More than 12% of people living in the USA develop a thyroid condition in their lives. Also, up to 60% of US citizens with thyroid disease may not even be aware of it. While there is nothing that people may do to ensure they will not suffer from Thyroid, they can live their lives to minimize the risk. You can take several preventive measures to ensure you don’t develop thyroid issues.
These preventive measures are easy to follow and can help you stay healthy. For example, cigarette smoking and lack of iodine are two common causes of thyroid problems. You can also get a physical exam to make sure you’re healthy.
List of Thyroid Preventive Measures
Maintaining health and wellness is a crucial part of every person’s life and preventing Typhoid is also a part of it. Thus, this article has been prepared that explains multiple ways people can follow to minimize their risk and prevent Thyroid.
Cigarette Smoke
The relationship between cigarette smoke and thyroid health is complex. It has been suspected that tobacco use is a risk factor for developing multinodular goiter (an inoperable form of thyroid disease). Additionally, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing Graves’ disease and thyroid cancer. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for these associations are still unclear. In addition, smoking during pregnancy may also harm the functioning of the fetus’s Thyroid.
Many studies indicate a direct link between cigarette smoking and thyroid cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that smoking increases the risk of developing thyroid cancer. Among women, thyroid cancer is the eighth most common cancer. Smoking also increases the risk of lung and throat cancer and may contribute to developing other endocrine disorders. The association between cigarette smoke and thyroid cancer is more profound in smokers than non-smokers. However, it is not clear whether vaping has the same impact.
Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help prevent problems with the thyroid gland. For instance, curd, found in dairy products, is an excellent food for the thyroid gland. Dairy products are very nutritious and fulfill the body’s iodine requirements. Iodine helps the thyroid gland function optimally. Also, citrus fruits are high in pectins, which help detoxify the body of mercury.
Proper iodine nutrition is also important for the prevention of thyroid diseases. Unfortunately, even in countries with adequate levels of iodine, some pregnant women do not receive adequate amounts of this mineral. Another important factor in thyroid health is avoiding cigarette smoking. Studies have shown that smoking can reduce thyroid disorders like benign thyroid disease and Graves’ orbitopathy. But it may also increase the risk for transient hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer.
Calorie Intake
Besides reducing calorie intake, a proper diet helps regulate thyroid hormone production. For example, some healthcare professionals recommend avoiding fried food and sugar. Others suggest reducing the number of processed foods and eating more whole foods. And if you do have a thyroid disorder, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for diet and supplements. This will ensure that you get the most benefit from your prescribed medications.
Physical Examination
Regular physical exams are essential to the maintenance of a healthy thyroid. If your Thyroid is not working properly, you may be experiencing symptoms that can be very unpleasant. Thyroid problems are more common in women and increase with age. Furthermore, people of black or Mexican descent are more likely to develop this condition. So, people should schedule an appointment with a medical professional once every year to inspect the functioning of the Thyroid.
Physical examinations can also detect nodules in the thyroid gland, which are growths within the gland. Approximately half of the thyroid glands contain nodules. The number of thyroid nodules increases with age, and women are four times more likely to develop them than men. Most thyroid nodules are benign and can be monitored over time. However, if you notice any neck lump symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment with a medical professional.
Iodine Intake
Iodine is an essential trace mineral for thyroid gland health. Its main role is to produce thyroid hormones, which are important for the body’s metabolism. It is available naturally in some foods, as well as in some salts. While it is essential for all people, pregnant and lactating women need extra care to ensure they get the proper amount of iodine.
Although iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production, high iodine intake can lead to symptoms of iodine deficiency. They may also stimulate the release of TSH and lead to goiters and thyroid papillary cancer. In addition, high iodine intake can lead to acute iodine poisoning, although it typically requires doses of several grams.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining health & wellness is a crucial part of our lives, and everyone should take it very seriously. Thus, the above-mentioned preventive measures have been prepared above, which can help people to prevent thyroid problems.
