THYROID

        

THYROID GLAND

a ductless gland in the neck which secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism. 

Thyroid gland is completely controlled by TSH ( Thyroid Stimulating hormone) which is secreted by Anterior pituitary gland which is then controlled by Hypothalamus factor

• The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones including
•  1.Thyroxine (T4) 
•  2.Triiodotyrosine (T3) 
• 3. Calcitonine  which primarily influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis
  

THYROID HORMONES

The primary function of thyroid gland is production of  iodine containing thyroid hormones

Thyroxine( T4) is a pro hormone of  Triiodothyroxine (T3)  are tyro sine based hormones

THYROXINE -  is the major form of thyroid hormones in the blood which has a longer  life  than T3

T4 is then converted to T3

Both of these hormones are partially composed of  Iodine as one of the important element of these hormones

The thyroid gland also produces the hormone Calcitonin, which helps regulate blood calcium levels. 

 A deficiency of iodine leads to decreased production of  T3 and T4 hormones which leads to many diseases and disorders

 THYROID  DISEASES AND DISORDERS

Any dysfunction of the thyroid gland leads to many diseases and disorders

The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

the effects can be unpleasant , most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly taken care and treated.

Hypothyroidism : Since your body's energy production requires certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels

This can occur in several ways one of the common is :

Hashimoto's thyroiditis : In this autoimmune disorder, the body attacks thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually dies and stops producing hormones.

Untreated for long periods of time can lead to severe problems.                        

  SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROID INCLUDES:-

1.  Poor ability to tolerate cold

2. a feeling of tiredness,

3. constipation,

4. depression,

5. weight gain.

Occasionally there may be swelling of the front part of the neck due to goitre.

Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to delays in growth and intellectual development in the baby, which is called cretinism

Too little iodine in the diet is the most common cause of Hypothyroidism

Also it is treated with a tablet of levothyroxine the dose is later adjusted according to symptoms and  levels of thyroxine and  TSH

 

PREVENTION AND CURE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM  THROUGH DIET

Consumption  of  recommended levels of iodine given by the expert commitee i.e

For man/women           : 150 mcg/day

For Pregnant women   : 220 mcg/day

For  Lactating women  : 290 mcg/day

As mentioned above the common cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency in such cases  using iodized salt or iodine-enriched foods can be beneficial

If occured can be controlled by avoiding Goitrogenous food

FOODS TO EAT

According to one of the classification thyroxine hormone is an aminoacid derivative so protein rich diet along with other healthy foods are helpful during the treatment of hypothyroidism

Nutrient-rich foods that improve your health may also benefit your thyroid gland. Certain compounds and supplements may help as well. These include:

Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables

Blueberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, and other foods rich in antioxidants can improve overall health and benefit the thyroid gland. Eating foods high in B vitamins, like whole grains, may also help.

Selenium-Tiny amounts of selenium are needed for the enzymes that make thyroid hormones to work properly. Eating selenium-rich foods, such as sunflower seeds or Brazil nuts, can be beneficial.

Tyrosine

This amino acid is used by the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. Good sources of tyrosine are meats, dairy, and legumes.

Hyperthyroidism                                                                       

 is due to an overproduction of thyroid hormones, this condition can occur in several ways.

Toxic adenomas: Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones which can change or upset body’s chemical balance.

Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that causes the gland to "leak" excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts a few weeks but may persist for months

.

 SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROID INCLUDES :-

1. Irritability

2. muscle weakness

3. sleeping problems,

4. fast heartbeat,

5. heat intolerance,

6. diarrhea,

7. enlargement of the thyroid,

8. weight loss

PREVENTION AND CURE OF HYPERTHYROIDISM  THROUGH DIET

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

Avoid foods high in iodine, such as seafood, iodized salt, eggs, curd, and milk.

Eat cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli, preferably raw.
Green leafy vegetables like mustard greens, spinach and kale are believed to depress the function of your thyroid.

Consume flax seed oil and ground flax seeds, as they are ideal sources for Omega 3 fatty acids  Vitamin D from eggs, salmon, mackerel and mushrooms. 
Soybeans and soy products can help an over-stimulated thyroid.

Whole grains like millet and brown rice, combined with nuts and seeds are rich sources of zinc, an important element necessary for the body functions that might be depleted due to hyperthyroidism.

Take a high potency B-complex supplement daily to replenish the B vitamins used up for increased metabolism

 

GOITER

The most common cause of goiters worldwide is a lack of iodine in the diet. In the United States, where the use of iodized salt is common, a goiter is more often due to the over- or underproduction of thyroid hormones or to nodules that develop in the gland itself.

Treatment depends on the size of the goiter, your symptoms and the underlying cause. Small goiters that aren't noticeable and don't cause problems usually don't need treatment..

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS ( ARE AS SAME OF) DEPENDS WITH THE PRESENCE OF HYPOTHYROIDISM OR HYPERTHYROIDISM  ACCORDING TO THE SYMPTOMS

- SAMREEN NAHID

(B.Sc) Applied Nutrition- 2nd Year

St Ann's college for Women.