A slow occurring but lifelong disease

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in front of the neck, located below Adam’s apple. It plays an important role to regulate metabolic processes throughout the body and produces essential hormones known as triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4 and TSH.

The working of the thyroid gland involves the brain which is regulated by a feedback mechanism. Problems occur when the thyroid gland becomes underactive or overactive, commonly known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respectively. Some thyroid experts recommend for widespread thyroid testing at every age.

Following factors determine, if one has thyroid disease:

• Age: The risk of thyroid diseases increases with age
• Gender: Women are tend to generate thyroid problem than men
• Family history: Having parents and other close relatives suffering from thyroid increases the risk of getting thyroid
• Autoimmune disorders: Having history of autoimmune disorders and hormonal changes

Some of the silent symptoms of thyroid which one needs to be aware of so that one can accordingly get it diagnosis:

• High or low blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Inappropriate weight loss or gain
• Hair loss, hair thinning and skin problems
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility
• Depression and mood swings
• Anxiety and fatigue
• Throat discomfort
• Hand tremors
• Low body temperature

Thyroid can be treated in the following ways:

• Home remedies to prevent and control thyroid
• Ginger enhances the thyroid function, chewing ginger or having ginger tea will help
• Avoid milk products and preserved food
• Maintain Iodine Balance; include fish, seafood, strawberries, pineapple , tomatoes etc.
• Increase the intake of Vitamin A in the diet by adding more of green leafy vegetables, carrot, and eggs

Thyroid Disease treatment through exercises:

• Neck exercises will help in increasing the circulation of the blood to thyroid gland
• Back bending exercises gives power to the back muscles and helps in stimulating the thyroid gland
• Leg raising exercises increase the energy level and help in circulation to the thyroid gland
• Leg circling exercises help in strengthening the overall body muscles which ultimately leads to the circulation and stimulation of the thyroid gland
• Conventional treatments: It includes oral medication and surgical treatment as advised by the doctors/experts

Though there are verities of silent symptoms that lead to thyroid which can definitely be diagnosed on time. If undiagnosed, thyroid disorders can lead to life-threatening diseases. Drinking water, exercising and managing stress level are healthy solutions to reduce the risk of the thyroid.

-Kanchan Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plus