). These have been found in Ayurvedic medicine for ages, which provide and help the patient to support the thyroid.

For Hyperthyroidism:

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Include milk, yogurt, paneer, and calcium-enriched food items in your diet once bones get stronger.
• Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Include colourful fruits like berries and vegetables such as carrots and spinach to reduce oxidative stress.
• Restrict Iodine: Restrict iodine-rich foods, seafood & iodized salt.

General Tips:

• Herbal Teas: Ashwagandha tea balances the hormone, whereas ginger tea reduces inflammation.
• Hydration: Hydrate enough water for metabolic functions.
• Small, Frequent Meals: Have small meals at regular intervals of 3-4 hours to maintain the energy level.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Apart from diet, there are several lifestyle factors that may help support thyroid health:

1. Practice: try to perform yoga postures such as Sarvangasana or shoulder stand, and Matsyasana or fish pose. These cause the thyroid gland to be activated. The normal exercise of one's body allows the thyroid to stay healthy; it also facilitates the regulation of the symptoms this gland manifests via weight.

2. Controlling Stress: Meditate or practice deep breathing because it has been known as a trigger to thyroid diseases.

3. Sleep: Ensure you get quality sleep for 7-8 hours because sleep helps regulate hormones.

4. No Smoking: Smoking may enhance your thyroid disorder.

5. Checkup: These should be run and function tests regularly, especially with cases of family histories of thyroid disorders.

Prevention and Long-term Management

The holistic approach takes care of your thyroid.

• Monitoring Regularly: Annual thyroid function tests, especially for high-risk ones.
• Environmental Factors: Identify the environmental factors which may influence the functioning of the thyroid, like the excessive exposure to some chemicals or radiation.
• Medication Compliance: If the patient is prescribed thyroid medication, then act accordingly and take according to prescription

Conclusion

The small thyroid has a lot to do with health. The understanding of what to do and where to go in case of agitation may push one towards early diagnosis and thus early treatment.

Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism requires combining medical interventions with lifestyle and dietary approaches considered in relation to the thyroid organ. In such ways of life and diet, embracing such practices and especially nutritional Indian food intake, you take care of your thyroid and your health in general. Always consult a medical practitioner for personal advice and treatment plans.

Author

Dt. Isha Verma M. Sc. DFSM, M.A ENG, CNCC

Clinical Dietitian, Hexamed Diagnostics