When the thyroid gland is not working properly, it can cause significant problems. If it does not produce enough thyroid hormones, it is called hypothyroidism. If it’s too much, it’s called hyperthyroidism.
Either way, it’s essential to get treatment to bring your thyroid hormone levels back to normal. If you don’t, you could have long-term problems like infertility, heart disease, hormonal imbalance, and nerve damage. The good news is that these thyroid problems are easy to fix.
So how can you control your thyroid? Keep reading to find out the safe and effective ways!
Why is thyroid health important?
Maintaining thyroid health is necessary for all cells and tissues in your body to function normally. The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland in your neck.
It is responsible for producing adequate thyroid hormones to perform several bodily processes including breathing, heart rate, metabolism, cholesterol levels, menstruation, and muscle development.
About 1 in 20 people have a thyroid disorder, which may be temporary or permanent. Anyone can have a thyroid problem, but it’s common in women. If left untreated, thyroid problems can make pregnancy more difficult.
This is because it causes irregular periods, which makes it harder to track ovulation. Or it may prevent you from ovulating altogether. Without treatment, thyroid problems can also affect a baby’s development. So if you are trying to conceive, you need to restore your normal thyroid function to avoid complications.
Common thyroid problems
Here are the common thyroid problems:
Hyperthyroidism
If the levels of thyroid hormones in your body get too high, you will develop hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, weight loss, heat intolerance, and sometimes sore, gritty eyes.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the body’s metabolism. Consequently, inadequate production can lead to many problems, including poor sleep, weight gain, depression, and joint and muscle discomfort.
Goitre
A goiter is a non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can result from iodine deficiency or inflammation of the thyroid gland. Symptoms include coughing, tightness in the throat, or difficulty breathing.
Note from The Fitness Freak
If you produce too much or too little thyroid hormone, it can negatively affect your body. If you develop hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, immediate treatment is essential. Additionally, getting your thyroid checked is imperative if you are planning a pregnancy or have other medical risk factors.
Simple ways to control thyroid problems
Increase your vitamin A intake
Vitamin A is essential for thyroid health. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can lead to thyroid dysfunction because vitamin A controls thyroid hormone metabolism. Additionally, a study showed that vitamin A may reduce the risk of hypothyroidism in premenopausal women.
To get enough vitamin A, include vitamin A-rich foods such as yellow and green vegetables, eggs, oily fish, and carrots in your diet. You can also take vitamin A supplements, but it’s best to get your nutrients from food first.
Cook your greens
If you have a thyroid problem, you should cook your spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. Raw cruciferous vegetables reduce the ability of the thyroid gland to function at their best because they contain “goitrogens” in their raw form which prevent the thyroid gland from producing thyroid hormones.
Healthy foods for thyroid control
Other foods that can help with thyroid issues include:
Probiotics
Probiotics help stabilize the thyroid gland. You should therefore include yogurt, apple cider vinegar, kefir, kombucha and tempeh in your diet to reduce the symptoms of thyroid problems and improve gastrointestinal well-being.
Iodine
According studiesIodine is the building block of the thyroid.
Dietary adjustments can quickly resolve iodine deficiency. Some main sources of iodine are vegetables, seafood, and iodized sea salt. Some secondary sources are eggs, spinach, garlic, mushrooms, and sesame seeds.
Thyroid stimulating exercise
It is beneficial for people with thyroid problems to exercise regularly, as it can help reduce symptoms such as weight gain, mood problems and sleep disturbances. However, exercise cannot cure the underlying problem. Therefore, people with thyroid disorders should follow the treatment plan recommended by their doctor and exercise regularly.
Start with gentle activities like pilates or yoga to get comfortable with a new exercise routine if you have thyroid issues. You can possibly increase the duration of the exercise and do strength training. This will help control the symptoms of thyroid problems without overstraining you.
Medications
Hormone replacement tablets usually control an underactive thyroid. These drugs replace the hormone thyroxine, which your thyroid gland does not produce enough of. Some people begin to feel better soon after starting medication, while others may take several months to notice an improvement in their symptoms. However, only take these medications if the doctor has prescribed them for you.
Conclusion
You can significantly affect your body’s overall well-being by making wise diet and exercise choices and taking care of your thyroid function.
Although thyroid problems are easy to diagnose and treat, the hard part is realizing that your symptoms may stem from an out of balance thyroid. So if you regularly feel weak, miss your period, or unexpectedly gain or lose weight, let your doctor know.
