Diseases associated with the work of the thyroid gland are not uncommon today. There are more and more pathologies in this area. And this is not surprising, because the function of the thyroid gland is the production of hormones, the synthesis of which is influenced by many factors, including environmental factors. Hormones play a huge role in vital processes, and with their excess or deficiency, the body stops working as a well-coordinated mechanism.
Structure and hormonal balance
A butterfly-shaped gland with widely spread wings, located in the front of the neck, is a small organ. Its right and left lobes are united by a common isthmus. And the total weight of the gland is only 15–20 grams. The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ, the activity of which is associated exclusively with the synthesis of hormonal substances.
Behind the gland is the trachea and the “thyroid” is attached to it, slightly enveloping it. It is a soft organ that is almost invisible and is only detected by palpation (feeling) of the neck. Its main task is the synthesis of thyroid hormones, the production of which requires iodine.
The body needs hormones in negligible amounts, but their ratio is important in biological processes in the body. Their content should be kept constant.
The thyroid gland secretes the following hormones:
- thyroxine (T4), which contains 4 iodine atoms;
- triiodothyronine (T3) containing 3 iodine atoms;
- calcitonin, which regulates calcium production and is responsible for its balance.
Calcitonin has a direct effect on bone growth. Bone formation occurs under its influence. Even the occurrence of tooth decay can be related to this hormone. You can regularly visit the dentist and brush your teeth endlessly, but until the level of calcitonin is normal, all these actions are useless.
The thyroid gland produces mainly the T4 hormone. It travels with the bloodstream to the liver, where it is converted to T3, which exhibits much greater hormonal activity.
The effect of the thyroid gland on the body
Its functions in the body are varied. The thyroid gland affects the functioning of a number of organs:
- provides metabolic processes (metabolism);
- is responsible for the functioning of the immune system;
- associated with the activity of the nervous system;
- affects the work of the cerebral cortex;
- the work of the cardiovascular system depends on it.
The diagnosis of thyroid disease is difficult to make, as a lack or excess of hormones can manifest itself in different ways. For example, persistent infertility, although according to medical criteria the woman is absolutely healthy. Or neuralgia or mental disorder, for which there were no prerequisites.
A malfunction of the endocrine system can occur at any age. In adolescents, the thyroid gland affects puberty, at reproductive age – on the time and course of menstruation, and in adulthood – on menopause in women.
If the hormonal background is unstable, then this brings discomfort to a person’s life. Insufficient or overproduction of hormones does not occur on its own and does not come back to normal suddenly. You need to know the reasons that influenced such violations.
Quite often, there is a pathology of the thyroid gland: a lack or excess of hormone production. This leads to serious disruptions in the functioning of the body. You can find out the level of hormones using a blood test.
The functions of the thyroid gland, on which our condition depends
Dysfunction of the thyroid gland in the human body is associated with a lack of iodine. For an inhabitant of a metropolis, and for a resident of remote areas, iodine deficiency is a common phenomenon. The organism itself is not capable of producing this element; it must come from the outside.
A lack of iodine leads to a condition called hypothyroidism. At the same time, the gland becomes inactive, it works “half-heartedly” and we can experience:
- constant feeling of tiredness,
- poor appetite
- lack of mood
- headache problems,
- dry skin and hair loss,
- decreased immunity,
- heart pain and shortness of breath.
In order to properly fulfill its role, the gland is forced to increase in size. Therefore, the structure and function of the thyroid gland are directly related. There is an enlargement of the gland, which is called a goiter. It can be harmless and carry a purely cosmetic defect when the neck needs to be hidden under shawls or scarves. But it happens that it leads to the formation of tumors and cancer cells.
An excess of iodine is also not beneficial. More hormones are produced and hyperthyroidism occurs. The gland becomes active. Graves’ disease develops. It also leads to changes in the body:
- fussiness, excitability, unstable emotional state;
- irritability and tearfulness;
- increased sweating, tremors of the hands and body;
- with a good appetite, weight loss occurs;
- upset stool, diarrhea;
- increased blood pressure;
- tachycardia (interruptions in the work of the heart).
The first sign that should cause concern is a sudden change in weight. In hypothyroidism, despite poor appetite, weight gains quickly, since metabolic processes are slow. With hyperthyroidism, weight loss occurs due to the activity of the thyroid gland.
Now we know what function the thyroid gland performs, and we should not underestimate its role in the functioning of organ systems.
How does diet affect the work of the endocrine organ?
Most of the fair sex is concerned with their weight. And if he began to change in the direction of increase, then the woman “goes on a diet.” But if weight gain is associated with hormonal disruptions, then trying to lose weight will not be beneficial, but harm.
Forced weight loss finally “wears out” the thyroid gland, undermines health and leads to very sad consequences. If your weight gain is not related to your dietary intake or exercise, hormonal imbalances may be the cause.
Even in the case of normal functioning of the thyroid gland, an uncontrolled diet, stopping food intake, sudden weight loss can provoke its disease (disruption of the normal production of hormonal substances).
Another serious hormonal problem associated with the thyroid gland is mastopathy. Women go to a mammologist, attend procedures in good faith, take medications, but breast lumps do not go away. Treatment will not help until hormonal balance is restored.
What foods contain iodine and its daily requirement
The daily requirement for iodine depends on age:
- infants need 50 mcg.,
- from 2 to 6 years old – 90 mcg.,
- from 7 to 12 years old – 120 mcg.,
- an adult needs 150 mcg.,
- pregnant women and lactating mothers – 200 mcg.
In hypothyroidism, the daily rate of this element may be several times higher. In this case, in addition to food containing iodine, special preparations are prescribed, which include its compounds.
Air and water for 1 / 10th part are able to provide the body with iodine, the rest of the amount the body receives from food. Therefore, the main emphasis should be placed on a diet containing foods rich in this element.
A large amount of it is found in seafood: seaweed, caviar, cod and tuna meat, shrimp and squid. If these delicacies are not available to you, then eat persimmons, black currants, cucumbers, potatoes and garlic. But the iodine content in seafood is much higher.
With an excess of iodine, the diet will also need to be adjusted. In this case, iodine-rich foods are contraindicated. It is advisable to remove cabbage, carrots, spinach, peaches and a number of other products from the diet.
Thyroid diseases affect 12% of the world’s population. 60% of them have no idea about this disease. 40% of people have iodine deficiency. These numbers speak volumes. Check the blood for hormones, because the disease is always easier to prevent than to cure.