How to take care of your Hypothyroid

                  

                                             How to take care of your Hypothyroid

1) Start your day by taking your prescribed medicine with a full glass of water.A 45 minute gap is essential between your breakfast and medicine.

2) Include a few Brazil nuts every day as a part of your diet.They have Selenium which is an antioxidant and converts the thyroid the body produces from T4 to it's active form T3.

3) Include a lot of fiber in your diet.Beans,rice,oatmeal and whole wheat will make you feel full and help you to lose the weight gained as a result of the condition.

4) Drink plenty of water (7 to 8 glasses) and spread out your meals.Instead of having 3 big meals eat 5 to 6 times in smaller portions. This will balance the slow metabolism which is part of hypothyroid.

5). Avoid: Cauliflower,cabbage,Brussels sprouts,spinach,pears,strawberries and radishes.They increase the probability of developing goiter to which you are prone in this condition.

6). Exercise: Do any kind of exercise that will help you to lose weight.Walk on a treadmill for 30 minutes if you can.

7) Humming bee yoga:Sit down on the floor cross legged ,keeping the back straight,hands rested on legs and eyes closed.Now,use your thumbs to cover your ears and fingers to cover your eyes.Without moving your lips and teeth say OHM.This will sound like a buzzing bee.Extremely beneficial.

What is hypothyroid.

  

                                               What is hypothyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck just below what is called the "Adam's Apple." Its basic function is to produce hormones associated with metabolism, energy and proteins. It is also responsible for how the body reacts to other hormones produced in the body. When a disruption of those hormones occurs, it can cause numerous physical effects that may not be initially recognized as a thyroid problem.

There are two major types of thyroid disorders. There are others, but the ones below are the most common and are often the starting points of developing any other thyroid disorder.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones necessary to maintain other bodily functions. The first signs of this disorder is weight gain and fatigue.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormones. The first signs of this disorder is usually weight loss and restlessness.

The only way to identify a thyroid disorder is through a blood test to check for thyroid hormone levels.

For hyperthyroidism, depending on age and severity, antithyroid medication and radioactive iodine are the most common forms of treatment. Antithyroid medication is a pill that an individual takes at the same time every day in order to block some of the hormones coming from the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine comes in the form of a drink which destroys part of the thyroid gland without harming any other part of the body. Most patients are cured after one dose.

For hypothyroidism, the most general treatment is taking a pill of synthetic hormones everyday which restores normal hormone levels. Since hormone levels can change as age progresses, it will be necessary for the doctor to check hormones levels in the form of blood test every year or so.

There are many risks associated with untreated thyroid disorders.

Because the thyroid gland plays a major part in regulating a woman's body during pregnancy, many women don't suffer any thyroid problems until pregnancy occurs. Obstetricians will typically keep an eye on thyroid levels during pregnancy. An untreated thyroid problem during pregnancy can cause high blood pressure which can lead to a condition called preeclampsia. For babies, an untreated thyroid problem in the mother can cause premature birth and decreased mental abilities. The baby also has a higher chance of having a thyroid problem, also. In extreme cases, an untreated thyroid disorder in the mother can lead to the baby's death.

Furthermore, men and women alike who go without treatment for a thyroid disorder are at an increased risk of developing heart problems such as high blood pressure. They are also at a greater risk for developing metabolism-related disorders such as diabetes.

How to Measure Thyroid Levels

  How to Measure Thyroid Levels

Instructions

1.  Monitor your mood, weight gain, and levels of tiredness, and keep a record of them. If you seem to    be more depressed than normal, are gaining or losing weight, or are extremely tired, schedule an appointment with your doctor, who may decide to check thyroid levels.                        

2. Explain your symptoms to your doctor.

3. Provide a blood sample to your doctor. Tests will measure T3, T4 and TSH levels.

4. Obtain the test results and review them with your doctor. Test results showing high TSH levels indicate primary hypothyroidism. Results showing low TSH levels indicate hyperthyroidism. A measure of T4 and TSH levels together may reveal how the thyroid gland is functioning. It may also indicate whether problems are related to the pituitary gland or to the thyroid gland. T3 results are most useful in diagnosing hyperthyroidism and determining its severity.

Checklist to Track Hypothyroid Symptoms

 Checklist to Track Hypothyroid Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient production of hormones by the thyroid gland. These hormones have key roles in regulating the body’s metabolism, and in their absence many of the body’s functions begin to slow down. To detect hypothyroid-related changes, it helps to learn some of the progressive symptoms of the disorder

Understanding Hypothyroid Symptoms

If you suffer from hypothyroidism, the severity of your symptoms will depend upon the severity of your hormone deficiency, according to the Mayo Clinic. Typically, signs of the disorder develop over an extended period, and you might not clearly notice their effects for years.

Potential Early Signs

Initial signs of hypothyroidism frequently include sluggishness and fatigue, which can be mistakenly attributed to natural aging. As your metabolism continues to slow, additional signs of hypothyroidism will appear. Although symptoms can vary, potential problems to look for include unexplained weight gain; depression; constipation; decreased sexual interest; an increased sensitivity to cold; facial puffiness; high cholesterol; muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness; muscle weakness; swelling,                 stiffness and pain in your joints; abnormally heavy menstruation; hoarseness in your voice; dry skin; and brittle hair or nails. If you develop any of these signs, or if you frequently feel tired for no known reason, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Although hypothyroidism might not be responsible for your symptoms, it could explain a seemingly unrelated series of nagging complaints.

Potential Later and Advanced Signs

If your hypothyroidism is not treated, you will experience a deepening of your existing symptoms. In addition, you might develop an enlarged thyroid gland, known as goiter. You can experience a noticeable slowing of your mental functions, and memory loss. If your hypothyroidism becomes severe, you may develop a life-threatening condition called myxedema, characterized by decreases in body temperature and breathing rate, low blood pressure, and unresponsiveness that can lead to coma.

Signs In Infants, Children and Teenagers

Hypothyroidism most typically affects women over age 50, but it can strike anyone at any age. If your infant is born with a thyroid deficiency, her symptoms can include facial puffiness, a protruding tongue,    choking, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). If the disorder is not diagnosed, your child might experience delayed growth and feeding difficulties, as well as unusual sleepiness, poor muscle tone and constipation.

If your teen or young child develops hypothyroidism, his symptoms will generally be similar to those of an adult. In addition, he might experience delays in the development of his permanent teeth and in the onset of puberty, as well as poor physical growth and mental development.

Consult your doctor for more information on the telltale signs of progressive hypothyroidism.