6 Facts about Thyroid Health

January is National Thyroid Health Month so NatureKue wants to provide you with some information on your thyroid! Your thyroid is a gland below the Adam’s apple in the front of your neck and is responsible for regulating many hormones in your body. When something goes wrong with your thyroid, it can be helpful to understand where to go for information and support. The American Thyroid Association is the go-to place for all information related to thyroid education, resources, research, and committees. Thyroid issues include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiters, thyroid cancer, Hashimoto’s disease, thyroiditis, Grave’s disease, iodine deficiency, and thyroid issues related specifically to pregnancy. This blog aims to bring awareness to these diseases during Thyroid Health Awareness Month.

1. Women are more likely to have thyroid issues than men

It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop thyroid problems during their lifetime. This is roughly 5-10 times more likely than men. This is especially likely after pregnancy and during menopause.

2. Most thyroid disorders cannot be prevented

There is no way to cure or slow the progression of thyroid disease in most cases. If you are one of the 20 million Americans affected, you can manage the condition with the help of an endocrinologist. They will be able to help you make lifestyle changes and take measures to decrease the impact of the disease on your body and your life.

3.Stress can worsen thyroid disease symptoms

Factors like illness, pregnancy, and stress can cause your thyroid symptoms to flare up. Most primary care physicians will recommend exercising every day, maintaining healthy relationships, and getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. However, sleep can be tricky because thyroid issues can impact sleep hours and quality of sleep. Ways to combat this is to create a sleep-wake routine, limit exposure to light like your TV or phone screen before bed and avoid caffeine and exercise too close to bedtime.

4. The thyroid is like a call center

The thyroid acts like the call center in your body. It sends messages to all the cells in your body and tells when how to do their jobs. It sends signals to the brain as well, so if you are feeling groggy and foggy, you could have hypothyroidism.

5. Don’t believe the “too good to be true” health myths

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation and “treatments” for thyroid issues online. It can be very difficult to determine what is true and what is not. Be careful and research treatments closely. If you think a treatment, you found online could be legit and could work for you, ask you physician or endocrinologist. The best advice is to live a healthy life by exercising, eating well, and avoiding stress as much as possible.

6. Iodine is crucial for your thyroid

Iodine, which is a natural occurring mineral is crucial in keeping your thyroid healthy. Iodine has been added to table salt since the 1920’s for this reason. However, with the addition of sea salt on the market, some people are not getting enough iodine in their diet and developing thyroid issues. Most notably, goiters, or an enlargement of the thyroid creating a bulge at the front of the neck. Even if you are getting sea salt or other forms of salt, make sure that iodine is added so that you can keep your thyroid functioning properly.