How Do You Know Your Thyroid Is Bad?
Do you suspect that your thyroid gland is not working properly? This time, we’ll talk about things to consider when deciding if there’s really something wrong with thyroid function.
As you probably know, your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck in front of your trachea.
First, it plays an important role in the functioning of your body. Namely, it is responsible for the production of certain hormones (these hormones are called thyroxine and triiodothyronine), and it also regulates your metabolism, as well as many other functions in your body.
Why is it important to take care of your thyroid health?
The reason the thyroid gland is so important is that every cell in your body is dependent on the hormones it produces for growth and development.
Therefore, this body affects all of the following, and also numerous others:
- heart rate
- cholesterol levels
- weight
- energy levels
- muscle strength
- skin condition
- regularity of menstruation
- memory
The thyroid glands use iodine to make hormones. Indeed, it is a vital factor in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, and your body gets it through the food you eat.
Inadequate intake of iodine can cause problems in this organ or make existing problems worse.
As you may know, you get iodine from the following foods:
- dairy products (yogurt, cheese, milk)
- fruits (oranges, apples, pineapple)
- vegetables (beetroot, watercress, onion)
- garlic
- beans
- kelp
Identify problems with your thyroid function
Laboratory tests are the most reliable aid in determining if there is really cause for concern.
Whatever the situation, it is important to know that thyroid dysfunction has common symptoms that are easy to confuse with signs of other diseases, such as the following problems:
- stress
- fatigue
- depression
- dementia
In addition, your thyroid glands may grow and change shape. In this case, the problem is called a goiter, in which case a protrusion appears in the neck.
Unfortunately, thyroid problems are usually asymptomatic. However, these symptoms can cause problems when swallowing or breathing, and may change a person’s voice.
On the other hand, the most well-known thyroid disorders are hyperactivity and insufficiency, which may occur with or without an increase in the size of this gland.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is four times more common than hyperactivity of that gland. It involves decreased production of thyroid hormones. Thus, it results in an imbalance that may lead to irregular functioning of the body.
Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- fatigue
- sensitivity to cold
- loss of appetite
- weight gain (2-4 pounds due to fluid retention)
- risen bloodpressure
- cold, dry and rough skin
- concentration problems and memory problems
- slowed speech and movement
- irregular menstrual cycle
- muscle and joint pain
- lack of energy and drowsiness
If you have hypothyroidism, remember that your diet should be kept balanced and varied. Keep in mind that food should be obtained from all nutritional groups, and it is especially important to eat foods that are high in fiber and low in fat.
In addition, daily physical activity should be increased.
Signs of hyperthyroidism
Next, we will talk about another thyroid dysfunction, i.e. hyperactivity.
Unlike in the case of insufficiency, in this case the body produces more thyroid hormones than necessary, and thus this phenomenon it speeds up the metabolism.
Some of the most common symptoms of hyperactivity include:
- increased heart rate (palpitations) and high blood pressure
- anxiety
- insomnia
- increased appetite and weight loss
- sensitivity to heat
- thin and brittle hair
- muscle weakness
- vision problems
- irregular menstrual cycle
- defecation often
- vibration or vibration
- increased sweating
If you have hyperthyroidism, remember that your diet should be balanced and high in calories.
In any case, remember that if you suspect there is any problem with this gland in your case, it is important to see a doctor and ask for appropriate tests. The earlier you can detect these problems, the better for your health!
