hypothyroidism in women

i have seen a lot of women suffer from 'thyroid' problems......so here's something that will be useful......

Hypo-thyroidisim in women

Thyroid problems are very common among women. There are many types of thyroid problems but the most common is hypothyroidism. 

The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland situated just in front of the voice-box. The thyroid hormone regulates our body’s metabolism; they are necessary for our physical and mental growth, utilisation of carbohydrates in the body and control our body temperature.

The symptoms are:

·        Low BMR (basal metabolic rate)

·        Low heat production –increased sensitivity to cold

·        Sluggishness /fatigue

·        Low heart rate

·        Hair loss

·        Puffy hands and face

·        Rough, dry skin

·        Hoarse voice

·        An elevated blood cholesterol level

·        Unexplained weight gain

·        Muscle weakness

·        Heavier than normal menstrual periods

·        Brittle fingernails and hair

·        Depression

Hypothyroidism is a condition caused due to the insufficient production of hormones by the thyroid gland. It could happen due to

à An autoimmune disorder where in our body creates antibodies against the thyroid gland.

à  Treatment of hyperthyroidism

à  Radiation treatment taken for cancer.

à  Thyroid surgery where in a part of whole of thyroid gland is removed.

à Medications taken over a long period of time.

Diet plays an important role in the treatment and cure of this condition as it helps in reduction of the symptoms. Some foods may also aggravate the symptoms, hence they should be avoided, and these are mostly goitrogens which inhibit the absorption of iodine. These are:

·         Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato, spinach, peaches, pear, pinenuts, cassava, radish, turnips, strawberries, mustard greens, canned foods and soybeans. The isoflavones present in soybeans masquerades as thyroxin (T4) and hence could block iodine and trigger goitre.

·         The same foods when eaten in cooked form are safer.

The basic purpose of the diet should be to improve the functioning of the gland and to maintain the weight.

·         Regular and small meals should be taken. 

·         The fibre content should be increased by eating whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

·         Selenium should help as it helps in conversion of T4 to T3. So increase the consumption of nuts, turkey, oats, cod, tuna, eggs.

·         Iodine from seafoods or from iodised salt.

·         Foods containing zinc, vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C and E should be included .

·         Protein foods like turkey, chicken, fish, dairy and legumes as they provide the amino acid L-tyrosine which is required to form thyroxin.

·         Drink lots of water as it helps in digestion and to increase metabolism and alleviates some symptoms.

Last and most important point is exercise. Any form of exercise helps not only improve you thyroid functioning but also helps in weight loss. It helps in increasing the reduced BMR; controls the cholesterol and helps to increase the blood flow throughout the body, thereby improving the skin and hair quality which are adversely affected by the low thyroid hormone levels.