Understanding Thyroid Problems -- the Basics

What Are Thyroid Problems?

Through the hormones it produces, the thyroid gland influences almost all of
the metabolic processes in your body. Thyroid disorders can range from a small,
harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer.
The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid
hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as
hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.
Although the effects can be unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems
can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.
What Causes Thyroid Problems?
All types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones,
but the condition can occur in several ways:
Graves' disease: The production of too much thyroid hormone.
Toxic adenomas: Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete
thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance; some goiters may
contain several of these nodules.
Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that causes the gland to
"leak" excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism that
generally lasts a few weeks but may persist for months.
Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland:
Although rare, hyperthyroidism can also develop from these causes.
Hypothyroidism, by contrast, stems from an underproduction of thyroid
hormones. Since your body's energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid
hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. Causes of
hypothyroidism include:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis: In this autoimmune disorder, the body attacks
thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones.
Removal of the thyroid gland: The thyroid may have been surgically
removed or chemically destroyed.
Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide: Cold and sinus medicines, the
heart medicine amiodarone, or certain contrast dyes given before some X-
rays may expose you to too much iodine.You may be at greater risk for
developing hypothyroidism if you have had thyroid problems in the past.
Lithium: This drug has also been implicated as a cause of hypothyroidism.
Untreated for long periods of time, hypothyroidism can bring on a myxedema
coma, a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires immediate hormone
treatment.
Hypothyroidism poses a special danger to newborns and infants. A lack of
thyroid hormones in the system at an early age can lead to the development of
cretinism (mental retardation) and dwarfism (stunted growth). Most infants now
have their thyroid levels checked routinely soon after birth. If they are
hypothyroid, treatment begins immediately. In infants, as in adults, hypothyroidism
can be due to these causes:
A pituitary disorder
A defective thyroid
Lack of the gland entirely
A hypothyroid infant is unusually inactive and quiet, has a poor appetite, and
sleeps for excessively long periods of time.
Cancer of the thyroid gland is quite rare and occurs in about 5% of thyroid
nodules. You might have one or more thyroid nodules for several years before they
are determined to be cancerous. People who have received radiation treatment to
the head and neck earlier in life, possibly as a remedy for acne, tend to have a
higher-than-normal risk of developing thyroid cancer.


A thyroid diet plan is essential in managing the problems associated with
the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a tiny butterfly shaped gland in the human
body but it plays a very important role. It is responsible for the bodys energy
levels, the bodys metabolism, texture of the skin and also reducing the risk of high
blood pressure, obesity, dementia, heart disease, exhaustion and so on.
The thyroid is sensitive to many factors and one of these is diet. A thyroid diet plan
is a must if this gland is to produce the right hormones.
There are two kinds of thyroid problems - hypothyroidism where the gland is
underactive and hyperthyroidism where the gland is over active.


A hypothyroid diet menu or food for hyperthyroidism should be formulated
keeping the kind of thyroid problem that you have in mind. It is also necessary to
check with your doctor as the kind of thyroid diet menu you should be following.
Remember that each person is different and a health care provider can determine
the best plan keeping that persons specific problems in mind.
A thyroid food list should comprise of the foods which are listed below:-
Calcium: An overactive thyroid gland can rob the body of calcium; therefore
it is necessary to have a diet that is rich in calcium. Recommended foods are
tofu, salmon, pak Choy and soybeans.
Vitamin A: This vitamin helps to maintain normal glandular function. Foods
which are rich in Vitamin A are eggs, spinach, parsley, carrots, chlorella and
watercress.
Iodine: Iodine is required to make the thyroid hormones. A deficiency of
iodine will make the thyroid gland produce insufficient amounts of this
hormone. To avoid this eat tuna, clams, seaweed and oyster.
Essential fatty acids and Omega Oils, 3 and 6: Foods like halibut, salmon
and mackerel are good sources of this and help to improve brain function.
A healthy thyroid diet should be one that contains foods like:-
Beef, oatmeal, chicken, almonds, and seafood these are rich in zinc and
copper and help the body to make the thyroid hormones.
Liver and nuts are an important source of selenium which helps to slow
down thyroid disease.
Bell peppers, kiwi, lemons and oranges are important sources of vitamin C
which helps with normal adrenal and glandular function.
Sunflower seeds, duck, lamb, sweet potatoes and avocado: these are rich in
Vitamin B complex.
Thyroid Treatment
How can thyroid be treated with diet and exercises?
(March 13, 2009)
Thyroid is an endocrine gland. Diseases associated with the thyroid gland are
nodules, thyroid eye disease, thyroid cancer and goiter. Goiter is one of the
common forms of thyroid complications, which is accompanied by enlargement of
the gland. Thyroid disease is caused due to improper replacement of thyroid
replacement, iodine deficiency disorder, and abnormalities in the thyroid gland.
Symptoms of thyroid problems are abnormal menstrual cycle, weight loss or gain,
memory loss, deafness, poor concentration, high appetite levels, fatigue,
constipations, muscle cramps and so on.


Foods containing goitrogens interfere or inhibit the effectiveness and functioning
of the thyroid gland. Cruciferous vegetables and soy associated foods affect the
thyroid hormone synthesis. Cabbage, mustard, broccoli, turnips and cauliflower
belong to the group of cruciferous vegetables. Certain other foods that contain
goitrogenic substances are spinach, peach, millets, strawberries, tofu, peanuts and
radish.

Iodine in supplements, metabolic boosters and multivitamins are not recommended
for such individuals. Shell fish, processed foods, red food dyes and dairy products
are foods that hinder the absorption of iodine. Include lean meats, fruits,
vegetables, dairy products and nuts for a balance in the diet. Certain antioxidants
such as vitamins E, C and A, selenium and zinc help in the elimination of free
radicals. Calcium supplements are recommended due to the decrease in bone mass.

Exercise is an important measure to prevent further complications. A forty
minute exercise session, about thrice a week proves beneficial. Losing the extra
pounds makes one healthy by improving metabolism. It also reduces insulin levels.
Any activity, such as biking, walking, rowing and dancing is useful. Spend the
majority of time of the workout session on pushups, leg raises and lunges for less
time. These exercises do not call for any sophisticated equipment.
Leg raises help the lower back and the abdomen, whereas pushups provide benefits
to the shoulders, back and upper arm. Lunges make the legs strong and firm. Leg
lunges are performed by standing with feet apart and hands on the sides. Put your
left leg behind, as you take a deep breath. Look straight ahead and gradually bring
the left leg to the front, with an exhalation. For a push up, lie flat on the floor. Lift
your body from the floor, as you exhale. Inhale, as you lower the body. Leg raise is
done by lying flat on the back. Lift your legs and head, as you exhale. Lower them
during inhalation and rest. Repeat this cycle, for a few times.