The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that is situated at the bottom of the front of the neck. Hormones synthesized by the gland have a huge influence on health and affects all aspects of metabolism. When the thyroid fails to synthesize adequate hormones, the balance of the chemical reactions within the body gets disturbed.
Causes And Symptoms Of Underactive Thyroid
Underactive Thyroid Causes
- Autoimmune disease: those diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis suffer from hypothyroidism. The immune system synthesizes anti bodies that attack the body’s own tissues. Consequently, the anti bodies impact the thyroid’s capacity to manufacture hormones.
- Hyperthyroidism treatment: hyperthyroidism is usually managed with anti thyroid drugs or radioactive iodine to normalize thyroid function. Occasionally, this results in hypothyroidism.
- Radiotherapy: radiotherapy to treat cancers of the head and neck may have an effect on the thyroid and lead to under functioning of the gland.
- Thyroid surgery: surgical intervention may reduce or stop the hormone production.
- Medications: certain drugs and medicines can influence the working of the gland adversely.
- Pituitary gland disorder: a malfunction of the pituitary and failure to manufacture enough TSH may trigger hypothyroidism.
- Pregnancy: developing hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy is rather common as well.
- Iodine deficiency: iodine is very vital for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones. Iodine deficiency is to a certain extent common, but adding iodine to table salt can help eradicate the problem.
- Congenital: some children may be born with a defect in the thyroid gland; and this may set off hypothyroidism.
Signs And Symptoms Of An Underactive Thyroid
Signs and symptoms of an under active thyroid tend to vary extensively, depending up on the severity of the deficiency. Common clinical features include:
- Exhaustion and sluggishness.
- Constipation.
- Increased sensitivity to cold.
- Pale, dry skin.
- Hoarse voice.
- Puffy face.
- Raised serum cholesterol level.
- Inexplicable weight gain.
- Pain in the muscles and joints.
- Heavier than normal bleeding during menses.
- Depression.
Natural Remedies For Underactive Thyroid
- Make sure you have at least 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Fruits and vegetables provide essential nutrients that strengthen the body’s capacity to protect it from infections and diseases. A diet that is loaded with fruits and vegetables helps decrease the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. The fiber present in the vegetables prevents constipation and enhances satiation, thus maintaining a normal weight.
- Avoid – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens; they interfere with the working of the thyroid.
- Experts recommend having 5 to 10 prunes daily; they are of exceptional value in hypothyroidism.
- Have 2 servings of protein every day. Protein promotes healthy blood sugar levels.
- Calcium supplementation is a must. Confer with your doctor and start a supplement daily; given that the metabolism of calcium gets affected.
- Have a handful of nuts (walnuts, cashews, and almonds) daily. Nuts supply B vitamins which support healthy energy levels and normal metabolic activity.