HOW TO CHECK YOUR NECK FOR THYROID DETECTION – SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, HOME REMEDIES

What is thyroid?

Situated close to the foot of the neck, the thyroid gland is one of the most significant endocrine glands in the body. It regulates the rate at which the body utilizes energy and synthesizes proteins by controlling the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

The thyroid influences the sensitivity of the body toward other hormones and governs the body’s metabolism. A breed of dog, known as Rottweiler, can be used to test the functioning of the thyroid gland. If the dog is suffering from hypothyroidism, it will show the symptoms of obesity, wretched condition of coat, lethargy, and fertility issues. In order to heal the dog, it is given hormone replacement therapy. This treatment helps control its blood pressure, temperature of body, heart rate, and the rate at which food is metabolized to generate energy. 

Issues develop in thyroid :-

The most common issues that develop in the thyroid include:

1. Hypothyroidism — An underactive thyroid.
2. Hyperthyroidism — An overactive thyroid.
3. Goiter — An enlarged thyroid.
4. Thyroid Nodules — Lumps in the thyroid gland.
5. Thyroid Cancer — Malignant thyroid nodules or tissue.
6. Thyroiditis — Inflammation of the thyroid.

What are the signs of a thyroid “challenge”?

If you have thyroid issues, you will suffer from one or several of the following conditions – swollen neck, loss of hair, brittle and dry hair, scaly or thick and dry skin, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation.

A self-check of thyroid :-

• Hold the mirror in such a way that the area just below the Adam’s apple and above the collarbone is visible. The thyroid gland is usually located in this area.
• Tilt your head backward such that you can still see the area in which the thyroid gland is situated.
• Take a sip of water and swallow. While swallowing, observe your neck. Look closely for any enlargements, protrusions, bulges, or unusual appearances.
• Repeat with more sips of water.
• If you find any unusual protuberances, consult your doctor immediately. This could be a thyroid nodule or enlarged thyroid gland, and needs to be ascertained.

Avoid Gluten & A1 Casein :-

Gluten, the glue-like proteins found in many starchy foods like bread, oatmeal, and pasta are often responsible for food allergies and declining gut health. A1 Casein, a mutated protein chain found in the majority of commercial cow’s milk and milk products is a detrimental biochemical known to cause autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and organ damage. Both of these proteins can lead to thyroid malfunction, so if you think you may have either hypo- or hyperthyroidism, avoid high-gluten foods and stick with dairy products like cream and grass-fed butter which contain little or no A1 casein.

Check Your Iodine :-

Iodine deficiency is another problem that is on the rise, due in no small part to the bad reputation we’ve given to table salt (which often has iodine added.) What many people don’t realize is that iodine is a necessary building block for the metabolism regulating hormones produced by the thyroid gland and most of the foods we eat don’t have enough of it to keep us healthy. You can perform an at-home iodine test to see if you have a deficiency. Or for more definite confirmation, ask your doctor to check your iodine level. If you find that your body lacks this vital nutrient, try adding foods like kelp and cold-water fish (cod, tuna, etc) into your diet. There are also iodine supplementsavailable which you can take to correct the problem.

Practice Good Dietary Habits :-

Avoid roller-coaster or fad dieting which puts strain on the metabolism. If you’re the busy type who likes to eat on the go, try to slow down while eating. Your food will digest more efficiently and your body won’t have to work as hard to obtain nutrients from the foods you eat. Also, pay attention to the types of food you consume. Make good choices to keep your blood sugar steady such as including protein at every meal. Also, do your best to eat a variety of wholesome foods that cover the entire spectrum of vitamins and minerals your body needs to maintain optimum health.

Causes of thyroid disorders :-

Thyroid disorders are possibly caused by adrenal fatigue, celiac disease, radiation exposure, heavy metal poisoning, especially mercury, and food allergies.

The consumption of some foods can lead to low levels of thyroid hormones. These foods are termed goitrogenic foods. They include turnips, radishes, cauliflower, millet, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Goitrogens are referred to as substances that inhibit the thyroid that occur naturally.