THYROID- A PAIN IN THE NECK...!

Thyroid- How does it work?

Thyroid is one of the largest glands of the endocrine system. Located in the front lower part of the neck it has the ability to control the metabolism of the whole human body. 

Thyroid conditions can be of two types- Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism based on the abnormal production of the thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism is the one where there is an overproduction of the thyroid hormones. On the other hand Hypothyroidism is the one where the level of thyroid hormone production is low.

Hypothyroidism as a side effect of cancer treatment

               

• The treatment of certain cancers like lymphoma generally includes radiations around the neck region. The radiation often causes damage to the hormone producing cells in the thyroid glands and thereby lowering the hormones production.
• Certain medications involved in cancer treatment can also be responsible for the thyroid blues.
• Thyroid complications can be commonly seen in patients who have undergone Bone marrow transplants as a long-term condition.

How do I know if I have thyroid abnormalities?

Hypothyroidism is an unpredictable syndrome. It can give grave discomfort or no trouble at all. Here are some tests which can be performed to correctly detect your thyroid abnormalities.

                  

• TSH Test- a simple blood test is all that is needed here. This test indicates the level of the thyroid hormones.These values can vary from person to person, in general the test reference values looks something like this:

              0.4- Normal

              2.5-at risk

              4.0-mild hypothyroidism

              10.0-hypothyroidism

Some symptoms of hypothyroidism

                    

• Constipation                                                                        
• Depression
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Difficulty in loosing weight or a sudden weight gain
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Slower heart rate

Hypothyroidism-A Diet Plan

                        

                    

Beware of the following!

• Soy-Phytoestrogens present in Soy often lower the effect of the enzyme which initiates the production of thyroid hormones.

                     

• Iodine rich food supplements- In some cases iodine can be beneficial but iodine consumed n excess amount can hamper the hormone production.

               

• Iron and calcium supplements- they can interfere with the effectiveness of some thyroid production enzymes and thus should be avoided.

                                   

• Fiber rich food items- Though food items with high fiber content is recommended but if taken in huge amounts it can interfere with the absorption of the thyroid hormone by the body. Thus avoiding vegetable like cabbage, broccoli, spinach etc is advisable.

                           

• Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol consumption can even interfere with the effective action of the thyroid hormones.

Food items to go for!

• Fruits and veggies rich in antioxidants- Blueberries, tomatoes,bell peppers  rich in antioxidants can benefit the hormone producing capabilities of the thyroid gland

                         

• Selenium rich food items like sunflower seeds or basil nuts is highly beneficial for the proper functioning of the thyroid hormones.

                     

• Tyrosine supplements as recommended by the doctor is beneficial in proper  T3 and T4 production.

Few alternative treatments like including ayurvedic supplements in the diet can also help. Some plant extracts like ashwagandha, gotu kola,guggul are proven to be helpful. However, consulting a doctor before going for any of these is highly recommended. 


References- 

• http://www.nature.com/bmt/journal/v47/n2/full/bmt201154a.html
• http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-diagnosis

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Author- Ayantika Dey