The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland found at the front of the neck. The hormone secreted by the thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolic rate. Stress, obesity, and poor diet can all lead to imbalanced thyroid levels. It is difficult to determine through advanced medical testing which of these is the cause, as they often have similar symptoms.

This blog will look at the important facts to know about thyroid, including the causes and symptoms, as well as the ways to manage it.

What Is Thyroid?

The thyroid is a part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that help to regulate different functions of the human body. The thyroid controls a number of factors including metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and tissue growth. If your thyroid is not working correctly, then these factors can be affected as well.

How Does The Thyroid Gland Function?

The thyroid glands are not your regular organs. They don't do any work on their own but are, in fact, the coordinator of other endocrine organs.

It is often said that the thyroid gland is the "gas pedal" of the body. In other words, when the thyroid gland is underactive, the body functions slow down. And when it is overactive, the body functions speed up.

The thyroid gland doesn't only control the metabolism but also controls the physical appearance and energy of the body.

This gland is found at the front of the neck, under the voice box. The thyroid gland produces three hormones of which Triiodothyronine, also known as T3, and Tetraiodothyronine, also called thyroxine or T4 are two main hormones.

Types of Thyroid

There are mainly two types of thyroid conditions:-

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a health condition in which the thyroid gland produces too few of the T3 and T4 hormones. It is also known as an underactive thyroid. This condition does not cause any recognizable symptoms in the very early stages.

If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause health conditions like obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a health condition in which the thyroid gland produces too many of the T3 and T4 hormones. It is also known as an overactive thyroid. Its most common symptom is unintentional weight loss, along with rapid or irregular heartbeat, increased appetite, anxiety, tremors, increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, fatigue, insomnia, and fine, brittle hair.

7 Effective Ways To Manage Your Thyroid Naturally. Want to know how you can manage thyroid hormone levels naturally? Here are seven effective ways that will help you manage your thyroid condition:-

Keep Calm and Say Goodbye To Sugar.

Sugar in large amounts is anyway bad for health. But, it gets much more harmful when you are suffering from thyroid. If your thyroid is not functioning properly, it won't be able to regulate your metabolism and will struggle to keep your blood sugar balanced leading to other health issues.

Live Gluten Free.

Many people have noticed a significant improvement in their thyroid symptoms after going gluten-free. Gluten tends to damage the gut lining over a long period of time, which is why gluten-sensitive people are more prone to develop thyroid issues. Gluten also contains a compound that displaces iodine, which is essential to keep your thyroid working smoothly. Try going gluten-free and see if your symptoms reduce over time.

Say No To Fatty Foods.

Fatty foods, anyway disrupt the body's general functioning and are bad for health. When it comes to thyroid, they are more disruptive, as they decrease the body's ability to even absorb the thyroid medications.

Stay Fine with Iodine.

Iodine is essential for the sound functioning of your thyroid gland. Getting the right amount of Iodine can help manage your thyroid effectively. Some iodine-rich foods are dairy products, fish, iodized salt, seaweed, tuna, eggs, and beans. Too much or too little iodine can harm your thyroid, so talk to your healthcare provider, and get your iodine levels checked. You can even be prescribed iodine supplements in case your iodine levels are too low.

Regular Exercise Is The Way To Go.

Regular physical activity helps with the overall healthy functioning of the body. It also helps to regulate the endocrine gland functions, uplifts your mood, is a great way to improve metabolism, helps flush toxins, and aids you in keeping a healthy weight. All of this is beneficial in managing your thyroid condition. Get moving and keep a record of at least 30 mins of exercise daily.

Do Your Best, Don't Stress.

Stress, Chronic stress is the biggest trigger for thyroid problems. And if you are already suffering from hypothyroidism, then stress can flare up your symptoms. Indulge in some self-care activity every day like Yoga, meditation, massage, a walk-in nature, or absolutely anything that keeps you stress-free and happy.

Eat Well, Live Well.

The position of the thyroid gland (in your throat) makes it a bridge between your mind and body. Eat a nutrient-rich diet to combat your thyroid symptoms. Avoid processed, canned foods, artificial flavors or colors, preserved food, and include whole grains, vegetables, and fruits in your diet. Some thyroid superfoods like roasted seaweed, salted nuts, fish, dairy, and eggs should be included in your regular meals.

Thyroid Antibody Tests

These tests help measure the number of thyroid antibodies in your body. Auto-immune disorder of the thyroid occurs when the antibodies start attacking the body's own healthy thyroid cells. A Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) test detects antibodies against TPO in the blood. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test also helps to determine how well your thyroid gland is functioning.

Your healthcare provider is the best person to guide you and prescribe the needed tests which will help you manage your thyroid effectively.

If you have any queries, reach out to us at +91 (79) 4900 6800 or visit www.unipath.in for more information.

Unipath specialty laboratory provides home sample collection for your convenience and a range of health tests including the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test