Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
World Thyroid Day is observed on the 25th of May every year to spread awareness about thyroid and diseases related to it. One out of every ten Indian adults is affected by a thyroid ailment, with more than 42 million people in India suffering from various types of thyroid disorders.
The thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, is one of the body’s major endocrine glands. It generates hormones that govern metabolism and impact key physiological processes.
There are three primary thyroid illnesses, namely:
- Hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity)
- Hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity)
- Thyroiditis (thyroid gland inflammation)
- Thyroid cancer
The theme of World Thyroid Day (WTD)
Thyroid Federation International has announced the theme, “It’s not you. It’s your thyroid” this year’s World Thyroid Day. The theme focuses on making people aware of thyroid disorders and making them understand the common symptoms of thyroid. The theme is also aimed at creating more awareness amongst doctors on the effect of thyroid disorders on their patients and the need to improve treatments.
Common symptoms of thyroid disorders
Our energy levels and moods are regulated by the thyroid gland. It affects cell function and metabolism. Here are some common symptoms that a person with a thyroid disorder can experience:
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Increased LDL
- Joint pain
- Thinning hair
- Muscle weakness
- Puffy face
What is hyperthyroidism?
When your thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones, you have hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is caused by a number of disorders, the most prevalent of which is Graves’ disease.
It speeds up when your thyroid produces too much T3, T4, or both. Hyperthyroidism can be relieved and consequences avoided if diagnosed and treated early.
Causes of hyperthyroidism
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for head and neck cancers may induce thyroid damage and hypothyroidism.
- Stomach acid deficiency: Low stomach acid has an effect on digestion, and hence gut health.
- Sluggish liver: Thyroid hormone conversion from T4 to T3 is affected. More than 60% of this conversion takes place in the liver. The most active type of thyroid hormone required by your body is T3.
- The dominance of Estrogen: Stops the conversion of T4 to T3, resulting in low T3 levels.
Foods to avoid in hyperthyroidism
- Iodine rich foods: Hyperthyroidism can become worse with too much iodine. It leads the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. A person should avoid foods like iodized salt, fish and shellfish, seaweed or kelp, dairy products, iodine supplements, food products containing red dye, etc.
- Gluten: Gluten can cause inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis if you have an autoimmune illness like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Gluten elimination can help with symptoms, however, these problems are caused by more than just gluten.
- Caffeine: Caffeine can trigger thyroid hormones and make them worse. Palpitations, tremors, anxiety, and insomnia are symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Caffeinated foods like regular coffee, black tea, chocolate, regular soda and energy drinks should be avoided.
Foods to eat in hyperthyroidism
- Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables like brussels sprouts and cabbage, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip roots and greens, kale and arugula and radishes and rutabagas can be included in your diet if you are suffering from hyperthyroidism.
- Iron-rich foods: Iron is a very important nutrient to maintain a healthy human body. Iron helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells in the body. Iron-rich foods like fortified cereals, raisins, oysters and fish, white beans, kidney beans, black beans, dark chocolate, beef, chicken, turkey, and pork, lentils, and spinach are some foods that can be added to your diet.
- Spices: Many studies have proved that spices play an important role in a diet. certain spices, including turmeric and green chilis, to a reduced frequency of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism.
- Calcium and Vitamin D rich foods: Long-term hyperthyroidism has been linked to a reduction in bone mineral density, which can lead to osteoporosis. Both calcium and vitamin D are essential elements for bone health. Milk, cheese, yoghurt, ice cream, canned salmon, sardines, broccoli, fortified orange juice and kale are some calcium-rich foods that can be included in the diet. Some vitamin D rich foods are salmon and tuna, milk and some fortified dairy products (check the labels), fortified soy milk and fortified cereals.
A sample diet plan for those with hyperthyroidism
| Early morning | Wheatgrass / Seaweed powder / Spirulina + 5 almonds + 2 walnuts |
| Breakfast | 2 Eggs + 2 Bread slice / Moong daal cheela + green chutney + curd / Besan oats cheela 2 with Greenchutney + curd / Stuffed paneer roti 2 + curd |
| Mid-morning | Buttermilk + Any Seasonal Fruit |
| Lunch | Salad (steamed / sautéed ) + 1 bowl dal / chicken / egg + 2 chappati / 1 chappati + ½ katori rice |
| Evening | Sattu drink + Makhana chat |
| Dinner | Salad + 1 bowl green vegetable + Daliya / Oats / 2 chappati |
| Post-dinner | 1 tsp Flaxseed powder |
Final thoughts
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is hyperactive and produces redundant thyroid hormones. People should follow their treatment plan and any salutary recommendations from their doctor.
Changing the diet might reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Certain nutrients can support healthy thyroid function or drop hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Thyroid disease might manifest itself in the form of mild anxiety, irritability and nervousness. The cause of these symptoms can be discovered with a simple blood test.
