World Thyroid Day is an annual awareness day celebrated every 25th of may that focuses on increasing awareness on thyroid health and educating about the prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. The thyroid is one of the largest endocrine glands that is a butterfly in shape located in the neck which produces a hormone that influences critical functions and regulates metabolism. With this, thyroid health is equally important as the other parts of the body. Common thyroid problems include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. Among these problems is Graves’ disease.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland that causes the gland to overproduce the hormone responsible for regulating metabolism. When there’s a high level of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream it causes the body system to speed up. This disease is hereditary and can occur in both men and/ or women aged between twenty to thirty years old. Symptoms like anxiety, weight loss, bulging of eyes, irritability, fatigue, hand tremors, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating, difficulty in sleeping, frequent bowel movement, and altered menstrual cycle for females are common.
Some foods can help keep your thyroid healthy and reduce some of the negative effects of this condition. A low-iodine diet is commonly prescribed before some treatment, avoid consumption of fishes and seafood, processed or canned foods, and those with iodine fortified food items are recommended.
Sad to note that most of the thyroid cases remained undiagnosed and most of the symptoms are often misinterpreted. May this annual awareness day increase public awareness of thyroid disease and the importance of timely diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. If you experienced any of the symptoms go and visit the doctor for early detection and intervention.
NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar
Reference:
- Graves’ Disease
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/graves-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20356240
- Graves’ Disease
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/graves-disease#avoid
- Graves’ Disease