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Impact on mental health

Thyroid

Thyroid disorders are more common than ever now. We must know about various ways of dealing with them apart from having the prescribed medications. Lifestyle management and food choices play a very important role when it comes to thyroid disorders. Lifestyle management includes our daily habits and routine which we choose consciously to improve our overall well-being. Therapy falls in this domain. What is therapy? Therapy is an umbrella term that covers everything: from prayer to yoga to counselling to dance to breathing. They include all the practices or methods that focus on healing and establishing a connection between the conscious mind and our body to improve physiological processes. The main aim is: Achieving a peaceful state with a calm mind, Coping with stress, Relaxing the body and mind, Expressing emotions, Converting pessimistic thoughts into optimistic ones, and Controlling and managing physical activities like breathing. Is therapy effective? Mind-body therapies fall into various categories: Physical therapies, such as dance, or Mental therapies, such as biofeedback, or Mixed therapies, such as yoga or T’ai Chi. Other works included are imagery, hypnosis, transcendental meditation, psychotherapy, prayer/spiritual healing, music therapy, art therapy, breathing exercises, humour therapy, and other forms of relaxation. At times, the term “placebo” effect is used, and this overlooks the effectiveness of therapies. If mental distress or negative self-talk can cause illness, why don’t we believe that conscious, positive thought can cause healing? Researchers in the field of psychoneuroimmunology have concluded that the mind communicates with the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems of our body via chemicals called “neurotransmitters” and “hormones”. They can affect our health and physical functions in the body because of conscious thought processes. Studies reveal that mind-body techniques are useful in stress-reduction areas, resulting in a reduction in blood pressure, pain, headaches, asthma, and other illnesses with stress as an important factor. These techniques are also empowering since they involve your active participation. What are the various types? A few of many therapies have been discussed here. It is advisable to know what appeals to you and then participate in it. Psychotherapy/Counselling This provides an outlet for stress and anxiety and can help in calming down the overall emotional state. It allows more energy for healing, and more positive thoughts and actions, which in turn speed up the recovery process. Support Groups These groups also provide an outlet for stress and anxiety. Another advantage is the education and information that is provided which gives a feeling of greater control. Studies reveal that the quality and duration of life of people with fatal illnesses is far longer when they are part of a support group. Meditation This is most common in Asian countries and is an integral part of Buddhism, Hinduism, and many Asian religions. This has gained global popularity in the past thirty years. Regular meditation or guided relaxation and imagery have marked effects on the management of blood pressure, anxiety, and chronic pain, and are found to clinically reduce cortisol levels (a measure of the body’s stress levels). Meditation can help chronically ill patients by reducing symptoms and improving their quality of life. Researchers have also found through various imaging techniques that meditation stimulates certain parts of the brain that control the autonomic nervous system. Biofeedback This method uses monitoring instruments to take note of pulse, body temperature, and other indicators of stress which are normally ignored by the patient. The person wears the biofeedback monitor and learns to modulate their thoughts and other processes to control blood pressure, temperature, gut functioning, and brain wave activity. This is especially effective at treating stress, sleep disorders, headaches, and high blood pressure. Creative Therapies These include dance, music, art, and other creative and physical activities to address health concerns. These help treat stress and blood pressure disorders. Prayer and Mental Healing Methods These describe an altered state of consciousness due to a spiritual experience, or the “flow of energy” or healing via another person’s hands. These techniques are effective in the management of stress and energy-related problems. Guided Imagery This is an effective technique for healing. You can use your imagery, or follow a book, audiotape, podcast, or practitioner. In case you are feeling stressed, you might envision progressively relaxing each part of your body as you relax on a warm, sunny beach, or you might envision the healing process. Self-hypnosis This is another effective technique. A study found that the more often people practice relaxation methods, the stronger their immune response. Journaling The habit of writing about events and situations can have a positive impact on your health. Researchers report that patients with chronic diseases have improved their health after writing about major life stresses. The benefits of writing your concerns and stresses, whether by journaling or an online support group, are a natural stress-reduction activity. What scientists call “expressive writing” not only gives your mind a place to unload stressful concerns or worries, but it can also be a relaxation, or peaceful activity, that also helps to reduce stress by calming down your system and allowing you to concentrate better. Conclusion Therapy and prescribed medicines do wonders and facilitate the fast reversal of thyroid disorders. We must study various available options and choose what suits us the best.

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Impact on mental health

Thyroid dysfunction can have a significant impact on mental health, with many individuals experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings

Thyroid and Therapy

Thyroid and Therapy

Thyroid disorders are more common than ever now. We must know about various ways of dealing with them apart from having the prescribed medications. Lifestyle management and food choices play a very important role when it comes to thyroid disorders. Lifestyle management includes our daily habits and routine which we choose consciously to improve our overall well-being. Therapy falls in this domain. What is therapy? Therapy is an umbrella term that covers everything: from prayer to yoga to counselling to…

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06 Apr 2023

Mental Health and Thyroid

Mental Health and Thyroid

“I speak two languages, Body, and English.” —Mae West The mind and body are always connected and communicating with each other. It’s easy to forget that while they are always together, mind and body can operate at times as two competing entities, speaking very different languages. The conscious mind speaks in the language of words and thoughts. But the body speaks in the language of feelings, symptoms, hormones—and in some cases, health conditions. Body and mind are inseparable. Neither misses…

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7 minutes

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06 Apr 2023

Exercise

Exercise can be beneficial for thyroid health, as it can help regulate metabolism and reduce stress, which can be beneficial for individuals with an underactive thyroid

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are important for regulating the body’s metabolism, including the body’s heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. Causes of Hypothyroidism There are several causes of hypothyroidism, including: Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery, in which the thyroid gland is removed or damaged.…

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27 Apr 2023

Exercises for Thyroid Health

Exercises for Thyroid Health

Exercises are the most ignored part by most of us when it comes to our thyroid health. Symptoms like tiredness, swelling, and joint pain add to our never-ending list of excuses for not working out. But do you know staying physically active is very important when it comes to your thyroid health? What do the experts suggest? The type of physical activity that one should go for depends on the status of their thyroid health. If thyroid disorder is under…

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06 Apr 2023

Editor’s pick

5 Yoga Postures to Manage Hypothyroidism

5 Yoga Postures to Manage Hypothyroidism

What is “Yoga”? Yoga is a therapy that falls both into the “mind-body” category and is related to Ayurveda and is an important alternative therapy for people with hypothyroidism. When it comes to yoga, people assume it to be stretching or sitting in a cross-legged lotus position. But it is an ancient science that focuses on putting the whole body, mind, and intellect in harmony with the universe. Yoga is quite practical, with physical exercises (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and…

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06 Apr 2023

Thyroid Care

Thyroid care involves regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to optimize thyroid function

Tests for Thyroid Disorders

Tests for Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid tests generally involve blood tests, tests that make use of radioactive iodine, and imaging tests. Most tests are used to determine the functioning capacity of the thyroid gland. Imaging tests are required to investigate structural abnormalities, like nodules or goitre. When should you get your thyroid tested? It is recommended that all adults should undergo screening for thyroid disorders with a thyroid profile blood test every five years, starting from the age of thirty-five years. One should not ignore…

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13 Aug 2023

Featured

Dos and Don’ts for Healthy Thyroid

Dos and Don’ts for Healthy Thyroid

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism. When it is functioning properly, it produces hormones that help to control the rate at which the body burns calories and converts food into energy. However, when the thyroid gland is not functioning correctly, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including weight gain, fatigue, and even depression. In this article, we will discuss the dos…

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29 Jul 2023

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How to Stay Healthy with Thyroid Disorders

How to Stay Healthy with Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders are a group of conditions that affect the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism, which affects many aspects of our health, including weight, energy levels, and mood. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of health problems, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules. However, with proper management and care, people with thyroid disorders can lead…

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26 May 2023

Editor’s pick

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are important for regulating the body’s metabolism, including the body’s heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. Causes of Hypothyroidism There are several causes of hypothyroidism, including: Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery, in which the thyroid gland is removed or damaged.…

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27 Apr 2023

Family History and Thyroid Disorders

Family History and Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is an endocrine gland situated in our neck region. It is bilobed in shape and thus, also referred to as “Butterfly Gland”. It produces hormones like calcitonin, T3 and T4 which further regulate our metabolism. Overproduction and underproduction of these hormones result in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively. Thyroid and Family History Thyroid diseases represent a small number of about eighty autoimmune diseases that affect humans. Family History plays a very important role in autoimmune disorders. When we talk…

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11 Apr 2023

Featured

All you need to know about Thyroid: An Overview

All you need to know about Thyroid: An Overview

What is Thyroid? Normally, when we use the term “thyroid” … most of us assume it to be some metabolic disorder. But thyroid is a butterfly-shaped, bilobed gland located in our neck region. It is an endocrine gland in nature which produces thyroid hormones and calcitonin. These are responsible for metabolic regulation, growth, and overall development, of a human being. Disorders associated with Thyroid Gland Diseases of the thyroid gland majorly affect women and are reported in 5% population in…

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06 Apr 2023

Linked Conditions to Thyroid

Certain conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or iodine deficiency, can be linked to thyroid dysfunction and may require additional monitoring and treatment

Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy

Thyroid Disorders and Pregnancy

Thyroid hormones play a vital role in the baby's normal development during the first trimester and the nervous system throughout the pregnancy. By the end of the first trimester, the thyroid gland of the baby becomes active and starts producing hormones on its own but dependence on the mother is still observed. Therefore, it’s important to monitor the levels of thyroid hormones during pregnancy. Estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) may cause a significant rise in thyroid levels during pregnancy.…

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06 Apr 2023

Are Diabetes and Thyroid related?

Are Diabetes and Thyroid related?

Diabetes and thyroid disorders are both very common these days. Though this is still a topic of research, ongoing studies suggest a connection between the two. Diabetes and thyroid disorders are endocrine disorders i.e., the conditions where the required hormones are not produced appropriately by our endocrine system. There can be many causes and likewise, there’s also a long list of symptoms. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in our neck region. It produces hormones like calcitonin…

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06 Apr 2023

Nutrition

Proper nutrition is important for thyroid health, as the thyroid requires certain nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and zinc to function properly. A balanced diet rich in whole foods and lean protein is recommended, along with proper hydration

Role of Iodine in Thyroid Health

Role of Iodine in Thyroid Health

Iodine is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate many vital bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, and development. Iodine is a critical component of these hormones, and without it, the thyroid gland cannot produce them in sufficient amounts. In this article, we will discuss the role of iodine in the thyroid gland and why…

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06 Aug 2023

Editor’s pick

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Managing Hypothyroidism with Lifestyle Changes

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones are important for regulating the body’s metabolism, including the body’s heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. Causes of Hypothyroidism There are several causes of hypothyroidism, including: Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Thyroid surgery, in which the thyroid gland is removed or damaged.…

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27 Apr 2023

Hypothyroidism Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid?

Hypothyroidism Diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid?

Are you still confused and find yourself wondering whether you should or should not go for that favourite recipe of yours since your doctor said the word “hypothyroidism” the last time you visited? Don’t worry! We’ve got your back on this. In this article, we will discuss what you should eat and what you should avoid in case you suffer from “hypothyroidism”. Did I hear the word “thyroid”? Well, the thyroid gland is a bilobed endocrine gland which is also…

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11 Apr 2023

Recipes for Hyperthyroidism

Recipes for Hyperthyroidism

A high-calorie diet is a must for people with hyperthyroidism to maintain a healthy energy level. Increased metabolism demands more energy which can be supplied only by the consumption of calorie-rich foods. Bread (wholewheat, rye, and oat bran); vegetables rich in starch (potatoes, peas, beets, carrots, and corn); healthy spreads (hummus, peanut butter, honey, jam, and low-fat cream cheese); fruits (bananas, pears, pineapple, and apples); cereals (granola and muesli); hearty soups (chilli with beans, lentil, minestrone, black bean, and split…

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06 Apr 2023

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Vitamins, Minerals and Hypothyroidism

Vitamins, Minerals and Hypothyroidism

Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.” -Hippocrates Most of us practice vitamin, nutritional and herbal therapy on a regular basis in the form of fresh fruit juices, supplements, and multivitamin capsules to name a few. These also serve as the pillars of various complementary and alternative medicine systems. It is always advised to consult with your dietician before you make any major diet changes when suffering from thyroid disorders. Some common vitamins, minerals, and…

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3 minutes

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06 Apr 2023

Recipes for Hypothyroidism

Recipes for Hypothyroidism

Patients living with hypothyroidism mostly have low iodine levels and should opt for food products rich in iodine. Iodine-rich foods include seafood, iodized salt, and whole-wheat bread. Generally, “ground-grown” food products, like carrots, potatoes, and beans) contain higher levels of iodine. Since chlorine found in regular tap water may interfere with iodine levels in the body, it is recommended to switch to distilled water for drinking. The amino acid tyrosine helps with the health and function of the thyroid gland.…

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06 Apr 2023