IS IT YOUR THYROID?

Have you ever wondered what is responsible for your body’s ability to lose or gain weight, regulate energy, synthesize protein and the total metabolic power of your beautiful body? It is your thyroid.

The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands in the human anatomy. It is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, below the thyroid cartilage ( what we commonly call the Adam’s apple).

Known to be the master gland of metabolism, thyroid hormones are important in regulating body energy, the body’s use of other hormones and vitamins. Thyroid helps the growth and maturation of body tissues. It also controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones. It participates in these processes by producing thyroid hormones.

When your thyroid doesn’t function, it can affect every aspect of your health, precisely, weight, depression and energy levels. Undiagnosed thyroid problems can drastically increase your risk of obesity, heart disease, depression, skin reactions, anxiety, hair loss, sexual dysfunction, infertility and host of other symptoms and health problems. It is important that you don’t go undiagnosed.

Diseases of the thyroid gland can result in either production of too much (overactive thyroid disease or hyperthyroidism), too little (underactive thyroid disease or hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone, thyroid nodules, and or goiter.

Thyroid problems seem to be on the rise when looking over the past few years and medical professionals and other relevant bodies are understandably worried. It is on record that all types of thyroid problems in women are much more common than thyroid disorders in men.

Some of the common and known symptoms of undiagnosed thyroid problems include:

1. ·         Muscle and joint pains in the hands, arms and legs and feet.
2. ·         Discomfort and or enlargement of the neck especially when wearing a turtle neck or neckties. Also here, a sudden hoarse voice or a visibly enlarged thyroid can be a signal that the person has undiagnosed thyroid problem.
3. ·         Severe long-term constipation is frequently associated with hypothyroidism, while diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is associated with hyperthyroidism.
4. ·         Menstrual irregularities and Fertility problems.

There are a lot things we can do to prevent living with any thyroid problem. Top on the list include a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle.

FOODS THAT HELP THE THYROID FUNCTION WELL

Sea salt, Seafood and Shellfish, Garlic and Onions, Iodine, fish and shellfish are good food that will help the thyroid.

An underperforming thyroid, or hypothyroid, does not produce enough hormones, and causes muscle cramps, fatigue and most commonly, weight gain. A diet intended to help hypothyroid conditions includes low glycemic foods, lean proteins and high fibers. Your diet include seafood, eggs, poultry, apples, beans, green leafy vegetables and all-bran cereals, cold-water fish, fruits, vegetables, whole grains.

FOOD THAT CAUSE THYROID DISORDER

Other foods high in sulphur, also cause thyroid troubles. These foods include soybeans, tofu, pine nuts and canola oil. Also avoid refined foods, refined sugar, wheat, caffeine and alcohol, and exercise regularly.

Also, in their raw forms, cabbage, sprouts, peaches and spinach will cause thyroid problems; avoid them.

‘ON THE FLIPSIDE’

• There are other things that we can do to ward off thyroid disorders including;
• ·         Decrease soy intake: Soy contains isoflavones which have been known to cause thyroid problems.
• ·         Quit smoking: the many toxins in cigarettes will affect your thyroid.
• ·         Stay stress free: Too much is never good. This causes problems in many areas and thyroid is one of them. Using exercise in any form can help reduce stress which can prevent thyroid problems.