Many people suffer from thyroid conditions all over the world. Though these conditions are treatable and manageable, they are not preventable because, although there are risk factors, the underlying cause of thyroid disease is unknown.
However, it is still important to stay as healthy as possible to keep thyroid conditions under control and symptoms minimal if you do contract the disease. Early detection is also important. Find out what you can do to keep your thyroid healthy.
If you are found to have a thyroid condition, your doctor will then recommend the best course of action in treating your symptoms.
Know Your Family History: Thyroid conditions are genetic. If someone in your family has suffered from thyroid disease it is important for you to know about it. That way you can keep yourself as healthy as possible and keep up with regular doctor appointments to ensure early detection. Monitor yourself regularly if you’re at high risk due to family history. Check your neck area for goiters, enlarged thyroid or nodules.
Get Tested: If you suspect you may have a thyroid condition, a physical exam may not be enough to detect it. Encourage your doctor to follow up with a blood test to determine your levels of TSH. If you are found to have a thyroid condition, your doctor will then recommend the best course of action in treating your symptoms.
Iodine Supplements May be Helpful for Pregnant Women: Normally, people get enough iodine from foods like salt and bread. For pregnant women, this may not be the case. Pregnant women may be advised by a doctor to take a multivitamin
Don’t Take Too Much Iodine: Many people believe that taking an iodine supplement can help promote thyroid health. However, the truth is that most people can get an adequate amount of iodine from the food they eat. Taking a supplement is unnecessary and can be dangerous.
Cruciferous Vegetables Are Okay: Another false piece of health information is that cruciferous vegetables (those in the cabbage family) can cause a goiter to develop. This can happen, but a number of vegetables you would have to eat before a goiter develops is unprecedented. Most can stick to a normal and healthy diet without having to worry about a thyroid condition.
Do not mix medications with supplements or other drugs as advised by a physician.
If You Are Taking Medication, Stay on Top of Things: If you are taking medication for a thyroid condition, it’s important to stay vigilant. Make sure you are following doctor’s orders with dosage amounts and that you are not taking more or less than advised. Do not mix medications with supplements or other drugs before you advise with a physician. Also, make sure to keep up with regular medical visits in case your dosage needs to be adjusted.
Whether you have a thyroid condition or not, thyroid health is important. Your diet, the supplements you take and keeping up with your medical appointments can all be key in keeping thyroid conditions minimal. Be aware of these tips and incorporate these habits to do all you can to keep your thyroid functioning at its full potential.
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