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With approximately 42 million thyroid patients, India bears a massive burden of thyroid illness, and mostly it is seen as a hereditary disease in families. One out of three Indians suffer from thyroid problems.  

There are two kinds of Thyroidism:-

1. i) Hypothyroidism, which refers to an underactive thyroid and it causes weight loss
2. ii) Hyperthyroidism, which refers to an overactive thyroid and it causes abnormal weight gain

Therefore, understanding thyroid functions and how to maintain optimal thyroid health is of utmost importance.  

Why does Thyroid health matter?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped hormone gland under the voice box at the base of your neck. This gland secretes the thyroid hormone that is responsible for our body's metabolism function, growth and development. In addition, the thyroid hormone aids our body for numerous functions and provides energy in situations like pregnancy or other women's health issues.  When your thyroid functions correctly, it will produce the appropriate hormone to keep your growth and metabolism running smoothly.  

Some main functions of the Thyroid gland are:

• 1) Regulates the metabolism 
• 2) Controls heartbeat 
• 3) Raises or lowers body temperature 
• 4) Helps indigestion 
• 5) Controls muscle contraction 

• 6) Controls the rate of dying cell replacement 

Physiological functions regulated by Thyroid:

• 1) Breathing 
• 2) Body mass index 
• 3) Heartbeats per minute  

• 4) Central and peripheral nervous systems 
• 5) Muscle endurance 
• 6) Cycles of menstruation 
• 7) Body temperature  
• 8) Cholesterol concentrations 

Some Common Thyroid Disorders:

Hashimoto's Thyroditis:

 It is mainly seen in women above 40. in this disease, if your body has a weak immune system, it affects the hormone secretion level from the gland.  

Grave's Disease:

It is an autoimmune disease that happens due to extra secretion of the thyroid hormone that affects the metabolism rate. Family history, stress, pregnancy, and smoking are some of the risk factors.  

Goiter:

 Diffuse goiter is when the thyroid gland as a whole enlarges, while nodular goiter is when specific lumps (nodules) grow in the gland. Iodine deficiency in the diet is the most common cause of goiter worldwide. Hoarseness of voice, neck swelling, breathing or swallowing difficulties, and coughing or wheezing are the primary symptoms of goiter. 

Thyroid Cancer:

This disease has no established cause, but various risk factors have been found, including a family history of goiter, radiation exposure, and certain inherited disorders. It affects women's health three times more than men. A lump around the neck, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, and throat or neck soreness could be some of the primary symptoms of thyroid cancer.  

Can we prevent Thyroid disorders?

Thyroid diseases can look like a variety of other illnesses, making diagnosis more complicated. If you have even the slightest suspicion that you may have a thyroid problem, see your doctor or an endocrinologist as soon as possible. 

Honestly speaking, there is no prevention for thyroid disorders, but by making a few changes in our daily lifestyle, we can indeed lower the risk of thyroid gland disorders. For example: 

• 1) Frequent health checkups  
• 2) Increase Vitamin D enriched food intake 

• 3) Regular intake of Iodine-enriched food 
• 4) Quit smoking 
• 5) Follow anti-inflammatory diet 
• 6) Take a selenium supplement (only if necessary and consult a doctor before any medication) 
• 7) Exercise daily 

• 8) Eat a balanced diet                                                                                   
  

 The majority of thyroid illnesses are chronic conditions that can be adequately controlled with regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and medication.  

Try out andMe's Thyrodiet Tea, which is a nutritious blend of herbs like Ashwagandha, Kanchar and anti-inflammatory ingredients like lemon. As a women's wellness brand, we understand the unique requirements for women health issues. All our products are completely vegan, plant-based and have no harmful chemicals. 

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