Your thyroid health is very important. Thyroid disorders range from a small, harmless goiter that requires no treatment of life-threatening cancer. Abnormal thyroid hormone production is the most common thyroid problem. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that results from too much production of thyroid hormones, while hypothyroidism is a result of insufficient hormone production. You can manage thyroid problems if you diagnose and treat it correctly even though the effects can be uncomfortable.
Causes of Thyroid Problems
Overproduction of thyroid hormones leads to hyperthyroidism; however, this condition can take place in different ways:
- Graves’ disease: This occurs due to the production of too much thyroid hormones.
- Toxic adenomas: The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones due to the developing nodules, which upsets the body’s chemical balance. Several nodules may be contained in the goiters.
- Subacute thyroiditis: Thyroid inflamed, causing the gland to leak excess hormones. Hence results in temporary hyperthyroidism, which can last for a few weeks but can be resistant for months.
- Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland: these causes can lead to the development of rare hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
A drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. That is because your body’s energy production needs particular amounts of thyroid hormones.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: This autoimmune disorder causes the body to attack the thyroid tissue. The tissue, therefore, stops producing hormones and eventually dies.
- Removal of the thyroid gland: the surgical removal or chemical destruction of the thyroid.
- Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide: certain contrast dyes that you take before some x-rays, the heart medicine amiodarone, or cold and sinus medicines may lead to exposure to too much iodine. If you have had thyroid problems in the past, you may be at greater risk of developing hypothyroidism.
- Lithium: the drug is also an implication of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism, if left untreated for an extended period, can cause myxedema coma. It requires immediate treatment because it is a rare but extremely fatal condition.
Infants and newborns are exposed to particular dangers of hypothyroidism. Cretinism and dwarfism can develop at an early age due to a lack of thyroid hormones in the system. Soon after birth, it is wise to check an infant’s thyroid levels routinely. Treatment can begin immediately if the infant is hypothyroid.
Causes of Hypothyroidism in Infants
Hypothyroidism in infants can be due to the following:
- Disorders of the pituitary
- Defection in thyroid
- Missing gland
A hypothyroid infant is inactive, has a poor appetite, and sleeps for long periods.
Foods to Improve Thyroid Function
- Roasted seaweed is a trace element that you need for normal thyroid function.
- Frozen yogurt: to get insufficient iodine levels, treat yourself to a low-fat serving of frozen yogurt.
- Fresh eggs: eat the whole egg as it contains healthy amounts of both iodine and selenium.
How To Keep Your Thyroid Healthy
Proper rest is essential for thyroid health. Therefore, you should rest at least 8-9 hours every day. Thyroid problems can cause calcium deficiency; hence ergonomics of the body is essential. To get proper time for exercise in clean environs, try to go to bed early.
Every thyroid patient can maintain a healthy thyroid and lead healthy lives if they approach the problem positively.
