You are not feeling the greatest. You’re not sure there is a problem. Could it be your thyroid gland causing you grief? Symptoms of thyroid disease can sneak up on you and the way you feel just becomes the norm. The symptoms can also be taken as symptoms of other conditions. So how do you cope with thyroid problems?The two most common conditions affecting the thyroid gland are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is the most common of the two.Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:NO symptoms
fine, soft hair that is falling out
a feeling of being nervous, weak, tired or moody
hands that shake or tremble
rapid heart beat, palpitations
breathing problems, breathlessness
more bowel movements than usual
a weight loss without a change in diet or exercise
warm, sweaty, itchy red skinheat intolerance
change in menstrual cycle, lighter and less frequentSymptoms of hypothyroidism are:fatigue
sluggishness
increased sensitivity to cold
constipation
dry, pale skin
hoarse voice
puffy face
an elevated blood cholesterol level
unexplained weight gain
muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
pain, stiffness or swelling in the joints
muscle weakness
heavier than normal menstrual periods
brittle fingernails and hair
depressionHow will the doctor determine if you have thyroid problems? by a physical examination of the neck
taking your family history in consideration
blood tests
ultra sounds or scansDiet may be a way of coping with thyroid problems. There are several key elements that can be included in our diet that will help our thyroid function properly.Iodine is an element that is essential for the thyroid gland. The thyroid is the only organ or tissue in the body that absorbs iodine. This mineral is needed by the gland to produce the hormone thyroxine and for normal growth and metabolism. Lack of iodine symptoms may be hair loss, depression and weight change.Selenium is an element required in the production of thyroid hormone T3 (triidothyronine). Other minerals that help in keeping the thyroid gland healthy and in the production and distribution of the thyroid hormone are manganese and zinc.Like all other organs and tissues in the body the thyroid gland will be affected by oxidative stress. To help deal with the natural occurrence in the body, foods high in antioxidants and vitamins will help the gland. A balanced diet including whole foods is a good start.There are also foods that have to be avoided for good thyroid health. Avoid eating large portions of raw cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, brussels sprouts and broccoli because of the goitrogenic effect they have. This effect can be off-set by steaming the vegetables first.The artificial sweetener, aspartame, may trigger an immune reaction causing the thyroid to become inflamed.When diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, coping with the condition may be made easier if you avoid stimulates such as tea, coffee and alcohol. Your metabolic rate will be affected by these stimulants.How are thyroid problems treated?diet if the condition is not severe
thyroid stimulating medication
surgery removing the gland totally or partially
radioactive iodine treatments