What is hypothyrodism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where thyroid gland produces less thyroxin hormone or when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Its is also called underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland is found in the lower part of the throat & its a small butterfly shaped gland which is based just below the Adam's apple.

The main work of thyroid gland is to produce two hormones (T3) triiodothyronine & (T4) thyroxine & it is regulated by (TSH) thyroid-stimulating hormone. These hormones basically regulates your body temperature, metabolism, heart rate. T3 regulates or maintain muscles control, brain function & development, heart & digestive function. It also maintains your bone health & regulates your metabolic rate. So its quite obvious that when the metabolic rate is affected so it will develop a condition which slow down the metabolism which will effect the body weight & other body functions. T4 regulates yours muscles strength, body temperature, weight & your mood. If T3 is too high then its a hyperthyroidism & if its too low then its hypothyroidism.


Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

These are the symptoms of hypothyrodism which often people have:

  • Restless
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Puffy face
  • Weight gain or problem in loosing weight
  • Elevated Cholestrol
  • Dry Skin
  • Hair loss or thinning hair
  • Cold Intolerance or Hot & Sweaty
  • Muscle Cramps
  • Stiffness, Joint & Muscles pain
  • Numbness in hands or feet
  • Constipation
  • Depression
  • Memory loss or poor memory & concentration
  • Poor hearing
  • Abnormal menstrual cycles
  • Decrease libido
  • Shortness of breath
  • Slow pulse rate
  • Mood swings
  • Fertility problem
  • Miscarriage
  • Unwanted facial hair

Causes For Hypothroidism
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune disorder which is also known as Hasimoto's thyroiditis. With Hasimoto's your body produces antibodies to destroy the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism also increases the cholesterol level in blood. Some women detected with hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy. If left untreated then high chances of miscarriage & also creates problem in conceiving. Iodine deficiency is also one of the reason for hypothyroidism. Women are more likely to suffer hypothyroidism then men. Also more common in people who are older than 60 years.
The normal range of T4 in adults are 5.0 to 12.0μg/dL. The normal T3 level range in adult from 80-220 ng/dL.

Treatment of Thyroid
Thyroid is mostly treated by medicine. Doctor often prescribes tablet which replaces the thyroid hormones & it has to be take empty stomach in morning & usually taken once a day. After taken medicine it is generally advised that don't eat anything at least 40-50 minutes.

Food To Eat In Hypothyroidism
There are certain food which may affect the function of thyroid hormone. So it is generally advised to avoid such kind of foods & also contain few nutrients which help to maintain the thyroid function properly like iodine, selenium & zinc. As hypothyroidism slow down the metabolism which leads to weight gain so a person should be more focused on healthy diet so that they can regulate their weight. Body requires iodine which body can not produce by itself. So a person should add in his diet a iodine rich food.

  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Iodised Table Salt
  • Seaweed
  • Whole Eggs

Selenium

Add Selenium in Diet its a micronutrient which plays a role in thyroid production & also acts like antioxidant.

  • Brasil nuts
  • Tuna
  • Shrimps
  • chicken
  • Turkey
  • Ham
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Beef

Zinc

Add Zinc in your diet its an another nutrient which helps to produce thyroxin.

  • Oysters
  • Beef
  • Crabs
  • Chicken
  • Pork
  • Legumes
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Yogurt
  • Fortified cereals

Foods To Avoid
Some food contains nutrients which might affect the functioning of thyroid hormones. People may consume these foods but limited. These foods are

  • Brussels sprouts
  • collards
  • Broccoli
  • Broccoli rabe
  • Russian kale
  • Cauliflower
  • Cabbage
  • Coffee
  • Soy Milk
  • Soy Sauce
  • Tofu
  • Edamame
  • Miso
  • Processed foods(hot dogs, fast food, cake, cookies, donuts)
  • Alcohol
  • Gluten(bread, rice, pasta)

Minimise the intake of gluten & if you choose to eat gluten that make sure its whole grain variety of bread, rice & pasta. Be careful while taking antacids. As often antacids contain calcium which can hamper the absorption of thyroid medicine so if you have to take antacids then make sure there is time gap between the two medicines so that both medicines can work properly.