THYROID AND GOITER

ByBhavya Patel

THYROID AND GOITER

 

When we talk about thyroid, it is a gland (butterfly shaped) present near the neck area. This thyroid gland. Compared to other countries thyroid is more prominent in India. There are multiple secretions of various hormones from multiple glands in the body. We need these hormones right from childhood to throughout our lives when growing up. They help create our structure, physicality, mental development, etc. Overall, it plays a major role in our lives. 

 

  

 

There are reasons for importance of the thyroid gland: 

  • Thyroid is a very important gland, especially in women. Because they have different hormones with regards to fertility and it regulates the hormones that balance the menstrual cycle.  
  • The thyroid gland plays a major role in growth and development too.  
  • Thyroxine hormone is secreted from this gland and is directly connected to the pituitary gland (the master gland).  
  • It has indirect effects on other hormones and gland systems. 
  • It optimizes brain activity and strengthens memory. 
  • It helps to control cholesterol levels in the body. 
  • Regulation of the intestinal movements also depends on the thyroid gland. 
  • It regulates body temperature and the digestive process. 

There are two types of thyroid issues: 

  1. Hyperthyroidism: 
  • The T3 and T4 hormones are present in the gland and their secretion in the body increases. 
  • At the same time, the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) decreases.

2. Hypothyroidism: 

  • The T3 and T4 hormone secretions in this case start decreasing.  

At the same time, the secretions of the thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH) increase. 

We need to consult an endocrinologist (thyroid specialist) to diagnose the issue by identifying symptoms and finding a proper solution. 

Generally, through the allopathy point of view, for hypothyroidism they recommend thyroxine supplements. For hypothyroidism there are very few options when it comes to medications. There are a few treatments and food practices that one can follow to bring balance.  

 

HYPERTHYROIDISM: 

There are these three main aspects or components that must be checked: 

  1. Hypothalamus– this is the one that releases the TRH hormones. 
  2. Pituitary Gland– this is the one that commences the course for creating hyperthyroidism. 
  3. Thyroid Gland– this gland itself is a primary cause for hypothyroidism. 
 
 

 

Imbalances in the secretion from the hypothalamus will directly affect the pituitary gland (master gland) which in turn affects the thyroid gland and its secretion processes.  

The Main Causes for this are: 

  • Imbalance of the TSH level- for adults it is 0.2 or 0.32 to 5.4 (normal level) it goes below 0.2 
  • Thyroid Carcinoma (less in India) 
  • Thyroid Adenoma  
  • Multiple Nodular Goiter 

Due to hypothyroidism, there are higher chances of getting goiter. And multiple goiter nodules cause thyroid issues. These were the primary causes,  

there can be many secondary causes (related to the pituitary gland) as well: 

  • Increased antibodies (above normal level) against TSH receptors. 
  • Autoimmune disorders (people facing these are more prone to thyroid issues). 
 

The tertiary causes are: 

  • Increased level of TSH in the hypothalamus. 

Medications may make you feel good initially, but over the long run they have side effects and may hamper your health.  

Features or signs and symptoms: 

  • An increase in the BMR weight loss. 
  • Intolerance to heat, Excessive sweating, irritation.  
  • Sympathetic overactive. 
  • Loose motions. 
  • Orbitor swelling of eyes. 
  • Dryness of eyes 
  • Eye infection. 
  • Bulge in the eyes.  
  • Corneal ulceration. 
  • Unable to close eyes properly  
  • High pulse rate/ palpitation. 
  • Oligomenorrhea (menstrual cycle related) in females.  

HYPOTHYROIDISM: 

  • Hypo Myxedema (Adults) 
  • Hypo Cretinism (children) 

 

CAUSES: 

Primary causes: 

  • TSH level increases. 
  • Any type of ongoing drugs, steroids or medications. 
  • Hashimoto thyroidism. 

 

The secondary causes include: 

  • Pituitary gland hormone level issues. (Tumors or multiple cells)
  • Excessive hormones secretion. 

The tertiary causes may be: 

  • TRH Secretion is decreased. 
  • There may be some kind of damage or injury to the hypothalamus gland. 

FEATURES OR SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: 

  • Less hair growth or hair fall. 
  • Intolerance to cold. 
  • Puffiness of face 
  • Excessive sleep or bad sleep patterns. 
  • Constipation issues 
  • Low appetite 
  • Lower BMR 
  • Hoarse voice 
  • Menorrhagia in females. 
  • Infertility 
  • Weak memory 
 

The basic tests that help diagnose thyroid problems are: 

  • Blood test 
  • Thyroid profile test for (T3/ T4/ TSH hormones) 
  • Antibody test. 
  • Ultrasound test
  • Radio iodine update. (specialized doctor)

During pregnancy, the mother and the child are equally affected because of thyroid.  within 5-12 weeks (about 3 months), with proper medication, one can recover from thyroid well. During the first 3 months of pregnancy the thyroid level should be maintained between 0.2 to 2.5. for the next six months, it is between 0.3 to 3.0. The range varies from normal during pregnancy. The chances for miscarriage increase if the woman is facing the problem of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is more prominent during pregnancy. The imbalances in the body due to fluctuations in hormone secretions can lead to issues in breast feeding, weight loss or gain, etc. 

GOITER  

 

Goiter is not that different from thyroid issues. It refers to any enlargement of thyroid gland cells. Goiter can occur in both cases be it hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Goiter can be bifurcated into two types. 

 

  • Hypertrophy (cells are increased in size) it is more common in India. 
  • Hyperplasia (multiple cells are developed) this increases the chances of facing carcinoma. 

 

THE CAUSES MAY BE: 

  • Iodine deficiency (daily intake < 50 mg) 
  • Goitrogens (increased TSH) 
  • Pro goitrogens substance activators: 

(Cabbage/ cauliflower/ turnip) avoid these. 

  • Excess of iodide – Waef chai Koff effect.  
  • Anti- thyroid drugs: Propyle, Methimazole.  

You should invest in good food to achieve a balanced lifestyle.  

FOOD: what you should eat:  

  • Iodine rich food 
  • Bananas 
  • All red berries 
  • Mushrooms 
  • Curd 
  • Sesame seeds (white till) 
  • Green vegetables 
  • Fish and seafood (if you’re non vegetarian) 
  • Chicken 

 

What to avoid consuming: (if you’re facing thyroid issues) 

  • Red meat (it is a complete disaster)  
  • Packaged food 
  • Maida and bakery items 
  • All Brassicaceae family vegetables 
  • Brinjal and Spinach 
  • Chocolates 
  • Sugary sweets 
 

 

 THERE ARE CERTAIN THERAPIES YOU CAN FOLLOW: 

  1. Different asanas like pranayama and other breathing exercises. 

  • Anuloma – Vilom Pranayama (20-30 mins a day) 
  • Ujjayi pranayama (5 mins a day) 
  • Halasan Pranayama (5-10 cycles according to your body capacity) 
  • Matsya San pranayama 
  • Simha San (lion pose) pranayama 
  • Greeva Sanchala pranayama 
  • Sarvan Gasan pranayama  Deep breathing is the best way to start. All these exercises are to be done under guidance.  

Coming to the naturopathy point of view,  

  1. Lapet is a great type of treatment. 
  • It is to be done with a wet or damp white cotton cloth. 
  • Dry woolen cloth. 
  • Doing this 30 mins daily will bring good results. 
 

This will minimize your thyroid problems. 

  • Enema: 

  • It is done with warm water 

  • It can be done with lemon infused water too. 

  • For 3-5 days. 

 

  • Mud Application: 

  • On the stomach area  

  • For 1 month 

 

  • Massage therapy: 

  • Full body massage for 20-30 mins  

  • Neck massage for 5 mins everyday 

  • You can use coconut and other oils 

 

  • Hot and cold bath: 

  • The temperature is constantly changed while bathing  

  • The objective of this is to decrease pain, swelling and other issues.  

 

  • Spinal and Tub Bath: 

  • It is a good treatment for stomach issues, gastritis and indigestion problems.  

  • For sleep problems  

These treatments can be recommended and used as per the requirements of your body. 

There are a few tips that might help you! 

  • Drink whole coriander seeds water daily 
  • Fresh coriander (along with stem), carrot and ginger juice (100ml) 
  • Fresh Ash gourd juice (200ml) 
  • Fresh Aloe Vera juice with Amruta and Haldi. 
  • Chew 20 black raisins daily  
  • 5-7 walnuts daily can help. 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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