Overview – Thyroid Health
Of the many glands that we have in our bodies, the thyroid is one of the most important ones. This gland is a little butterfly-shaped gland that rests at the bottom of our necks, just below the Adam’s apple, at the front of the windpipe.
Maintaining optimal thyroid health is extremely essential because it is the thyroid that is responsible for producing master metabolism hormones and controls almost every function in our bodies, along with influencing almost every single of our cells. In children, this gland is responsible to a great extent to healthy growth and development. So, it is not hard to tell why maintaining good thyroid health is important.
Here’s an overview of the thyroid health-
The thyroid gland produces three main types of hormones-
- Diiodothyronine (T2)
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Thyroxine (T4)
These hormones produced by your thyroid gland interact with other hormones in your body like cortisol, insulin, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Any flux in your thyroid and the rest of these hormones are directly affected, too. A few commonly known conditions due to an imbalanced thyroid are-
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Goiter
In this condition, the thyroid swells up.
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Thyroiditis
In this condition, the thyroid is inflamed.
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Hyperthyroidism
In this condition, the thyroid gland is overactive.
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Hypothyroidism
In this condition, the thyroid gland is underactive.
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Graves disease
This is an autoimmune disease that is caused due to an over-stimulated thyroid. Graves disease can also lead to hyperthyroidism.
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Thyroid nodule
This is a condition, where there is an abnormal growth in the thyroid gland.
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Thyroid storm
This is a rare form of hyperthyroidism wherein extremely high levels of thyroid secretion leads to severe illnesses.
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Thyroid cancer
Although uncommon, thyroid cancer does exist and is thankfully curable.
Since there are so many chances of things going amiss with our thyroid gland, here are a few things we can do in order to maintain optimal thyroid health-
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Eat iodine rich foods
Iodine rich foods are probably one of the most effective ways of avoiding an imbalanced thyroid. It also acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, and anti-cancer agent. Therefore, stocking up on foods that are rich in iodine is a good way of steering clear from thyroid problems.
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Handle stress well
Stress is a major trigger of thyroid. Therefore, effectively managing your stress levels can help a great deal when dealing with thyroid issues. Include in your regime yoga, a vacation, painting, counseling, or whatever that works for you.
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Try and reduce your exposure to toxins
Air and water contaminants are also a major causal factor of an imbalanced thyroid. Make sure to filter both your air and water in order to avoid any thyroid-related diseases.
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Get enough sleep
We cannot stress how important this is in maintaining optimal thyroid health. A good seven-eight hours of restful sleep goes a long way in ensuring that your thyroid functions at its optimal best.
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Exercise
This could be any form of physical activity like running, brisk walking, swimming or even cycling. Exercise ensures that your thyroid levels are balanced, thus keeping you at bay from any diseases of physiological imbalances.
