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Thyroid Gland: 10 Things You Need To Know About It!

The thyroid gland located below Adam’s apple is the hotbed of many biological activities. From controlling our metabolism to our moods to our weight, and to the health of our hair, the thyroid gland takes care of many metabolic processes. Genetic, environmental and other issues support thyroid health.Now most of us struggle with a few kilos, feel tired or get the blues once in a while, but if you are battling these on a regular basis, you could be suffering from thyroid problems. Read on to find more things you need to know about your thyroid gland.

  1. Contribution to Our Wellbeing
The thyroid gland releases hormones that are essential for us to stay healthy. Constipation, brain fogginess, depression, hair loss and achy muscles are a sign of hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones). Anxiety, insatiable appetite, weight loss and rapid heartbeats are a sign of hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid hormones).Read More: The Difference between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism
  1. Women Vs. Men: Thyroid Susceptibility
More women than men suffer from thyroid problems. This contributes to menstrual cramps, altered period length, and flow. The year after pregnancy is most crucial as many women fall prey to thyroid problems then.
  1. Cholesterol Problems
The thyroid hormones affect the cholesterol levels in the body. If you are suffering from unusually high cholesterol levels in spite of a healthy lifestyle, you could have hypothyroidism.Read More: How to Reduce Cholesterol?
  1. Infertility and Miscarriages
The thyroid hormones contribute to the reproductive health of the individual. If you have trouble conceiving, it could be due to low hormone levels. Infertility and miscarriages are common side effects of hypothyroidism.
  1. Weighty Problems
Unable to lose weight despite a healthy lifestyle? Your thyroid could be responsible for you not shedding the pounds as it makes the metabolism sluggish. Having medications that correct this imbalance can help you lose weight.
  1. Nourishing the Thyroid
Maintaining the right levels of iodine, zinc, and selenium contribute to the thyroid’s health. Yoghurt, cashews, almonds, sea vegetables and many other sources can help with a thyroid-friendly diet.Must Read: 8 Best Food for Thyroid Patients
  1. Interference in Thyroid Functioning
The fluorides, chlorides, and bromides coming from the toothpaste, fluoridated water, and the diet could be interfering with iodine absorption in your body. Try to limit your exposure to these sources.
  1. Not Everyone Needs Treatment
If your tests have come positive for imbalanced thyroid hormones, but you do not suffer from any symptoms, you could make changes in your diet and try to correct the situation.Also Read: 11 Ways To Treat Thyroid At Home
  1. Don’t Blame the Thyroid
If you are gaining weight but the other symptoms like constipation, sleep disturbances or fatigue are absent, it could be some other hormonal problem like PCOD or unhealthy eating habits that could be contributing to the weight.
  1. Herbal Supplements
Some of the herbal supplements that support thyroid function contain very high amounts of thyroid hormones which can harm the heart. Consult your doctor before taking these supplements.Read More: Home Remedies for ThyroidDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.