Today, work is the highest priority for everyone. Sedentary lifestyle and stressful work culture have led to increasing health problems. By the virtue of hormones, the thyroid gland secretes and controls almost every function of the body. The hectic lifestyle changes has put a lot of pressure on this butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck. Thyroid disorders range from goiter to thyroid cancer and could affect anyone in many different ways. According to the stats provided by Health and Family Welfare Statistics in India 2013; there is one patient in every 2000 who suffers from thyroid disorder. Let’s get to know more about Thyroid Disease and it’s Symptoms

Thyroid Causes

Some of the causes for thyroid disorders are as follows:

• Iodine deficiency
• Thyroid gland inflammation (due to a virus or bacteria)
• Autoimmune diseases (in which your own immune system attacks your body)
• Genetic disorders
• Medical treatments like thyroid surgery, radiation therapy and few medicines also lead to thyroid problems.
• Cancerous tumors on the thyroid
• Non-cancerous lumps or nodules inside the thyroid

Types of Thyroid Disorders

There are six main conditions associated with the thyroid gland

• Hyperthyroidism ? This condition occurs when the gland secretes more thyroid hormone than what the body requires.
• Hypothyroidism ? This condition is caused when the gland releases low levels of thyroid hormone.
• Hashimoto’s disease ? It is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis.
• Grave’s disease ? It is an autoimmune disorder.
• Goiter ? Involves non-cancerous enlargement of thyroid gland.
• Thyroid nodules ? Nodules develop on or in thyroid gland.

Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders

The most common symptoms of thyroid disorders include:

• Nervousness
• Poor concentration
• Menstrual changes
• Bloating
• Palpitations
• Aches/pains
• Weight gain
• Heat intolerance
• High cholesterol levels.

With the help of regular preventive health checkups, doctors can detect early signs or development of the disease.

Thyroid Disorders Prevention Tips

• Avoid Processed Food:

  A lot of chemicals can alter the thyroid hormone production. One needs to avoid any kind of processed food; they are on the edge of the thyroid disorder.

• Avoid Soy:

  Limit the soy intake as it alters the hormone production.

• Stop Smoking:

  The toxins released during smoking can make the thyroid gland over sensitive which can lead to thyroid disorders.

• Reduce Stress:

  Stress is one of the major contributors in many health disorders including thyroid disease.

Diet for patients with thyroid disorders:

Follow below thyroid diet to avoid or prevent thyroid problems:

• What to Take:

  Yogurt, seaweed, nuts, milk, chicken, fish, eggs, berries, cauliflower, and kale.

• What to Reduce:

  Soy and soy products.

• What to Avoid:

  Gluten, processed food, and fast food.

Conclusion

Thyroid disorders are easy to manage. With a little help from the medication and some easy lifestyle changes, you can easily live a normal life. Regular physical activity is very important to stay fit and healthy. Make sure to take a healthy diet and not miss out any medication. Furthermore, regular preventive health checkups can help keep an eye on our body’s nutrient levels and health status.

Monitoring creatinine levels ensures maintaining healthy kidneys. When you experience some unusual symptoms or want to get clear about the condition of your kidney, ask your physician. Routine full body checkups can help identify the problem early, and keep your health on course.