Types and causes of thyroid | What are the thyroid Superfoods?

With the enhanced unhealthy means of lifestyle, a plethora of diseases have surfaced. These threaten our well being bringing turmoil in our lives. When we talk about diseases how can we forget the disease that has proclaimed over the lives of several people making even their day to day chore difficult? So, do you find yourself tired every now and then? Have you gained or lost weight abruptly? Well, you might be suffering from thyroid. This disease tends to make you feel tired all day long consuming all your energy. Scared? Well, you don’t need to be scared of this disease anymore as we are here to help you fight the battle. Here are we with all the information you need to have on this disease, enveloped with the foods that will help you fight it.

About

Thyroid diseases are the most significant common endocrine disorder all over the world. According to various surveys on these diseases, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from these diseases. This disorder affects a large population of women in comparison to men. The Thyroid gland is responsible for secreting, storing, and releasing of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T4 converts the T3 hormone at the tissue level and produces its effect. Iodine is an important component for the production of thyroid hormone. This gland traps the food which contains iodine. It then utilizes it in the production of the hormone. Also, the pituitary and the hypothalamus glands control the secretion of the gland.

Position and structure

The thyroid gland is located just below Adam’s apple, at the front of the neck. Also,  is a butterfly-shaped and consists of two lobes located on either side of the trachea.

Causes

Nutrient deficiency and autoimmune disease are the two major causes of these diseases.

As we know, iodine is an important nutrient for thyroid functioning. Its deficiency can cause hypothyroidism and goiter. Zinc is mandatory for the synthesis of thyroid hormone.  Its deficiency results in hypothyroidism.

Selenium converts T4 into T3.

Hashimoto’s disease is the most common autoimmune cause of these problems. The gland gets attacked by the body destroying the capacity to produce the hormone. Thus, leading to hypothyroidism. Certain studies show that up to 90 percent of people with hypothyroidism suffer from Hashimoto’s disease. Graves’ disease is another autoimmune disease affecting the gland. So, it results in hyperthyroid symptoms as this gland becomes large and overactive.

Thus, a patient suffering from these issues due to any autoimmune process can be diagnosed by testing for thyroid antibodies.

Types of thyroid disease

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are the two main types of thyroid disease.

1. The following conditions cause Hypothyroidism:

a) Thyroiditis : In this condition, inflammation in the gland occurs. It affects the production of the hormone by lowering the gland’s productivity.

b) Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: It is a painless and autoimmune condition. In this the cells of the body attack and damages the thyroid gland. It is usually an inherited condition.

c) Postpartum thyroiditis: This is usually a temporary condition that occurs amongst 5% to 9% of women after childbirth.

d) Iodine deficiency: The most common issue is the deficiency of iodine that affects millions of people all over the world.

e) A non-functional thyroid gland: In some new-born babies, the thyroid gland has some abnormities in its functioning. physical, as well as mental issues, can occur in the child in the future if this disease is left untreated. Also, such glands affect 1 out of 4000 newborns.

2. The following conditions might cause hyperthyroidism:

a) Graves’ disease: This disease is also known as diffuse toxic goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). It is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes overactive. This results in the excessive production of the hormone.

b)  Nodules: Another cause of hyperthyroidism is due to the overactive nodules present within the thyroid gland.

c) Thyroiditis: It can either be a painless or a very painful disorder. In thyroiditis, the gland releases its stored hormones up to a duration of a few weeks or months.

d) Excessive iodine: Iodine is the mineral required for the production of the thyroid hormone. When the iodine content increases in the body, more than the required amount of hormone gets produced by the gland.

Thyroid Superfoods

Some foods that should be added to the diet of every person suffering from thyroid disorder are:

1. Roasted seaweed: It is naturally rich in iodine. Seaweed, such as kelp, nori, and wakame should be added in the diet.

2. Salted nuts: Selenium rich nuts like Brazil nuts, hazelnuts help in supporting the healthy functioning of these glands.

3. Baked fish: Fishes help to decrease inflammation. They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and selenium.

4. Frozen yogurt: Dairy products contain iodine. It prevents the enlargement of the gland.

5. Fresh eggs: Egg yolk contains healthy amounts of selenium and iodine

6. Certain vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower contains goitrogens. This helps in the normal functioning of the gland.

Bottom Line

The thyroid gland is an essential endocrine gland. Also, it plays an important role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. It helps to maintain several body functions. It constantly releases a balanced quantity of hormones into the bloodstream. Approximately 1 out of 10 Indian adults suffer from hypothyroidism. People suffering from hyperthyroidism should follow a low-iodine diet. In India, most children suffer from these diseases. Hence, a healthy diet is mandatory to lead a healthy lifestyle. So, follow the thyroid diet religiously and watch the change in yourself.