Thyroid
diseases
There
are 2 types of thyroid disease ie. hyperthyroidisms and hypothyroidisms.
Hyperthyroidism is a
condition where there is over-production of thyroid hormone by thyroid glands.
It is quite a common disease in Malaysia.
Hypothyroidism is a
condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. Since the main
purpose of thyroid hormone is to drive the body's metabolism, it is
understandable that people with this condition will have symptoms associated
with a slow metabolism.
What are the Symptoms of hyperthyroidisms
& hypothyroidism?
Hyperthyroidisms treatments:
1. Anti-thyroid
medicines
- Carbimazole (Camazol 5mg) - Carbimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism.
Carbimazole is a pro-drug as after absorption it is converted to the active
form, Methimazole.
- Propylthiouracil 50mg - Now used only for women in the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Methimazole (Timazol 5mg) - Methimazole prevents thyroid
peroxidase enzyme from coupling and iodinating the tyrosine residues on
thyroglobulin, hence reducing the production of the thyroid hormones T3
and T4.
Counselling:
It is important to
monitor any symptoms of fever or sore throat while taking Carbimazole and
Methimazole; this could indicate the development of agranulocytosis, an
uncommon but severe side effect resulting from a drop in the white blood cell
count.
2. Beta Blockers (Propanolol 10mg)
Beta Blockers are used
to reduce the heart rate and subsequently prevent palpitations as well as hand
tremors.
However, it will cause
side-effects like fatigue, headache,
stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, and dizziness.
3. Surgery (thyroidectomy)
This surgery is usually
carried out in pregnant women by removing the thyroid.
However, lifelong
treatment with levothyroxine and calcium is required post-surgery.
Hypothyroidisms treatments:
Hypothyroidism
can be easily treated using thyroid hormone medicine. The most effective and
reliable thyroid replacement hormone is Levothyroxine and Thyroxine. After starting
treatment, you will have to follow-up with your doctor regularly to make sure
you have the correct dose of medicine. Take your medicine as directed. You will
have another blood test 6 to 8 weeks later to make sure the dose is right for
you.
If
you are under dose, you will experience symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as
constipation, feeling cold or sluggish, and gaining weight. Overdose can cause
nervousness, problems sleeping, and tremors.
If
you have heart disease, too much medicine can cause irregular heartbeats and
chest pain. People who also have heart disease often start on a low dose of
levothyroxine, which is increased gradually.
Sometimes
symptoms of hypothyroidism continue, such as sluggishness, constipation,
confusion, and feeling cold. This may occur if you are not taking enough
thyroid hormone or if your medicine is not absorbed from your gastrointestinal
tract. Having a bowel disease or taking certain other medicines may block
thyroid hormone. If needed, your doctor will increase your dose.
If
your dose of thyroid hormone is too high, you may develop complications such as
irregular heartbeats and, over time, osteoporosis. If you have heart disease,
too much medicine can cause pain (angina) and irregular heartbeats. Your doctor
will watch your thyroid levels using a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
If needed, your doctor will lower your dose.
9 Food to avoid in hypothyroidism:
1. Soy
The hormone estrogen can interfere with your
body's ability to use thyroid hormone.
2.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous
vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, can interfere with the production of
thyroid hormone, particularly people who have an iodine deficiency. Digesting
these vegetables can block the thyroid's ability to absorb iodine, which is
essential for normal thyroid function. People with hypothyroidism may want to
limit their intake of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale,
turnips, and bok choy. Cooking the vegetables can reduce the effect that
cruciferous vegetables have on the thyroid gland.
3.
Gluten
People
with hypothyroidism may want to consider minimizing their intake of gluten, a
protein found in foods processed from wheat, barley, rye, and other grains.
Gluten can irritate the small intestine and may hamper absorption of thyroid
hormone replacement medication.
However,
if you do choose to eat gluten, be sure to choose whole-grains varieties of
bread, pasta, and rice, which are high in fiber and other nutrients and can
help improve bowel irregularity, a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Also be
sure to take your hypothyroidism medication several hours before or after
eating high-fiber foods to prevent them from interfering with the absorption of
your synthetic thyroid hormone.
4.
Fatty Foods
Fats
have been found to disrupt the body's ability to absorb thyroid hormone replacement
medicines. Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone
as well. Some health care professionals recommend that you cut out all fried
foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise,
margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.
5.
Sugary Foods
Hypothyroidism
can cause the body's metabolism to slow down. Sugary food can worsen your body's
metabolism.
6.
Processed Foods
Processed
foods tend to have a lot of sodium, and people with hypothyroidism should avoid
sodium. Having an underactive thyroid increases a person's risk for high blood
pressure, and too much sodium further increases this risk. Read the Nutrition
Facts label on the packaging of processed foods to find options lowest in
sodium. People with an increased risk for high blood pressure should restrict
their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams a day
7.
Excess Fiber
Getting
enough fiber is good for you, but too much can complicating your hypothyroidism
treatment. Guidelines currently recommend that older adults take in 20 to 35
grams of fiber a day. Amounts of dietary fiber from whole grains, vegetables,
fruits, beans, and legumes that go above that level affect your digestive system
and can interfere with absorption of thyroid hormone replacement drugs. If
you're on a high-fiber diet, ask your doctor if you need a higher dose of thyroid
medication. Your maintenance dose may need to be increased if you aren't
absorbing enough medication.
8.
Coffee
Caffeine
has been found to block absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. People who
were taking their thyroid medication with their morning coffee had
uncontrollable thyroid levels. Patients are advised to only take their
medication with water. Patient should gap at least 30 minutes after taking your
medication before having a cup of coffee.
9.
Alcohol
Alcohol
consumption can wreak havoc on both thyroid hormone levels in the body and the
ability of the thyroid to produce hormone. Alcohol appears to have a toxic
effect on the thyroid gland and suppresses the ability of the body to use
thyroid hormone. Ideally, people with hypothyroidism should cut out alcohol
completely or drink in careful moderation.
4 Foods to ease symptoms of
hyperthyroidism:
1. Berries
Strawberries,
blueberries & raspberries—the choice is yours. Berries pack a powerful
punch because they’re bursting with antioxidants, which keep your immune system
strong. Eat a serving of berries every day.
2. Vitamin D and
Omega-3s for Thyroid Health
Salmon
contains vitamin D—an essential nutrient that works with calcium to prevent
bone loss. Salmon also carries a mega dose of omega-3 fatty acids that keep you
healthy. Your body doesn’t naturally produce these fatty acids, so you have to
get them from food. If you’re not into fish, get your vitamin D from eggs and
mushrooms and your omega-3s from walnuts, olive oil, and flaxseed oil.
3. Protein
Weight
loss is a common hyperthyroidism symptom. Protein is important because your
body needs protein for energy and to build and maintain muscle.
4. Calcium
Untreated
hyperthyroidism can eventually weaken your bones and may lead to osteoporosis.
To prevent this, get 3 servings a day of calcium from yogurt or other dairy
foods, such as cheese and milk.
7 Hypothyroidism-friendly foods:
1.
Fish
Fatty fish such as wild salmon, trout, tuna, or sardines
offer great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Unmanaged hypothyroidism can
increase the risk for heart disease as a result of higher levels of low-density
lipoprotein (LDL). Omega-3s are known to decrease inflammation, help with
immunity, and lower the risk for heart disease. Fish is also a good source of Selenium,
which is the most concentrated in the thyroid. Selenium also helps decrease
inflammation.
2. Nuts
Nuts
are also another great source of selenium. Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and
hazelnuts are all particularly high in selenium, which helps the thyroid
function properly. With Brazil nuts, you only need to eat one or two; with
other nuts, a small handful is enough to get your daily nutrients. Do keep an
eye on portion size, as nuts are very high fat.
3. Whole Grains
Constipation
is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Whole-grain foods such as cereal, bread,
pasta, and rice are high in nutrients in addition to fiber, which can help with
bowel regularity. However, fiber can interfere with synthetic thyroid hormones.
Some people with hypothyroidism choose to avoid whole-grains altogether, but if
you do choose to eat them, take your thyroid medication several hours before or
after eating foods rich in dietary fiber.
4. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
An
early symptom of hypothyroidism is weight gain. Low-calorie, high-density foods
such as fresh produce are the cornerstone of every successful weight loss
program. Include either fresh fruits or veggies at each meal, if possible.
Specific foods such as blueberries, cherries, sweet potatoes, and green peppers
are also rich in antioxidants, nutrients that are known to lower risk for heart
disease.
However,
people with hypothyroidism may want to limit their intake of cruciferous
vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, to 5 ounces a day, as they can block
the thyroid's ability to absorb iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid
function
5. Seaweed
Iodine
is the precursor for the production of thyroid hormone. Seaweed has a high
concentration of iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid function. Seaweed can
be used in sushi, soups, and salads. In addition to that, seaweed offers other
nutritional benefits like fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
It
is possible to have too much iodine, which can worsen thyroid disease. However,
according to the American Thyroid Association the likelihood of this is greater
if you're taking supplements that contain iodine. Please discuss with your
doctor before increasing your iodine intake.
6. Dairy
There
is an association between vitamin D deficiency and Hashimoto's disease, the
most common cause of hypothyroidism. Fortified milk not only has added vitamin
D, but also has significant amounts of calcium, protein, and iodine.
7. Beans
Beans
are a great source for sustained energy; it contains protein, antioxidants,
complex carbohydrates, and loads of vitamins and minerals. They are also high
in fiber, which can be beneficial if you suffer from constipation, a common
side effect of hypothyroidism. Guidelines recommend that adult get 20 to 35
grams of fiber each day, so, do not overdose youself with fiber. Excess fiber
can interfere with your hypothyroidism treatment.
