Thyroid Terror? Here's the Dietary Management for Thyroid !!

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen and my dear friends. A warm welcome to all of you. Well I'm back with another Blog, and in today's blog we are going to discuss about  the Thyroid Disorder and its management. Thyroid Disorder is mostly associated with Women's, Men's are least effected.  So without wasting any further time ,let's initiate the Blog.

The Thyroid or thyroid gland, is an endocrine gland in the neck consisting of two connected lobes. The thyroid is located at the front of the neck, below the Adam's apple.

The thyroid gland secretes three hormones: the two thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4), and a peptide hormone, calcitonin.
The thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis, and in children, growth and development. Calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis.

FUNCTIONS:

The thyroid hormones are created from iodine and tyrosine(a non essential amino-acid). T₃ is so named because it contains three atoms of iodine per molecule and T₄ contains four atoms of iodine per molecule. The thyroid hormones have a wide range of effects on the human body. These include:

• METABOLIC: The thyroid hormones increase the basal metabolic rate and have effects on almost all body tissues. Appetite, the absorption of substances, and gut motility are all influenced by thyroid hormones.They increase the absorption in the gut, generation of the cells, and breakdown of glucose. They stimulate the breakdown of fats, and increase the number of free fatty acids. Despite increasing free fatty acids, thyroid hormones decrease cholesterol levels, perhaps by increasing the rate of secretion of cholesterol in bile.

• CARDIOVASCULAR: The hormones increase the rate and strength of the heartbeat. They increase the rate of breathing, intake and consumption of oxygen, and increase the activity of mitochondria. Combined, these factors increase blood flow and the body's temperature.

• DEVELOPMENTAL: Thyroid hormones are important for normal development.They increase the growth rate of young people, and cells of the developing brain are a major target for the thyroid hormones T₃ and T₄. Thyroid hormones play a particularly crucial role in brain maturation during fetal development and first few years of postnatal life.

• The thyroid hormones also play a role in maintaining normal sexual function, sleep, and thought patterns. Increased levels are associated with increased speed of thought generation but decreased focus.Sexual function, including libido and the maintenance of a normal menstrual cycle, are influenced by thyroid hormones.

Functioning of Thyroid Hormones

DISORDERS/SYMPTOMS RELATED TO THYROID MALFUNCTIONING:

1.HYPERTHYROIDISM:

Excessive production of the thyroid hormones is called hyperthyroidism.Causes include Graves' disease, toxic multi-nodular goiter, inflammation, and a pituitary adenoma which secretes excess TSH. Another cause is excess iodine availability, either from excess ingestion through food stuffs or drugs.

Hyperthyroidism often causes a variety of non-specific symptoms including weight loss, increased appetite, insomnia, decreased tolerance of heat, tremor, palpitations, anxiety and nervousness. In some cases it can cause chest pain, diarrhea, hair loss and muscle weakness. Such symptoms may be managed temporarily with drugs such as beta blockers.

2. HYPOTHYROIDISM:

An under-active thyroid gland results in hypothyroidism. Typical symptoms are abnormal weight gain, tiredness, constipation, heavy menstrual bleeding, hair loss, cold intolerance, and a slow heart rate. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide, and the autoimmune disease Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause in the developed world. 

Hypothyroidism is managed with replacement of the hormone thyroxine. This is usually given daily as an oral supplement, and may take a few weeks to become effective. Some causes of iodine deficiency may be able to be rectified with dietary supplementation.

3.GRAVES'S DISEASE:

These antibodies activate the receptor, leading to development of a goiter and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as heat intolerance, weight loss, diarrhea and palpitations. Occasionally such antibodies block but do not activate the receptor, leading to symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. In addition, gradual protrusion of the eyes may occur, called Graves' ophthalmopathy, as may swelling of the front of the shins. 
Graves' disease is treated with anti-thyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil, which decrease the production of thyroid hormones.

4.GOITER DISEASE:

An enlarged thyroid gland is called a goitre. Goitres are present in some form in about 5% of people, and are the result of a large number of causes, including iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease (both Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis), infection, inflammation, and infiltrative diseases.

Some forms of goitre are associated with pain, whereas many do not cause any symptoms. Enlarged goitres may extend beyond the normal position of the thyroid gland to below the sternum, around the airway or esophagus. Goitres may be associated with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, relating to the underlying cause of the goitre.Thyroid function tests may be done to investigate the cause and effects of the goitre. 

IT IS THE LAST PHASE OF THYROID DEFICIENCY OR OVEREXCREATION.

 Symptoms of Thyroid

NORMAL AND OPTIMAL LEVELS OF THYROID HORMONES:

These are the normal and optimal ranges of Thyroid Hormones that you will found in your usual medical reports.

DIETARY MANAGEMENT:

Well now let's discuss the Dietary management of Thyroid:

KEY NUTRIENTS/ FOODS TO BE INCLUDED: ✅

Many nutritional factors play a role in optimizing thyroid function. However, both nutrient deficiencies and excesses can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. Some Nutrients that play a key role in maintaining Thyroid levels are classified below:

• Iodine: Iodine is a vital nutrient in the body and essential to thyroid function; thyroid hormones are comprised of iodine. Both iodine deficiency and excess have significant risks; therefore, supplementation should be approached with caution.

Iodine intake often isn’t readily apparent on a dietary recall since the amount in foods is largely dependent on levels in the soil and added salt. Frequent intake of foods such as seaweed or iodine rich foods such as Fish, shrimp, crabs. oysters, prawns and tuna fish, serves as a vital sources for Iodine. IODIZED SALT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE DIET.

• Vitamin D:  Hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ disease, is known to cause bone loss, which is compounded by the vitamin D deficiency commonly found in people with hyperthyroidism. This bone mass can be regained with treatment for hyperthyroidism, and experts suggest that adequate bone-building nutrients, such as vitamin D along with Calcium , are particularly important during and after treatment.
SUNLIGHT PROVIDES THE MAJOR SOURCE OF VITAMIN -D ABOUT 90% Foods that contain some vitamin D include fatty fish, milk, dairy, eggs, and mushrooms. Sunlight also is a potential source, but the amount of vitamin production depends on the season and latitude. If clients have low vitamin D levels, supplemental D3 may be necessary.

• Selenium: The highest concentration of selenium is found in the thyroid gland, and it’s been shown to be a necessary component of enzymes integral to thyroid function.Selenium is an essential trace mineral and has been shown to have a profound effect on the immune system, cognitive function, fertility in both men and women, and mortality rate.
Selenium rich foods include the same majorly SEA FOODS.
Selenium supplementation in form of Tablets should be consumed only under Physician's Advice.

• Vitamin B12: Studies have shown that about 30% of people with Thyroid disorder experience a vitamin B12 deficiency. Food sources of B12 include mollusks, sardines, salmon, organ meats such as liver, muscle meat, and dairy. Vegan sources include fortified cereals and nutritional yeast. Severe B12 deficiency can be irreversible, so it’s important for dietitians to suggest clients with thyroid disease have their  vitamin-B12 levels tested.

👉 TYROSINE IS HELPFUL IN MAINTAINING THYROID LEVELS BY CONTROLLING THE PRODUCTION RATE OF HORMONES. TYROSINE RICH FOODS INCLUDE Chicken , Salmon , Eggs, Cheese, Avocado and Banana. 

FOODS TO BE EXCLUDED:

GOITROGENS: ❌

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage naturally release a compound called goitrin when they’re hydrolyzed, or broken down. Goitrin can interfere with the synthesis of thyroid hormones. However, this is usually a concern only when coupled with an iodine deficiency. Heating cruciferous vegetables denatures much or all of this potential goitrogenic effect.

Soy is another potential goitrogen. The isoflavones in soy can lower thyroid hormone synthesis, but numerous studies have found that consuming soy doesn’t cause hypothyroidism in people with adequate iodine stores.

          

Foods to be avoided in Thyroid Disorder

EXERCISE:

A discussion on thyroid disease and good health isn’t complete without stressing the importance of physical activity. “With hypothyroid patients, certainly exercise can help with weight gain, fatigue, and depression. With hyperthyroidism, anxiety and sleep disturbances are so common, and exercise can help regulate both.”
As I am saying from the beginning, exercises are crucial , but in this disorder AEROBIC EXERCISES PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN MAINTAINING THYROID LEVELS.

Examples of aerobic exercises include cardio machines, spinning, running, swimming, walking, hiking, aerobics classes, dancing, cross country skiing, and kickboxing.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

Some important tips includes:

• Eat Gluten free Foods , as Gluten imbalances your Thyroid levels.
• Eat carbohydrates in moderation and avoid simple carbs such candies, toffees which has only sugar content.
• Include animal and plant protein sources both to fulfill your daily requirement.
• Oily and fast foods should be avoided as much as you can.

Well that's all for the today's Blog , I know it was a bit long as compared to the Latter Blogs , but i make it big so that you could acquire full knowledge about the Disorder, AS HALF KNOWLEDGE IS ALWAYS DANGEROUS. 

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