Hypothyroidism is also known as an underactive thyroid. With this condition, the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. This causes problems for many of the chemical processes in the body and over the long term can cause heart disease, infertility and obesity.
Risk factors for hypothyroidism include exposure to radioactive iodine, radiation to your neck or upper chest, an autoimmune disease or a close relative with an autoimmune disease, and being a woman over the age of 50. “Yo-yo” dieting can also wear out the thyroid.
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Hypothyroidism Treatment includes:
Medication: Daily use of a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. This medication corrects the levels of hormones produced by the thyroid. Frequent monitoring of thyroid levels is necessary until the correct level is determined. Too much of this medication can cause increased appetite, insomnia and heart palpitations. Also, while taking this medication you will need to talk to your doctor if you have a high-fiber diet, use antacids regularly, take calcium supplements or iron supplements. Any of these can affect the potency of your thyroid medication.
Controlled Diet: Foods to avoid include soy and walnuts, many raw fruits and vegetable and all processed or refined foods. Junk foods tend to increase insulin resistance and other hormonal difficulties. . Foods to increase include natural foods, whole grains and fruits and vegetables. While no diet can fix your thyroid, eating with your condition in mind will help you to control the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
A key mineral in hypothyroidism treatment is selenium. This trace mineral is an antioxidant and is essential for converting the thyroid hormone your body produces into its active form. Plant foods are a major source of selenium. The amount of selenium in food depends on where it was grown or raised. Selenium in the soil varies greatly from place to place. Crab, liver, fish, poultry and wheat are generally good sources of selenium.
Foods that should be avoided in connection with hypothyroidism include broccoli, milk, spinach and soybeans.
So how do you know if hypothyroidism treatment is required? Here are symptoms of the condition:
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Pale, dry skin
- Heavier than normal menstrual periods
- Unexplained weight gain
- Brittle fingernails and hair
- Depression
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Elevated blood cholesterol level
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Hoarse voice
- Puffy face
- Muscle weakness
- Low libido
