- Berkheiser, K. (2018, February 2) | 9 Healthy Foods That Are Rich in Iodine | Retrieved from Healthline: https://www. healthline.com/nutrition/iodine-rich-foods
- Sharma, R., Bharti, S., & Kumar, H. (2014) | Diet and Thyroid - myths and facts | Journal of Medical Nutrition & Nutraceuticals, 60-65
- Sherrell, Z. (2021, July 28) | Medical News Today | Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/thyroid-gland-function
Thyroid Health
The Differences Between Hypo & Hyper
With January being named Thyroid Awareness Month, let’s focus on the basics of thyroid health and the differences between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits in the front of your neck, close to the Adam’s apple. It is an endocrine gland, which means that it secretes hormones responsible for your metabolism, mood, breathing, and even your heart rate. When visiting a physician for a checkup, you may remember their fingertips being placed on your neck from behind while asking you to swallow; this is a simple way to check for abnormal growths or enlargement of the gland. Blood tests are also used to test the function of your thyroid. Blood tests, along with attention to symptoms, help a physician to know if their patient may be suffering from a thyroid condition.
Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are the two most common conditions of the thyroid.
When the thyroid isn’t functioning correctly, it may secrete too much hormone or not enough. These conditions are known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. These two conditions are two of the most common conditions of the thyroid. Both conditions can be treated and managed by a physician, often by your primary care doctor, and sometimes in collaboration with an endocrinologist or surgeon. Below are some symptoms of both conditions.
Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism (occurs when the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone measured with blood levels of T3 and T4):
- Nervousness
- Irritability or Mood swings
- Muscle weakness
- Low tolerance to heat
- Irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat
- Weight loss without trying
- Fatigue
Hypothyroidism (occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough calcitonin, T3 and T4):
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight gain
- Low tolerance to cold
- Dry hair and skin, thinning of hair
- Constipation
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Fertility issues in women
- Slower than average heart rate
- Goiter – an enlarged thyroid gland
Both conditions require a medical diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to keep appointments for annual exams and pay close attention to the signals your body may be sending you so that you can share them with your health care team.
You may be wondering if there are things you can do to improve your thyroid health. There is no such thing as a thyroid diet; there is no evidence that consuming or omitting certain foods improves thyroid function, according to an article titled “Diet and Thyroid – Myths and Facts” found in the Journal of Medical Nutrition & Nutraceuticals. However, studies have shown that iodine is essential in the formation of thyroid hormones. Our bodies do not make iodine on their own and must be consumed. Some iodine-rich foods include seafood, dairy products, eggs, prunes, lima beans, and table salt. The best rule of thumb is everything in moderation – especially the table salt.
You may be wondering if there are things you can do to improve your thyroid health. There is no such thing as a thyroid diet; there is no evidence that consuming or omitting certain foods improves thyroid function, according to an article titled “Diet and Thyroid – Myths and Facts” found in the Journal of Medical Nutrition & Nutraceuticals. However, studies have shown that iodine is essential in the formation of thyroid hormones. Our bodies do not make iodine on their own and must be consumed. Some iodine-rich foods include seafood, dairy products, eggs, prunes, lima beans, and table salt. The best rule of thumb is everything in moderation – especially the table salt.
