Thyroid gland - diseases of the thyroid gland and how you can keep them under control through a healthy lifestyle

Did you know that the thyroid gland is the one that helps you maintain a normal body weight? Or that it regulates your heart rate through the production of thyroid hormones? Many diseases could be prevented if more information were known about the thyroid gland and its role in the normal functioning of the body. Next, we will talk about what the thyroid gland is, what symptoms it has, and foods that regulate the thyroid and prevent problems from worsening.

Contents:

1. Thyroid gland - useful information about its role in the body
1. Thyroid gland - what is it and how does it work?
2. The functions of the thyroid gland - essential in the body
3. Thyroid gland - what happens when it stops working well?
2. Disorders of the thyroid gland - how do you recognize them?
1. Thyroid gland disorders - how many types are there and why do they appear?
2. Symptoms of thyroid gland disorders
3. Thyroid disorders - what do you do if you recognize the symptoms?
3. Foods beneficial for the thyroid gland - an important part of a healthy lifestyle

1. Thyroid gland - useful information about its role in the body

The thyroid gland is the organ responsible for the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, essential for a normal and healthy functioning of the body. When there is an imbalance in hormones, the body reacts and gives the first signals that something is wrong. We are talking about acute fatigue, which does not go away even with a sleep schedule, concentration problems, anxiety states, weight loss and at the same time an increase in appetite for food. But before we talk about the thyroid and the symptoms that the disturbances can cause, we must see how the thyroid gland works and what are its main functions.

1.1. Thyroid gland - what is it and how does it work?

The thyroid gland works in a complex way and although it is located in the neck, the whole process of functioning actually starts in the hypothalamus, that region of the brain that detects the levels of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), two hormones that contain iodine and play an important role in regulating metabolism. It is the brain that initiates the gland's functioning process by releasing a hormone that reaches the thyroid gland and stimulates the production of the two hormones. The secreted hormones are then released into the blood, from where they reach the tissues of the entire body and influence various metabolic processes. If the level of hormones in the blood increases too much, an impulse is sent to the brain, and it intervenes to regulate the hormonal balance and the normal functioning of the body.

1.2. The functions of the thyroid gland - essential in the body

The functions of the thyroid gland are essential in the body, influencing a wide range of physiological processes. The biggest impact thyroid hormones have is on metabolic rate. Specifically, these hormones help the body convert nutrients into energy and regulate the basal metabolic rate. An interesting thing, little known, is the fact that the thyroid gland also plays an important role in burning calories. For example, a person suffering from hyperthyroidism (excess production of thyroid hormones) usually burns more calories and consumes more calories. This is how it can be explained why thyroid gland disorders have such specific symptoms - in this case, inexplicable weight loss and increased appetite.

The thyroid gland is also involved in the normal development of the nervous system, bones and tissues, since childhood. A disorder in the level of thyroid hormones can affect the normal growth and development of children. These hormones also contribute to the regulation of body temperature, influencing the body's response to temperature changes. At the level of the nervous system, the thyroid gland supports normal functioning - hormonal balance helps maintain concentration and memory, while an imbalance leads to the loss of these abilities. Last but not least, thyroid hormones contribute to the good functioning of the cardiovascular system, maintaining blood pressure at a normal level.

1.3. Thyroid gland - what happens when it stops working well?

We have seen the functions of the thyroid gland and the major importance of hormones in the normal functioning of the body. But what happens when the imbalance occurs? Thyroid gland disorders have fairly easy to recognize symptoms because they appear suddenly, without making major changes in your life. You may notice an increase in weight, although you do not eat more than usual, you may notice a state of weakness, although you rest just as well, and you do not have more physical activity. Precisely for this reason, it is important that you go to a doctor at the first signs to identify the exact cause and prescribe you a suitable treatment.

2. Disorders of the thyroid gland - how do you recognize them?

Although the thyroid gland works the same for all people, regardless of gender, there is still one thing that is known about the thyroid gland in women: the risk of developing certain diseases related to this organ is much higher. Thyroid disorders in women are so common that there are quite high chances that you know a person around you who suffers from hyper or hypothyroidism or who has developed thyroid nodules. We will continue to discuss the types of disorders that can occur and how they manifest, and you will see what I have already mentioned - the symptoms are easy to recognize, especially in the context where you have not changed anything in your routine or lifestyle.

2.1. Thyroid gland disorders - how many types are there and why do they appear?

The most well-known disorders of the thyroid gland are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces larger amounts of thyroid hormones, while hypothyroidism occurs when a smaller amount of thyroid hormones is secreted. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease - an autoimmune condition in which the immune system produces antibodies that stimulate the gland to release more thyroid hormones than necessary. On the other hand, hypothyroidism is also found in people suffering from Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition that destroys the cells of the thyroid gland, resulting in a lower amount of secreted hormones.

Other types of thyroid gland disorders that occur especially in women are: thyroid nodules (the risk of developing such nodules increases with age) and postpartum thyroiditis (an inflammation of the thyroid gland that can occur in certain cases after birth).

2.2. Symptoms of thyroid gland disorders

Thyroid gland disorders have symptoms that relate more to metabolism and mood, as we will see. In some cases, the symptoms can be easily identified, while in other cases they can be easily overlooked. These symptoms can differ both depending on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the gender of the person.

An enlarged thyroid gland has common symptoms, such as:

• Swelling in the neck area (the goiter can be visible or at least felt when palpated),
• Pain or discomfort in the neck area,
• Difficulty swallowing,
• Persistent hoarseness (if the thyroid gland affects the vocal cords, it can cause changes in the voice),
• Breathing difficulties (suffocation feeling).

In this case, the thyroid gland has the same symptoms in men and women.

When hyperthyroidism occurs, the symptoms can be observed in the form of an increase in the metabolic rate, states of irritability and anxiety, palpitations or accelerated heart rate. Among the most common symptoms of the thyroid gland in men in this case are excessive sweating and heat intolerance, while women may face insomnia. In the case of hypothyroidism, among the most common symptoms of the thyroid gland in women are inexplicable states of fatigue and general weakness. Women can also face changes in the skin, hair and nails - the skin dehydrates more easily, the hair loses its shine, and the nails break and exfoliate. Men can face a slowdown in metabolism and a sudden increase in weight, but also constipation (as a rule, the thyroid gland in men has symptoms that can be overlooked more easily).

It is extremely important to mention that these symptoms can vary from one person to another, as is the case with many diseases. Some people can tick all the symptoms, while others have only a slight fatigue, which can be attributed to other factors. The thyroid gland gives certain symptoms in women much more obvious than in the case of men, such as irregular menstrual cycle (hormonal imbalances associated with thyroid conditions can influence the menstrual cycle) or complications during pregnancy or which can affect the normal development of the child. This is also the reason why any pregnant woman, regardless of whether she has a history of thyroid problems, is monitored throughout pregnancy from this point of view.

2.3. Thyroid disorders - what do you do if you recognize the symptoms?

If you have recognized any symptom or have certain suspicions that indicate a disorder in the thyroid gland, the first step you must take is to consult a doctor. The doctor will take a detailed medical history, analyze the symptoms you have and recommend certain blood tests to see the level of thyroid hormones. In certain cases, additional analyzes are required, such as ultrasound or thyroid biopsy, which provide information about the structure and functioning of the thyroid gland. If you are diagnosed, an endocrinologist will establish a treatment plan, recommend certain changes in your diet and lifestyle and schedule you for regular visits for monitoring.

3. Foods beneficial for the thyroid gland - an important part of a healthy lifestyle

There is a fairly close relationship between the thyroid gland and food, some foods having an important contribution in preventing or aggravating thyroid diseases. Among the foods that must be found on your plate to maintain the health of the thyroid gland, seaweed is first and foremost. They contain iodine, an essential mineral for the production of thyroid hormones. And fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel or sardines, are on the list of good foods for the thyroid gland, these fish being an excellent source of Omega 3 (Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory effects and supports the health of the thyroid gland). Nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants (berries, carrots, broccoli, spinach), lean meat, dairy products, foods rich in zinc (beef, legumes, pumpkin seeds), coconut oil and eggs should and let them find their place at your meals, being foods with an important role in preventing thyroid diseases. If you don't eat such foods rich in Omega 3 and antioxidants that often, you can always use supplements for the thyroid gland that can help you if you are faced with imbalances in the level of thyroid hormones. Thus, they can regulate these imbalances.

If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid condition, your doctor will recommend a personalized diet, which complements the prescribed treatment. For example, if you suffer from hypothyroidism, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower, although they are beneficial foods for the thyroid gland, should be consumed in moderation, while in the case of hyperthyroidism, seaweed is not recommended because it can further stimulate the secretion of hormones thyroids. Changes in diet in this case must be discussed with the doctor treating you.

Of course, not only nutrition is important, but also sleep, physical activity and stress control. Improve your sleep quality, make sure you get enough sleep, take daily walks or do physical activities (it doesn't have to be something that overtaxes you) and most importantly, apply stress management techniques during busy periods because stress can affect the thyroid.

In conclusion, the thyroid gland plays an important role in the functioning of our body and it is important to know what its functions are and what we can do to maintain its health. If you have recently noticed a state of pronounced fatigue or other symptoms that could indicate a thyroid condition, do not postpone the check-up with the doctor because this imbalance in the level of thyroid hormones will attract other imbalances in the body. Your health should always come first.

Photo source: freepik.com

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/
2.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid
3.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease
4.  https://www.health.com/food/the-best-and-worst-foods-for-your-thyroid
5.  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hypothyroidism-diet#foods-to-avoid