The thyroid gland is a metabolism hormone-producing gland in the lower part of the neck which is located just below Adam’s apple. It has two nodes attached to one another by a middle part called the isthmus and is located in front of the trachea. The thyroid gland produces necessary hormones required by the body that help regulate metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Thyroid hormones are also necessary for children to grow and develop. When the thyroid is in its normal size, you can’t feel it.
This gland is brownish-red in color and is rich with blood vessels. Nerves that are important for voice quality also pass through the thyroid gland. The thyroid secretes several hormones which are called thyroid hormones. The main hormone is thyroxine which is known as T4. Thyroid hormones act throughout the body by influencing metabolism, growth and development and body temperature. During infancy and childhood, adequate amounts of thyroid hormone is needed for brain development. The thyroid uses iodine to produce vital hormones. Thyroxine which is also known as T4 is the primary hormone produced by the gland. After going through the bloodstream to the body’s tissues, a small portion of the T4 released from the gland is converted to triiodothyronine (T3), which is the most active hormone.
Symptoms of Thyroid
Thyroid disease is common. Thyroid disease can result from conditions that cause malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
When the gland produces too much thyroid hormone in our body then the condition is known as hyperthyroidism.
When the gland does not function sufficiently means there is too little thyroid hormone produced in our body then this condition is called hypothyroidism.
Enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck can cause symptoms that are directly related to the increase in the size of the organ and you will get difficulty in swallowing and discomfort in front of the neck. The main symptoms of thyroid disease are Nervousness, tremor, agitation, irritability, poor concentration, reduced menstrual blood flow in women, racing heartbeat or palpitations, heat intolerance, changes in bowel habits, such as more frequent bowel movements, enlargement of the thyroid gland, skin thinning, brittle hair,increase in appetite, feeling hungry and sweating.
People with Thyroid problem should avoid these foods:
People who are having thyroid problems can’t control their disease through diet. But eating the foods that should be avoided in the thyroid can cause trouble.
- Broccoli and Cabbage: Vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, are full of fiber and other nutrients but they will interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. You should avoid eating sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower etc. because digesting these vegetables will block the thyroid’s ability to utilize iodine which is essential for normal thyroid function. Cooking them can reduce the effect which these vegetables will have on the thyroid gland.
- Gluten, Found in Bread, Pasta, and Rice: Those who have hypothyroidism should consider minimizing their intake of gluten which is a protein found in foods processed from wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. If you have celiac disease then eating gluten will irritate the small intestine and will hamper absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication.
If you do choose to eat gluten then be sure to choose whole-grain varieties of bread, pasta, and rice which are high in fiber and other nutrients and can help improve bowel irregularity which is a very common symptom of hypothyroidism.
- Fatty Foods Such as Butter, Meat and All Fried Food:
Fats have been found to shatter the ability of the body to absorb thyroid hormone replacement medicines. Fats may also interfere with the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones as well. You should avoid eating all fried foods and reduce your intake of butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.
- Sugary Foods Like This Delicious Chocolate Cake:
Hypothyroidism will slow down the metabolism of the body. That means you will easily increase your body weight which will be again a big problem. You have to avoid foods with excess amounts of sugar because it’s a lot of calories with no nutrients. You should minimize the amount of sugar you eat or try to eliminate it completely from your diet.
- Processed Foods in Packages and the Frozen Aisle:
Processed foods are made up of a lot of sodium and people with hypothyroidism should avoid having sodium. Having thyroid will increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure and too much sodium further increases this risk. We should always read the “Nutrition Facts” label on the packaging of processed foods to find options lowest in sodium. People who have increased risk for high blood pressure should restrict their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams a day.
- Excess Fiber From Beans, Legumes, and Vegetables:
Getting enough fiber is good for you but too much can complicate your hypothyroidism treatment. Adults up to age 50 should take in 25 to 38 grams of fiber a day. If you’re taking a high fiber diet then you must ask your doctor if you need a higher dose of thyroid medication. Your daily dose needs to be increased if you aren’t absorbing enough medication.
- Coffee:
Caffeine blocks the absorption of thyroid hormone into the body. People who were taking their thyroid medication with their morning coffee had uncontrollable thyroid levels. The thyroid patient should only take their medication with water. They should wait at least 30 minutes after taking their medication before having a cup of coffee.
- Alcohol Doesn’t Play Well With Your Thyroid:
Alcohol consumption can affect both thyroid hormone levels in the body and the ability of the thyroid to produce hormone. Alcohol appears to have a toxic effect on the thyroid gland and restrain the ability of the body to use the thyroid hormone. People with thyroid problems should cut out alcohol completely or drink in careful moderation.
Steps you have to take to feel good while you’re waiting for Thyroid treatment to take effect
- If your thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormone then your skin will show it. These steps can help restore your complexion.
- Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated by applying creams.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water and minimize beverages that dehydrate your skin such as those with alcohol and caffeine.
- Instead of bathing or showering in hot water, we should use cool-to-warm water.
- Be gentle to your hair and should avoid tugging, pulling and using harsh chemical treatments which can make hair more dry and thin.
