Monday, August 13, 2012

Thyroid: symptoms, prevention, care


Do you feel colder than most other people, and tired and sluggish a lot of time? If you are also over weight, have high cholesterol and a low sex drive, then you may want to consider the idea that you are suffering from a thyroid disorder.

The incidence of thyroid disorders is on the rise in India. In the past decade, doctors have seen the number of cases go up four times.

Thyroid disorders are amongst the most baffling disorders faced by the medical community. No one knows for sure what triggers this disorder. It is believed that it arises as a result of a combination of environmental, nutritional and lifestyle factors. Also women are 8 times more susceptible to thyroid.

The thyroid gland regulates heat production in your body, and when too little is produced this leads to gradual slowing down and sluggishness of the mind and body; or hyperventilation if the hormone is produced in excess. The gland also contributes to the health of your heart and cardiovascular system, helping to regulate blood pressure and fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides.



However, there are lots of natural preventative health measures to lower your risk of developing a thyroid condition. Focus on getting proper nutrition, balancing your hormones, and encouraging healthy adrenal function by reducing stress. Nutrition is probably the most important player when it comes to the thyroid. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly with regard to iodine, selenium, and zinc, can contribute to poor thyroid health.

If you are already suffering from the disorder then it helps to mind what you are eating. Make sure the diet you follow is high in fiber content, low in calorie and low-glycemic. Follow a schedule and give your body the right food at the right time of the day. Iodine must be included in your diet. It is naturally available in fish and sea food or you can opt for iodized salt.

Low-glycemic food like carrots, beet root, bananas, potatoes, peas, sugar, oranges, baked food, white bread etc. should be avoided. Lean meat, poultry, legumes and read meat are important. Herbs can provide natural thyroid support.

It should be kept in mind that there are foods that promote thyroid health and those that aggravate the condition. While foods that provide extra iodine and omega 3 fatty acids are good for thyroid health, there are also certain foods that induce the formation of goiter (abnormally enlarged thyroid).

Avoid dietary vegetable oils, hydrogenated fats and polyunsaturated oils (they mostly come bundled with packaged food).

Work out as often as you can and enjoy life!

1 comment:

  1. I was feeling quite nervous abt taking up the treatment. But now after reading your experience I feel motivated to attend thyroid treatment.
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    ReplyDelete