By: James S.
Submitted: 2009-04-05 07:36:41 | Word Count: 505
The thyroid is a small gland situated below the Adam s apple in the neck. It releases two hormones; the thyroxine (T4) and the triodothyroxine (T3). These hormones increase the amount of oxygen that the body uses and incites your cells to generate new proteins. By regulating the release of the hormones, the thyroid establishes the metabolism rate of almost all your body s organs.
Problems mainly occur when the thyroid gland tends to become either underactive (leading to hypothyroidism) or overactive (leading to hyperthyroidism). Even cancer may grow in the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism takes place due to shriveling of the thyroid gland. Conversely, Hyperthyroidism takes place due to the over activity of the thyroid gland.
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Causes of Thyroid disease
Thyroid, be it hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, can be due to several diverse causes. Some of them are:
Inadequate production of the thyroid hormone causes hypothyroidism.
An Inborn error or defect in the thyroid gland and a deficiency of pituitary causes Hypothyroidism.
An excessive amount of the thyroid hormone results in Hyperthyroidism.
Emotional or physical stress and heredity may result in hyperthyroidism too.
Improper feeding habits over a very long period of time along with some oppressive medical treatment is however the most common cause.
Faulty style of living causes thyroid
Symptoms of Thyroid disease
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism have a number of signs and symptoms. Some of them have been mentioned below:
Hypothyroidism causes a person to slow down his movements, gain weight, often get constipated and become vulnerable to cold.
Severe backache, stiffness in the muscles and joints, dry thickened hair, puffiness on the face, and relatively slow pulse are some of the other symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism causes a person to sweat excessively frequently, become really weak, overactive, nervous, sensitive to heat and underweight.
Overactive and enlarged heart, bulged eyes, irregular and rapid pulse rate, slight tremor felt in the fingers, palpitation of the heart and passing increased quantity of urine are some other symptoms.
Treatment of Thyroid disease
Both the types of thyroid can be treated in several different ways. Apart from the usual medicinal treatments, there are a few adaptations and alterations that you will have to bring about in your lifestyle and eating habits, in order to improve the condition of thyroid. Some of the most commonly opted and effective treatments are:
A rational diet, Cleansing of the system, adequate amount of rest and relaxation is very important. Fresh fruit juices must be consumed on a regular basis for around 5 days. Then, in the next 3 days have more of fruits and milk and then eventually get onto a healthy and balanced diet.
The patient must rest a full day in bed, each and every week for first two months of the treatment.
Physical exercises and yoga can be practiced only after symptoms collapse.
Coffee and tea, greasy and fleshy foods, alcohol, condiments, sugar and white flour must be avoided.
Physical exertion and emotionally being upset should be avoided.
All these changes will definitely bring about positive results in treating thyroid!
