IMPROVING HEALTH OF STEEMIANS #12- Thyroid and Hypothyroidism

Hello my steemit community,

In today's edition of IMPROVING HEALTH OF STEEMIANS, I want to talk with you about Thyroid Gland and Hypothyroidism.

Thyroid - What is it and how does it work?

The thyroid is a gland that looks like a butterfly and it is located in the base of the neck. It is about 2-inches long and has two sides called lobes that lie on either side of your windpipe, and is usually connected by a strip known as an isthmus.

The thyroid gland is made of large follicles in which a colloid is located. Colloid contains thyroglobulin releasing active thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and tetrahedronitronine (T4), also called thyroxine.

Apart from follicular cells, the thyroid also contains parafollicular C-cells that produce calcitonin whose basic function is to lower the calcium levels in the blood.

The thyroid belongs to a group of glands that directly secretes their hormones into the bloodstream. The endocrine system of humans is extremely complex, information from the hypothalamus is sent to the pituitary gland which further regulates other glands in the body.

The hypothalamus produces TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH) that signals the pituitary to tell the thyroid gland to produce more or less of T3 and T4 by either increasing or decreasing the release of a hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

• If the values ​​of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood are low, the pituitary gland releases more TSH into the blood to "make" thyroid gland to produce more T3 and T4 hormones.

• If the values ​​of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood are high, the pituitary gland releases less TSH into the blood to reduce the production of T3 and T4 hormones.

Normal thyroid hormone production is dependent on adequate iodine intake (iodine is an integral part of the hormone). Lack of iodine in the body leads to an enlarged thyroid called Goiter.

Thyroid hormones regulates almost every body function such as :

• breathing

• heartbeat

• body mass

• muscle strength

• menstrual cycle

• body temperature

• blood cholesterol

• intestinal mobility

• central and peripheral nervous system

INCREASED TSH - CAUSES

There are several possible causes of elevated TSH findings in the blood!

• Thyroid problem

If the thyroid for some reason stops functioning normally, the pituitary gland will produce more TSH to "order" thyroid to increase the production of T3 and T4. Since the thyroid is not working, it can not respond to pituitary ''orders'' so the pituitary gland produces more TSH and then TSH is elevated in the blood.

• Problem with the pituitary gland

Another important cause of elevated TSH findings is the tumor of pituitary gland called Adenoma. It is a benign tumor, but they cause excessive TSH production.

In the case of TSH-associated pituitary adenoma, blood thyroid hormone levels will be elevated because the thyroid gland works normally and responds to elevated TSH.

• Other conditions that cause an elevated TSH finding are:

hypercholesterolemia

subacute thyroiditis

hyperthyroidism with increased levels of fT4 and TSH

amyloidosis

depression

alcoholic liver cirrhosis

pre-eclampsia

HYPOTHYROIDISM- UNDERACTIVE THYROID

Hypothyroidism is a condition of reduced thyroid hormone production and action. It is the most common cause of elevated TSH.

Hypothyroidism is a widespread disease - occurs in 10% of women and 6% of men over the age of 65.

The most common causes of hypothyroidism are:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis

• removed thyroid

• treatment with radioactive iodine

• lack of iodine

• a thyroid hormone secretion and secretion disorder

• pituitary diseases

• hypothalamus disease

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually develop gradually and the most important ones are:

• weight gain

• dry and pale skin

• tongue enlargement

• muscle weakness

• elevated blood cholesterol level

• muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

• pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints

• heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods

• slowed heart rate

• thin hair that often breaks

• depression

• impaired memory

• accumulation of fluid (edema)

• swelling of the face

• constipation

• reduced sex drive

STRESS AND HYPOTHYROIDISM

Stress is increasing the level of cortisol and adrenaline that can exacerbate the symptoms of thyroid disease. Cortisol can stimulate the thyroid gland to "work harder".

When stressed, you are more susceptible to developing autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Stress can also cause subclinical hypothyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism means TSH is elevated and T3 and T4 are normal.

HYPOTHYROIDISM- NUTRITION

Without a proper diet there is no healthy thyroid. If you are diagnosed with Hypothyroidism you should increase input of following foods:

• fish (rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids)
• algae (rich in iodine)
• fiber rich foods - to enhance digestion (fresh vegetables, berries, beans, lentils)
• olive, fish and coconut oil
• whole grains
• Chia seeds
• foods rich in probiotics
• sour vegetables

Reduce input of the following foods:

• gluten
• sugar
• refined flour
• cabbage, kale, broccoli
• sweet potatoes
• peanut
• soy
• caffeine

Images source-google image search

TREATMENT

The goal of the treatment is to remove the symptoms and normalize laboratory values of hormones.Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone. The prognosis of the disease is excellent if you regularly take therapy.

Treatment is lifelong.

This advice is for general health and intended to supplement the information you receive from your treating doctor. It in no way replaces the advice of your doctor. Please see your doctor if you have specific concerns regarding your health.

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