Situated in the front of the neck (on each side of the windpipe) is the thyroid gland. The function of this gland is to produce and pour into the bloodstream a hormone called thyroxine, which regulates the speed at which the body functions. When there is excessive flow of thyroxine, the condition is called hyperthyroidism, wherein the heart beats faster and the sufferer loses weight rapidly. Similarly, hypothyroidism is a condition in which there is a lack of thyroxine secreted by the glands, resulting in weight gain, fatigue, and sluggishness. Hypothyroidism is not always caused when the thyroid glands malfunction. It is also caused when the pituitary glands and the hypothalamus glands under-produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, which stimulates the thyroid glands that, in turn, form thyroxine and triiodothyronine (T3).
Hypothyroidism shows early symptoms like fatigue, a drop in the rate of heart beat, and easy susceptibility to colds in a person. In some cases, it also results in the enlargement of the thyroid glands, a condition that is called goiter. Arthritis, a reduced libido, constipation, slowness of movements, and weight gain are also some of the telling symptoms of hypothyroidism. The patient of hypothyroidism will also suffer from backaches and stiffness in the joints. His face will become puffy, hair will be thick and dry, and his pulse rate will also slow down. If one notices these symptoms, they must get a medical examination immediately.
To treat hypothyroidism, the doctor will prescribe medication. Other than following the doctor's advice, the sufferer must consume only iodized salt, as a lack of iodine in the diet is also one of the causes of hypothyroidism. Green leafy vegetables, carrots, eggs, and yellow vegetables are rich in Vitamin A, which is important in boosting the thyroid thereby treating hypothyroidism. Whole-wheat products, lentils, potatoes, peas, and nuts and seeds provide adequate starch and proteins, another nutrient that prevents hypothyroidism. The sufferer must also be on a low caloric diet and avoid consuming sweets, biscuits, cakes, white flour, sugar, excessive tea and coffee, and other fattening and unhealthy foods. Dietary changes like being on fresh fruit juices for five days, followed by milk and fruit diet for three days, and gradually a balanced diet would help the patient immensely. Thereafter, the sufferer must also make sure to consume fresh fruits and vegetables liberally every day. A day's bed rest every week for the initial two months of treatment, avoiding physical, emotional, and mental stress also treats hypothyroidism.
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