The thyroid glands are an important body organ that helps in regulating metabolism, body temperature, and hormone production. They are also an important part during the fetal and childhood development stages by helping in the proper development of brain and muscle functions.
When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it may lead to serious health conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. These conditions may lead to various issues, including changes in body weight, mood swings, and hair loss. To counter the problem with thyroid glands, it is very important to perform a comprehensive thyroid health panel test to diagnose imbalances and support your thyroid health.
In this blog, we describe what the thyroid is and how it works. The thyroid symptoms and guidelines regarding how to improve thyroid health are also provided. In addition, the guide regarding where to get thyroid tested and the best thyroid health supplements for health and wellbeing are also described.
What Is The Thyroid And How Does It Work?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland that regulates energy, metabolism, and body temperature by producing hormones to balance important body functions such as heart rate, mood, and digestion. This butterfly-shaped gland is located in front of the neck below the Adam's apple and voice box (larynx) and produces hormones such as thyroxine(T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
As an important body organ, the thyroid gland works by releasing the thyroid hormones into the bloodstream according to need and body requirements. In conditions such as pregnancy, injury and illness, cold, stress, and any other situation, the thyroid gland produces more hormones.
Role of thyroid hormones
The thyroid glands work as a metabolic receptor of the body that makes sure all body parts receive the required energy to function properly. Some of the key roles of hormones that the thyroid gland produces are:
- Triiodothyronine (T3): The T3 hormone, or Triiodothyronine, is an active thyroid hormone that affects the energy-using pattern of the body. This hormone controls metabolic rate, body temperature, heart function, and overall growth.
- Thyroxine (T4): Thyroxine or T4 hormone is the main hormone that the thyroid gland produces. This hormone is converted to the T3 hormone in body organs like the kidneys and liver, and helps in proper functioning and producing body energy.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): While the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, it travels to the thyroid gland. The TSH hormone stimulates the production of hormones like T3 and T4 and sends a signal to the pituitary gland to regulate the production cycle.
Common Thyroid Problems And Symptoms
In the United States, thyroid problems are one of the most common health conditions that affects millions of adults. The conditions of underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, and overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, are types of thyroid problems commonly diagnosed among patients.
Hypothyroidism occurs due to conditions in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Such a condition may lead to weight gain, dry skin, constipation, thinning of hair, and a feeling of coldness. You may wonder, “Why am I losing weight with hypothyroidism?”. Although Hypothyroidism leads to weight gain, due to digestive changes, imbalance in medication, and changes in metabolism, some patients may gain weight. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism occurs due to excessive production of the hormone by the thyroid gland, which results in weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, a fast heartbeat, and increased sweating.
Thyroid problems develop slowly, and their symptoms are difficult to recognize as they are confused with several factors, such as stress, lifestyle changes, and aging. Early recognition of the signs and symptoms of thyroid is very important for early diagnosis and treatment. The common symptoms that may indicate your thyroid health include:
- Unexplained changes in body weight: If you are experiencing sudden changes in weight, then it may be due to hypothyroidism. Meanwhile, sudden weight loss might be a sign of hyperthyroidism.
- Fatigue and loss of energy: If you are feeling fatigue and a lack of energy even after proper rest, it might be a sign of low thyroid hormone levels.
- Mood swing and anxiety: Mood swing and anxiety might be signs of thyroid disorder. A patient with hypothyroidism might face problems such as a feeling of depression and mood swings. Meanwhile, hyperthyroidism might lead to feeling anxious and nervousness.
- Hair loss: The imbalance in thyroid hormones can cause hair loss by weakening hair growth and causing hair thinning.
- Irregular Heartbeat: Due to underactive or overactive thyroid function, the heart rate of an individual may speed up or slow down.
Why Thyroid Health Is Important
The thyroid gland plays a very important role in the proper function of the body’s metabolic system, energy production, and the proper functioning of body parts. The imbalance or malfunction of the thyroid gland may impact health by affecting the heart, brain, muscles, skin, and the proper function of the digestive system.
When an individual suffers from hypothyroidism, it can lead to fatigue, depression, weight gain, and an increase in cholesterol level. In case of hyperthyroidism, one can feel a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and loss of weight. Hence, accessing and monitoring thyroid levels properly is important for a healthy and stress-free life.
If you are thinking about how to improve thyroid health, then the answer will be regular checkups of thyroid levels. It includes a simple thyroid blood checkup, which measures hormones such as TSH, T3, and T4, to detect imbalances in early stages. A timely checkup is very important as it helps in early diagnosis and prevents further complications.
How to Improve Thyroid Health Naturally
When diagnosed with a thyroid health issue, one of the common questions we all have is, “How can I improve thyroid health naturally?”. While medical treatments are most important, adopting healthy daily habits and overall wellness is also equally necessary to support proper thyroid functioning. Some of the habits you can adopt to improve your thyroid health naturally include:
- Staying physically active: Being physically active improves metabolism, balances energy, and maintains a healthy body weight.
- Stress management: Stress management, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, can be done to improve thyroid health.
- Proper sleep: To balance the hormone regulation and balance the metabolism, quality sleep of 7-9 hours is important.
- Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking: As excessive drinking of alcohol and excessive smoking impact the proper production of hormones, it is essential to avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Natural thyroid health supplements: To improve thyroid health naturally, natural thyroid health supplements can be helpful. Supplements that include iodine, zinc, vitamins, and other herbal ingredients may help in minimizing stress and promoting healthy thyroid function.
Best Vitamins And Nutrients For Thyroid Support
Foods including vitamins and nutrients can help in improving thyroid functioning and maintaining balanced production of hormones. These nutrients and vitamins can be wisely included as supplements in the diet by consulting with professionals for proper dosage and balance. The important vitamins for thyroid health that you can include as supplements in your diet include:
- Iodine: A Diet such as seaweed, fish, and iodized salt is rich in iodine and can be included in the diet as it helps in the proper production of thyroid hormones such as T3 and T4.
- Selenium: Selenium-rich foods like eggs, tuna, and Brazil nuts help to convert T4 into active T3. They help to protect the thyroid gland from oxidative damage.
- Zinc: Diets such as meat, legumes, and nuts are rich in zinc, which supports thyroid hormone production and strengthens the immune system.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is one of the important vitamins that support the immune system and balance hormones. Fortified foods and adequate exposure to sunlight are some of the sources of vitamin D.
- Vitamin B12: A Diet rich in vitamin B12 helps in controlling balance in thyroid conditions, as it helps in combating fatigue and supports metabolism.
Common Physical Signs Of Thyroid Imbalance
The thyroid imbalance often shows physical signs and symptoms that can be easily observed. Some of the common physical signs of thyroid imbalance include hair loss, brittle nails, and dry skin. These signs and symptoms are due to an imbalance in the production of hormones by the thyroid gland.
While the visible signs and symptoms suggest thyroid imbalance, it is very important to consult with doctors and health experts. To restore your hair and nail health naturally, adopting a healthy diet and food high in omega-3 fatty acids, biotin, vitamins, and zinc is important. To improve your skin health, you can use moisturizers such as coconut oil and aloe vera.
Along with supplements and remedies, you must regularly visit to doctor or health professional to balance the thyroid functioning. Regular blood tests and following the doctor’s advice are key to recovering healthy skin, hair, and nails.
When Should You See a Doctor?
As soon as you observe physical signs and symptoms of thyroid imbalance, it is important to seek medical attention for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms such as unexplained weight gain or loss, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, mood swings, hair loss, and over-sensitivity to heat and cold are red flags that indicate thyroid imbalance.
Also, symptoms and conditions of swelling in the goiter or the neck area and irregular menstrual cycles in women can be signs that may require medical attention. In any of these situations, consulting a medical professional is important to examine hormone levels, detect an imbalance, and initiate early treatment.
For reliable and trusted thyroid testing, a health service provider such as UberTests can be the best choice. They offer comprehensive thyroid health panel tests through easy sample collection and fast delivery of results via email. With labs across the United States, it makes sure that your thyroid health is properly monitored and is timely treated.
How To Get Your Thyroid Tested
It is very important to detect thyroid imbalance in your body at an early stage to prevent its complications. Early testing and detection of thyroid imbalance helps in minimizing the risks of fatigue, changes in body weight, heart problems, and sudden changes in mood. Regular thyroid functioning tests help in timely treatment and improve the overall health condition.
Health service providers like UberTests provide comprehensive thyroid health panel tests that involve:
- TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) test: It measures the thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood made by the pituitary gland to signal the thyroid gland to produce the required hormones.
- T3 (Triiodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine) tests: Test that measures the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones.
- Free T4: This test measures T4 hormones that are not attached to protein in the bloodstream.
- TPO (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies): A test that detects antibodies against the TPO enzyme. It is conducted to diagnose and monitor the cause of thyroid function disorder.
Can You Live Without A Thyroid?
After being diagnosed with thyroid imbalance following various tests and examinations, you may require medical intervention, including thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy is a surgical intervention that involves the removal of the thyroid gland from your body. After the removal of thyroid glands, your body can’t produce thyroid hormones naturally due to which may affect hormones, metabolism, energy levels, and proper body functions.
Although the removal of the thyroid gland affects thyroid hormone production naturally, you can live a healthy life without it. However, to live a healthy life after thyroidectomy, you may require hormone replacement therapy regularly. You may require regular blood tests to monitor the hormone levels in your body.
In addition to therapy, adopting a balanced diet including rich sources of iodine, selenium, and other supplements is also essential. Also, proper stress management and physical fitness may help in overall health improvements. Following regular medical checkups and blood tests, you can live a normal life even after a thyroidectomy.
What To Eat After A Thyroidectomy
One of the common questions patients ask following thyroidectomy is “What to eat after thyroidectomy?”. This question is legit and important as diets after thyroidectomy are very important to maintain metabolic balance, supply essential vitamins, nutrients, and function your body parts properly. Proper diet and supplements help to maintain a proper energy level while also preventing deficiencies.
Diets with lean proteins such as eggs, fish, and poultry are important for the repair of tissues. Leafy green vegetables and dairy products are a great source of vitamin D and calcium that support bone health. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are also important to consider as they are sources of antioxidants and minerals such as selenium and zinc, which help in recovery after thyroidectomy.
In addition to foods, thyroid supplements and medication are also important to consider. They help to replace the essential hormones that the thyroid glands produce. Also, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy meal habit, and avoiding highly processed foods are important to maintain balance in hormone levels.
Foods To Avoid For Good Thyroid Health
While consuming proper food helps in maintaining good thyroid health, it is also important to avoid some foods and dietary habits as well. Foods that might interfere with thyroid hormone production or cause hormone imbalance must be avoided.
Foods made of soy products, such as tofu, soy milk, and goitrogens, must be avoided as they might hamper people with iodine deficiency. Gluten-containing foods such as wheat, barley, and rye might trigger the risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroiditis.
In addition, foods that are highly processed should also be avoided as they might disrupt metabolism and hamper thyroid function. Also, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are to be avoided in raw form as they contain goitrogens.
Conclusion
Balancing thyroid health is important for overall well-being as it plays an important role in metabolism, hormone production, and the proper function of body parts. Imbalance in thyroid hormones might affect overall health as it may cause fatigue, unexplained changes in body weight, mood swings, and hair loss.
Regular thyroid tests and consuming a balanced diet with the right supplements are essential for controlling thyroid disorders. Adopting a nutritious diet and staying away from highly processed meals, gluten-heavy foods, and soy foods is crucial, as is seeing health care providers on a regular basis. Additionally, it can be beneficial to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate sleep, rest, and exercise.
This blog explained what the thyroid is and how it works. The key thyroid symptoms and guidelines regarding how to improve thyroid health are also provided, in addition to guidelines regarding the best thyroid health supplements for health and well-being. For reliable and trusted thyroid testing, contact UberTests, as they offer comprehensive thyroid health panel tests through easy sample collection and fast delivery of results via email. To get various types of blood tests done and for information regarding various kinds of tests, visit UberTests.
Summary
- The thyroid gland plays a very important role in the proper function of the body’s metabolic system, energy production, and the proper functioning of body parts. The imbalance or malfunction of the thyroid gland may impact health by affecting the heart, brain, muscles, skin, and the proper function of the digestive system.
- Regular thyroid testing, including TSH, T3, T4, Free T4, and TPO, is essential for early detection and timely treatment, helping you maintain long-term thyroid health and overall well-being.
- Proper diet and supplements help to maintain a proper energy level while also preventing deficiencies.
- Diets with lean proteins such as eggs, fish, and poultry are important for the repair of tissues. Leafy green vegetables and dairy products are a great source of vitamin D and calcium that support bone health. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are also important to consider as they are sources of antioxidants and minerals such as selenium and zinc, which help in recovery after thyroidectomy.
- In addition to foods, thyroid supplements and medication are also important to consider. They help to replace the essential hormones that the thyroid glands produce. Also, staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy meal habit, and avoiding highly processed foods are important to maintain balance in hormone levels.
FAQ On The Comprehensive Thyroid Health Panel
1. What is a comprehensive thyroid test?
A comprehensive thyroid test is an examination that evaluates the thyroid functioning of your body. This test measures hormone levels such as TSH, T3, T4, and TPO antibodies to detect imbalances and identify the cause of thyroid conditions.
2. How can I improve my thyroid health?
You can improve your thyroid health by being physically active, managing stress through yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, and getting proper sleep to balance the hormone regulation. Also, natural thyroid health supplements that include iodine, zinc, vitamins, and other herbal ingredients may help in minimizing stress and promoting healthy thyroid function.
3. What is a high TSH level in toddlers?
A high TSH level in toddlers might indicate subclinical or overt hypothyroidism. TSH level above 10mIU/L might require investigation, as it might be a cause of low FT4 levels and positive thyroid autoantibodies.
4. How to see if your thyroid is healthy?
To check if your thyroid is healthy, perform checkups and tests to measure TSH, T3, T4, Free T4, and TPO. Consult with doctors regularly and check the signs and symptoms of thyroid imbalance.