The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of our neck. The function of the thyroid gland is to produce
thyroid hormones, store them and release them into the blood when necessary, thus keeping our metabolism
under control. The hormones secreted from the thyroid gland are T3 and T4 hormones. Some thyroid diseases occur if the thyroid hormones secreted from the thyroid gland are too low or too high in the blood; Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid are diseases that have significant effects on a person's health and quality of life.
Hypothyroidism: Thyroid failure occurs when the thyroid gland works poorly and therefore produces less thyroid hormones, resulting in low thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in our blood. or in medical terms it is called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is found in 4.6% of the population. The majority of this is caused by incipient or mild thyroid gland insufficiency (only TSH is high but T3 and T4 are normal). Thyroid failure is more common than thyroid overactivity and is the most common thyroid disease after nodules. The incidence of this disease in women is 3 times higher than in men.
Hyperthyroidism: It occurs as a result of excessive thyroid hormone production and release into the blood due to overactivity of the thyroid gland. One of the most important reactions is weight loss due to increased metabolic rate. One of the most common complaints is weight problems due to inadequate functioning of the thyroid. However, contrary to popular belief, thyroid problems do not prevent weight loss with the right treatment and diet! However, what needs to be taken into consideration is that nutritional errors may increase your risk of encountering thyroid problems. Thyroid patients must pay attention to their nutrition throughout their lives, in addition to the medication they receive under the supervision of a doctor. The type and amount of food they consume can affect their hormone levels.
For this reason;
You should implement an adequate and balanced nutrition
program appropriate to your blood findings, lifestyle, and medications you use. This pattern includes carbohydrates, protein, It should be rich in fat, vitamins-minerals and fibre. Fish and flaxseed should be included in the diet of thyroid patients. Consumption of skinless chicken and lean red meat is also important to meet the body's protein, iron and other vitamin needs within the framework of a healthy diet. It should be included in the daily nutrition plan in proportions appropriate to the person's age, activity and needs. It is now known that unsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3, regulate thyroid functions. Therefore, try to consume more fish. Consume fish at least twice a week, and consume skinless chicken, turkey, and lean red meat on other days. Consume fresh and seasonal vegetables and fruits.
Due to the cholesterol problem that is often seen with hypothyroidism, a diet that is low in cholesterol and high in fiber content is preferred.
*Selenium The mineral also plays an important role in thyroid hormone. When selenium is insufficient
, T4 and TSH hormones in the blood increase and T3 hormone decreases. If iodine and selenium deficiency
occur together, the severity of the disease increases further. To prevent selenium levels from decreasing, fish, shrimp, beef liver, turkey and veal, lentils, mushrooms, sesame seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and whole grains are sources of selenium. Constipation supports the choice of a high-fiber diet, but high fiber may prevent the absorption of externally taken thyroid hormones. . Another problem frequently encountered in hypothyroidism patients is edema. For this reason, fluid consumption should be increased in these people, and a physician should be consulted regarding salt consumption and the type of salt to be used.
Read: 0
