Final cover.cdr - National Institute of Naturopathy Pune
Final cover.cdr - National Institute of Naturopathy Pune
Final cover.cdr - National Institute of Naturopathy Pune
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dietary management<br />
Healthy Diet<br />
For<br />
Hypothyroidism<br />
Dr. K. Shanmugam<br />
Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by abnormally low thyroid hormone<br />
production. There are many disorders that result in hypothyroidism. These<br />
disorders may directly or indirectly involve the thyroid gland. Because thyroid<br />
hormone affects growth, development, and many cellular processes, inadequate<br />
thyroid hormone has widespread consequences to the body.<br />
Hypothyroidism is a very common condition. It<br />
is estimated that 3 percent to 5 percent <strong>of</strong> the<br />
population has some form <strong>of</strong> hypothyroidism. The<br />
condition is more common in women than in men,<br />
and its incidence increases with age.<br />
obvious as the condition worsens and the majority<br />
<strong>of</strong> these complaints are related to a metabolic<br />
slowing <strong>of</strong> the body. Common symptoms are listed<br />
below:<br />
l<br />
Fatigue<br />
There are some <strong>of</strong> the common causes <strong>of</strong><br />
hypothyroidism in adults. It includes,<br />
1. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (autoimmune disease)<br />
2. Lymphocytic thyroiditis (which may occur after<br />
hyperthyroidism)<br />
3. Thyroid destruction (from radioactive iodine or<br />
surgery)<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
Depression<br />
Modest weight gain<br />
Cold intolerance<br />
Excessive sleepiness<br />
Dry, coarse hair<br />
Constipation<br />
Dry skin<br />
4. Pituitary or hypothalamic disease<br />
5. Medications (hyperthyroidism & psychiatric<br />
medication)<br />
6. Severe iodine deficiency<br />
Symptoms<br />
The symptoms <strong>of</strong> hypothyroidism are <strong>of</strong>ten subtle.<br />
Patients with mild hypothyroidism may have no signs<br />
or symptoms. The symptoms generally become more<br />
20<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
l<br />
Muscle cramps<br />
Increased cholesterol levels<br />
Decreased concentration<br />
Vague aches and pains<br />
Swelling <strong>of</strong> the legs<br />
Diagnosis<br />
A diagnosis <strong>of</strong> hypothyroidism can be suspected<br />
in patients with fatigue, cold intolerance,<br />
constipation, dry and flaky skin. A blood test is needed<br />
Nisargopachar Varta : January 2013