Live with Healthy Thyroid

Here, we will learn about Thyroid gland and read some tips how to keep thyroid healthy. Also, we will see some measures that can help ease the condition of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism that can be incorporated with the ongoing medication.

About Thyroid Gland

Thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped Endocrine gland situated in front of neck, just below Adam's apple, along front of windpipe. It is one of the largest glands and second largest endocrine gland in our body after Pituitary. Endocrine glands are those glands which directly release their secretions into blood stream. Their secretion are certain chemical substances called Hormones which regulate various body functions.

Thyroid has two side lobes joined together by a connective tissue which acts as a bridge and is called Isthmus. It is brownish-red in colour as it is richly supplied with blood vessels.  Nerves important for voice quality also pass through the thyroid. There is occasionally a third lobe present called the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland. It is of conical shape and extends from the upper part of the isthmus, up across the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone (a horseshoe-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage, also known as lingual bone). The pyramidal lobe is a remnant of the fetal thyroid stalk, or thyroglossal duct. It is occasionally quite detached, or may be divided into two or more parts.

Thyroid Hormones and their Functions

Thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, principal ones being Triiodothyronin (T3), Tetraiodothyronin (T4 also called Thyroxine) and Thyocalcitonin. Secretion of these hormones is regulated by a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone or Thyrotropin secreted by Pituitary gland which is in turn regulated by another hormone Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone produced by Hypothalamus. The thyroid gland controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body is to other hormones.

T3 and T4 hormones are structurally and functionally similar, the difference being T4 contains an Iodine atom more than T3. Up to 80% of the T4 is converted to T3 by organs such as the liver, kidney and spleen. T3 is several times more powerful than T4, which is largely a prohormone, perhaps four or even ten times more active.

Fuunctions

Thyroid hormones act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature. During infancy and childhood, adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development.These hormones impacts the basal metabolic rate, cardiovascular system, bone metabolism, hormone production, glucose metabolism, red blood cell production, protein metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, gastrointestinal function, liver function, gall bladder and brain function. Thyroid hormones exhibit influences on cellular messenger systems that affect T and B cell activity, cell death, and many other immune system functions. Thyrocalcitonin hormone is responsible for absorption of Calcium in bones.

Disorders related to Thyroid gland

Thyroid disorders include

• Hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased activity),
• Hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased activity)
• Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid
• Thyroid nodules, which are generally benign thyroid neoplasms (tumours), but may be Thyroid cancers.

All these disorders may give rise to a goiter, that is, an enlarged thyroid. For diagnosis of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism, a blood test called Thyroid Profile Test is employed (read my article on Thyroid Profile Test)

Here, we'll discuss on how to prevent them and how to manage these disorders by our diet.

Tips to keep Thyroid gland Healthy

• Iodine deficiency may lead to thyroid disorders such as Goiter, Hypothyroidism. So, your diet must include iodine, simplest way is use of iodised salt or natural salt (sea salt) which has much more minerals.
• Vitamin A, selenium, the B vitamins, iodine, vitamin D, Zinc, Iron, Selenium, and Chromium are some of the vitamins and minerals that are necessary to ensure healthy thyroid function. So, your diet must contain all of them in adequate quantities.
• To optimize your thyroid’s health make sure that you eat a balanced diet that includes the vitamins and minerals needed to keep the thyroid in tip-top shape.
• Processed foods, vegetable oils, etc contain chemicals like Bromine which are toxic to Thyroid. So, limit the intake of processed foods and healthy oils.

Recommendations for Hypothyroidism

1. Iron improves the effectiveness of both T3 and T4. So, eat more iron-rich food.
2. Deficiency of Selenium will lead to Thyroid hormone resistance. Hence, it is extremely important to add selenium-rich food to your diet.
3. Soyabean and soy products inhibit production of thyroid hormones and must not be consumed. 
4. Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng) stimulates T3 production.
5. Guggul break down protein, fats and carbs, and produce more T3.
6. Avoid eating thyroid-suppressing food like Broccoli, soya products, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.
7. Add these foods to your diet

• Iodine-Rich Foods like Iodized Salt, Seaweeds and Seafoods, Saltwater Fish, Sushi, Nori Rolls, Celtic Sea Salt
• Selenium-rich Foods like Meat, Chicken, Salmon, Tuna, Whole Unrefined Grains, Brazil Nuts, Dairy Products, Garlic, Onions.

Recommendations for Hyperthyroidism

1. Avoid foods high in iodine, such as seafood, iodised salt, eggs, curd, and milk.
2. Eat cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, preferably raw.
3. Green leafy vegetables like mustard greens, spinach and kale are believed to depress the function of your thyroid.
4. Consume flaxseed oil and ground flaxseeds, as they are ideal sources for Omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin D from eggs, salmon, mackerel and mushrooms.
5. Soybeans and soy products can help an over-stimulated thyroid. So, eat soyabean and other soy products but limit their intake as they have some other effects that may or may not be good.
6. Whole grains like millet and brown rice, combined with nuts and seeds are rich sources of zinc, an important element necessary for the body functions that might be depleted due to hyperthyroidism.
7. Avoid alcohol, smoking, tea, coffee, colas, and chocolates.
8. Take a high potency B-complex supplement daily to replenish the B vitamins used up for increased metabolism
9. If Hyperthyroidism is associated with Eye problems, then try out these tips

• Apply cool compresses to your eyes. The extra moisture may provide relief.

• Wear sunglasses. When your eyes protrude, they're more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays and more sensitive to sunlight. Wearing sunglasses helps protect them from both sun and wind.
• Use lubricating eye drops. Eye drops may help relieve dryness and scratchiness. Be sure to use eyedrops that don't contain redness removers.
• Elevate the head of your bed. Keeping your head higher than the rest of your body may reduce swelling and may help relieve pressure on your eyes.