What is hypothyroidism?

It is a set of symptoms (called “syndrome”) caused by deficiency of thyroid hormone in the body. It can occur in both genders and at all age groups.

What does the thyroid hormone do?

The thyroid hormone is secreted by the thyroid glands in the neck, and performs many functions in the body.  It is important for digestion and absorption of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.  It plays a crucial role in releasing energy in the cells, helps muscles contract, regulates heart beat and helps nerves send signals.  Proper blood circulation, hormone production, and oxygen utilization are other very important functions of the thyroid hormone.

As is seen, a thyroid deficiency affects almost all functions of the body.

What are the causes ?

• A diet low in iodine –  The thyroid gland needs a substance called “iodine” to make the thyroid hormone.  Iodine has to be supplied through the foods we eat.  In some places where the soil does not contain much iodine , the diets may not have enough of it.  Iodized salt is made mandatory in India, and getting iodine is easy .

• Autoimmune condition:  An autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.   For unknown reasons, the body recognizes the thyroid gland as a “foreign” substance and begins to attack it by producing antibodies against it.  These destroy the thyroid gland. 

• Family history:  Hypothyroidism is carried and transferred in the genes, which means that if a parent or sibling is a carrier, it gets passed on to the next generation.

• Medications:  Certain medications used to treat heart problems, psychiatric conditions, and cancer can sometimes hamper production of thyroid hormone. 

• Surgery or radiation therapy for the neck:  Radiation therapy used in cancer or surgery to remove thyroid gland result in absence of thyroid hormone production.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Unexplained weight gain

• Slow heartbeat

• Dry skin

• Constipation

• Depression 

• Hair loss

• Digestion problems, bloating

• Changes in menstrual cycle for women

Can certain foods cause hypothyroidism?

Goitrogens, so called because they can reduce the efficiency of the thyroid gland, are present in some foods in small quantities.  These foods include  cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, maize, soyabean, pearl millet or barley.  But cooking and boiling can lower the goitrogens in these and since they are not consumed everyday in huge amounts and are not eaten raw, there is no reason to avoid them.

How can you manage hypothyroidism?

A blood test can reveal if you have hypothyroidism.  The tests measure the level of thyroid hormone called “TSH” along with T3 and T 4 which are the active forms of thyroid hormone in the body.  A TSH level above 5.0 is considered to be indicative of hypothyroidism.  You will have to take medications as prescribed by the doctor.  Besides, the following measures will help manage the condition, which is a lifelong one.

• Weight management:  A deficiency of thyroid hormone results in easy weight gain since the energy released is not utilized by the body without the hormone.  The basal metabolic rate is slowed down.  It is important to increase aerobic and cardiovascular activities such as jogging, brisk walk, cycling, swimming and hiking to help burn more calories.   Light weight training will also help strengthen muscles which will burn calories faster.  It is believed that hypothyroid people should avoid weight training since it results in bulky muscles, but that is not true. 

• Consume iodized salt:  If you are hypothyroid, you would need to ensure you consume iodized salt, which is widely available.  If you are eating excessive goitrogenic foods (see above) everyday, restrict their usage to once or twice a week.

• Increase proteins :  An amino acid called “tyrosine” is part of the thyroid hormone, and is found to be deficient in people who have hypothyroidism.  Increase intake of tyrosine rich foods  such as fish, milk and milk products, whole wheat, oats and lean meats.

• Vitamins:  Vitamin A, B2, B3, B6,, Vitamin C, and E are essential for the synthesis of the thyroid hormone, and may be deficient in hypothyroidism.  Copper , iron, selenium, and zinc are essential minerals that convert the hormone to active forms .  Supplementing with Vitamin D and calcium is beneficial in hypothyroidism. A well planned balanced diet would ensure you get all these nutrients everyday.  Consult a qualified nutritionist or a wellness coach who can help you plan your diet.