The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in our neck, just above our collarbone. Being one of our endocrine glands, the thyroid which makes hormones, control the rate of many activities in your body concerned with metabolism. These activities include how fast we burn our calories and how fast our heart beats. There are several hormones that are secreted by the thyroid, collectively called thyroid hormones. The main hormone is known as thyroxine, also called T4. Thyroid hormones act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature. It is observed that adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development during infancy and childhood.
To combat thyroid problems there is no particular and distinct step, well it is observed that there are choices that will certainly help to reduce the risk of getting thyroid. However, it has been seen that family history also makes a vital call to determine the cause of thyroid problems. In such a scenario it is important to be aware of our family history of thyroid disease and pay attention to any unusual symptoms we have.
On the other hand, it is observed that people who smoke are prone to many dangerous chemicals i.e., nicotine, carbon monoxide, and tar. These chemicals negatively hit your body and create a drastic effect to empower thyroid problems. It is observed that smoking can cause elevated thyroxine i.e. T4 levels and a slight decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
Thyroid Problem Includes
- Goitre enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs
- Hypothyroidism when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones
- Thyroid nodules lump in the thyroid gland
- Thyroiditis swelling of the thyroid
- To diagnose thyroid diseases, doctors use medical history, physical exam, and thyroid tests. They sometimes also use a biopsy. Treatment depends on the problem but may include medicines, radioiodine therapy, or thyroid surgery.
Two Basic Types of Thyroid Problems
1.) Hyperthyroidism – This thyroid problem is caused when your thyroid gland produces too much of the thyroxine hormone. In such a condition weight loss begins unintentionally with a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Well, with wholesome available treatments to treat hyperthyroidism, doctors use anti-thyroid medications and radioactive iodine to slow the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, it has been seen that this thyroid problem might need surgery to remove all or part of your thyroid gland.
2.) Hypothyroidism – This thyroid problem is a condition where our thyroid glands do not produce enough thyroid hormones. However, initially, it seems unnoticeable, but over time if this is untreated, then it may cause numerous health problems such as obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. A proper and accurate thyroid function test is recommended to diagnose thyroid problems like hypothyroidism.
Top 5 Home Remedies to Treat Thyroid Problems
It’s good not to have thyroid problems, but if you have been getting the same then with this article, we will try to figure out some popular home tips and tricks which will help you out to combat thyroid problems at the earliest, at the comfort of your home.
1.) Coconut Oil
Usage of coconut oil helps better the thyroid gland’s functioning, thus keeping away all types of thyroid problems. Coconut oil consists of medium-chain fatty acids which is beneficial to combat thyroid disorders. However, coconut oil when taken in a non-heated form helps lose weight, increases metabolism and balances body temperature. Besides other types of oils, coconut oil consists of a high content of saturated fat that can keep our thyroid glands in a healthier state.
2.) Ginger
Consumption of ginger has many ample benefits including combating thyroid problems. Inflammation is the root cause of thyroid, well-having ginger will certainly keep you away from inflammation problems due to the presence of rich essential minerals like potassium and magnesium. Ginger has been on our plate as a valuable food ingredient right from ages. It is used in cooking and medicines since ancient times. With wholesome benefits, ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to the high gingerol substance present in it.
3.) Vitamin D
Having less exposure to sunlight leads to deficiency of Vitamin D, which in turn leads to thyroid problems at last. Vitamin D is considered the most important vitamins to lead a healthy immune system, as it plays a crucial role in the activation of your immunity system whenever there is exposure to viruses or bacteria. However Vitamin D can be accomplished with many dietary intakes but besides all, the best source of Vitamin D is considered as exposure to sunlight, because the UV rays from sunlight induce ourself to manufacture Vitamin D from cholesterol present in our body.
4.) Almonds
In the family of nuts, Almonds are the best suited to combat thyroid problems. Being the best source of protein, fibre, minerals, vitamin E, calcium, copper, magnesium and riboflavin, almonds have selenium that is a thyroid healthy nutrient. This essential nutrient in almonds helps to combat thyroid at the earliest.
5.) Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are considered good fatty acids that are good for your heart and cure thyroid problems. It has omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for having a normal function of the thyroid gland and therefore should be included in the diet for hyperthyroidism. It has been observed that consumption of 1,000 mg and 1,500 mg of flaxseeds per day helps to promote healthy hormone production because it acts as anti-inflammatory agents to combat thyroid problems. However, more research is necessary regards to evaluate the benefits of consuming flaxseeds.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
