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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

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