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tremblingstockings · 4 years ago

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Mistake

(Like my writing ahahah… Anyway chapter one. Omo at the end. Also might be a bit hard to tell, but they’re both 18 and in their final year of high school) _______________

My name is Kaiyo Hashimoto, and I’ve made the worst mistake of my life.

Now, I made a few mistakes in my life. Particularly recently in my relationship with my beloved Hinako, but none nearly as bad as the ones made after the last argument we had. Our relationship was about as perfect as a high school relationship could be, which was something that was really hard to accomplish at my school. We were together for months, and the school year seemed to float by when thinking of her in my arms or holding my hand. We would daydream of growing up and living together. I still remember her pale skin, inviting dark eyes, and long silky black hair that fell like curtains framing her face. I remember how elegant she looked in our school uniform: a white blouse, black vest, dark red bow, dark red skirt, black knee high socks and black dress shoes.

She was the envy of the school, a graceful and quiet mystery.

She shared her secrets, thoughts and body with me. She was my first time, and as nervous as I was she embraced me into a trusting passion that wasn’t possible to forget. She was the light of my dreary world, but that all of that came crashing down in our last fight. I don’t remember what it was about, but I remember her declaring the end of the relationship: the end of the beautiful dream we shared, and slamming the door. She wouldn’t answer my calls or texts since then. My world grew dark and I became Kaiyo the Cold. I didn’t want a relationship. But it turned out I was more popular than I expected, because girl after girl, day after day, week after week, I would be asked out. At first it was just awkward and inconvenient. But I lost sleep, lost my appetite, lost my care about this last semester and graduation, and I lost desire to have any type of patience. The only thing I wanted was my beloved Hinako back, so the denials became mean. I grew blunt, and just didn’t care. No girl was stubborn enough to fight my rebuttals and I was pleased with that. Over time the proposals grew thinner and thinner.

And then there was her: Chizuru.

Chizuru Miura was, to say the least, not normal. She was a bit eccentric, with dark brown hair worn into ringlet twin tails and curly bangs, which already set her apart from most of our class. I also noticed she wore a bracelet with a little star charm, and not a day went by when she didn’t have it on. Even in P.E. she sported it. But the oddest thing about her is that she was my stalker. At first I didn’t notice much, she’d be nearby and then she wouldn’t be, a simple passing closeness. But as the days went she grew closer to me in a way that couldn’t be ignored so easily. And then of course, it happened: she asked me out. I smiled, knowing this moment would come and knowing she’d leave me alone, and answered simply, “No.”

She blinked a bit and nodded, then walked away.

A few days passed, she placed a bento in front of me at lunch. It was cute and appeared to have had a lot of love put into it. But it wouldn’t bring back Hinako, so I didn’t care. I picked it up and swiftly dumped its contents into the trash, surely breaking her heart, but when I looked to her, her expression didn’t change. It was the same as before. She blinked, nodded, and walked away.

She was starting to creep me out.

Soon as I worked in class it grew harder and harder to focus, because I could feel her deep brown eyes on me. Walking at night felt strange, because I swore I could still feel her eyes. Whether she was there or not I felt that stare on me, on my face, on my neck, on my head, on my shoulders: like two warm needles stinging and piercing into me.

I’d had enough.

Walking to class the next day with bread, happy to finally eat, she stopped me in the hallway. I looked at her again, trying to feel any sense of compassion for this new reason I’ve been lacking sleep.

She was a harmless girl – stubborn, and a little off - but harmless. I had no reason to hate her so much. But anyone would be uncomfortable being constantly stalked and stared at right? She smiled big, as if I hadn’t been constantly turning her down and glaring at her or ignoring her. She pulled out two movie tickets from her pocket.

“Lets go on a date to the movies? I bought these tickets and I know you’ve thought about this movie!”

She was right, I had been thinking about it, but I never told anyone about it. The only possible reason she could know is if she saw my expressions while going through my phone, and what I was looking at. No one is that observant, but leave it to Chizuru to put a clammy chill down my spine over something almost harmless.

Taking a bite of my bread I answered “No. Stop following me,” and I walked on. However, knowing her eyes would be on me and that she wouldn’t give up, the taste of the bread was like sand.

Class was difficult after that. I couldn’t focus, and she was staring at me, unnerved, while I was losing this battle of confidence. I overheard something drop from where she was sitting. It was her pencil, which I casually grabbed and put on her desk. Clumsy. She only stared at me, but her eyes changed for a moment. They seemed to glitter, like something you’d see in an old film. I couldn’t help but pause in place for a moment before quickly returning to my seat before the teacher could say something.

After class, she was quiet, and didn’t bother me like usual as I walked toward the exit near some lockers. However, two other girls from class approached me.

One smiled big and asked, “So who do you like?”

I furrowed my brow at this. “Huh?”

She put her index fingers together “I mean obviously you like someone! Just about every girl has tried to ask you out now and you always say no. So who is it?”

Chizuru was nearby.

The other girl with her chimed in, “Yeah who is it?”

I could feel her eyes on me.

I sighed, “It’s not like that. I just don’t like anyone.” “Eh? That’s kind of sad…”

“Maybe its Chizuru since he got her pencil!”

I could feel her getting closer… “Ohh, she can be weird though. I heard she doesn’t have any friends… Is it her that you li-“ Boom!

In that moment an arm was stretched out in front of me holding a pen that was jammed into the locker before me with enough force to dent it. The girls gave a high-pitched shriek and scurried off.

Sure enough, that arm belonged to Chizuru.

She had no emotion on her face, but then her face slowly formed a smile and her eyes widened a bit with excitement. “Look, Kaiyo! This is your pen!”

I nodded, frozen in place. “Just like you gave me back my pencil, I’m returning your pen to you!”

After that, she held it in the palms of her hands and reached it closer to me.

“Uh, I…” I didn’t know what to say. This whole interaction was weird. I wondered if she overheard what those girls were saying.

“You can keep it.” Her smile faded, surprised, then her smile grew again into one that was bigger and her eyes lit up. “Do you mean it?”

I couldn’t help but be confused. “I mean, yeah I guess. It’s just a pen.”

She clutched it close to her, smiling, the way a girl would smile if you gave her a rose or a teddy bear.

“Thank you… I’ll cherish it.”

I have no idea what I was feeling in that moment; but I didn’t like it.

In that moment the bell rung for the end of the day, and for whatever reason the words “Get home safe,” fell out of my mouth, exciting her even more. Her voice grew soft as she spoke, “I will! For you… Kaiyo…”

This prompted me to turn on my heel and hurry off.

The next weekend is where things fell apart.

I should’ve been studying. I should have just studied for once instead of spending my time trying to find some sort of happiness only to be disappointed every time…

It was a beautiful day though, no sense in wasting it. So I walked downtown where the movie theater was. I wasn’t planning on seeing the movie, and was instead considering where to eat and there was a restaurant across from the theater. But I should’ve known Chizuru would be there, waiting.

I don’t know why she was there waiting when I turned her down, instead of just stalking me so she could get her wish of seeing me like usual, but she gave the benefit of the doubt this particular day and ran up to greet me. She was out of uniform since it was a Saturday, and was instead wearing a pink shirt, light blue short overalls, and black thigh high socks and pink sneakers.

I wanted to keep walking. I was already mean a few times, it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary, but there were also a few people around and it was ingrained in me growing up not to be rude; especially in public.

I forced a smile. “Hello, Chizuru.”

“I’m glad you could come!” She said happily. I couldn’t help but notice something was off about her though, she was shifting on her feet and fidgeting more than usual. I decided to ignore it.

“I’m not watching a movie with you, I already said no.”

The light in her eyes faded and she tilted her head. Her voice changed to one that was strangely calming yet threatening. “You know… You’ve said no to me a lot lately.”

I nodded, I’m glad she noticed. “Yes. I don’t want to date you. I’m not interested.”

She tilted her head again, looking to the side. “Now how… can you say that, if you’ve never tried it?” “Because I don’t want to date anyone!” I snapped, and then quickly lowered my voice when I felt a few stares.

“Dating is pathetic and a waste of time. All it does is hurt you,” I added, and couldn’t help but feel tears prick my eyes and I quickly shook it off.

“I won’t hurt you.” She said with a serious tone and expression. “I don’t. Care.” I answered. I tried to walk on but she blocked me, now seeming angry even, “Just give me a chance!”

I don’t know how the desperation took over me, but it did, and the next thing I knew I yelled, “Fine!” and shoved my face and lips against hers. Her lips were soft, and warm, and I could feel the heat of her face. But I wasn’t going to do it. I wasn’t going to feel for her. I wasn’t going to lose to my pain. I wasn’t going to lose to Chizuru.

I glanced to her body below me, noting it was trembling. That’s when I noticed how she was squirming. It was familiar. And then I remembered that time in gym a girl was doing the same type of squirming before she ran to the… Oh don’t tell me she needs to pee…

A mean thought, a cruel thought, ran through my mind. I glanced around as her eyes were closed and saw that the majority of people had left and that we were basically alone. This was too perfect of a chance, and if it meant she’d leave me alone…

With that, I firmly pressed my fist against where her bladder would be.

I felt her sharply inhale and pull her lips off mine. “Aah!” She shrieked. Tears filled her eyes and her face grew pink. “I… I…!” She stuttered, breathing heavy, but it was too late. With a low hissing noise, I glanced down to see a dark patch was forming at the crotch of her overalls. She stumbled back from me as she continued, awkward and trembling. The patch spreading quickly until the urine spilled down her legs, soaking her thigh highs and pattering unto the ground beneath her. Strangely, I could only watch with an emotion I couldn’t quite describe. The kind part of me felt guilty, but the irritated and numb part of me liked what I was seeing. Any girl would be humiliated right now, and sure enough her hands covered her face as she grew wobbly and fell to her knees, softly crying. “Pathetic.” I murmured coldly.

I backed up and then turned to walk away, partly guilty but partly relieved.

Sorry Chizuru. This was cruel, but at least you know to leave me alone now.

That was when I heard her mutter something: “More.”

I stopped in my tracks. More? What do you mean more? More what?

I fearfully turned around to see that she was smiling, shakily standing back up.

“Did you hear me?” She said, walking toward me now, while I was frozen in place.

She reached her hands for my shoulders “I… Said… MORE!” She exclaimed, grabbing my shoulders now.

I was frozen; all I could do was take in the look in her eyes and the heat radiating off her face and off her lower half, the smell of the fresh urine lightly hitting my nose. She was breathing very heavy and I took in her expression; it was aggressive, it was excited, it was… Lustful?

I didn’t want to believe it but I remembered how Hinako looked when it was time to play. She was horny. But how? How would this turn her on? How could this possibly turn anyone on? But there was no sadness or shame on her face, only pure unadulterated, bona-fide, lust.

She was giggling, “Heh… Come… Come on now…” Her warm hands now trembled on my shoulders and she went in for another kiss, I could only stare confused into the distance as she put her soft lips back on mine. This… This I believe was my biggest mistake.

#omorashi #female omorashi #female wetting #omo fic

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elenatria · 5 years ago

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Hashimoto

So yesterday I visited my endocrinologist, my biannual appointment to have my thyroid checked; blood tests, ultrasound, palpation, the works.

Thankfully no changes since last year. Just the usual unevenness - the thyroid stops being smooth when your own organism sees it as a foreign body and starts attacking it. And a few seemingly harmless nodules.

She added that my tests were great ("Are you happier this year? It's not just the pill helping the thyroid, you know." I was tempted to say "Yes, I'm not making tiresome GoT short films with kids for months on end, I'm not missing out on my holidays to London because of fatigue, procrastination and crappy scheduling, and I'm drawing more. ☺")

So it's not like I hadn't asked her before, the first time I visited her 12 years ago, shocked at the fact that I had to take T4 pills every day for the rest of my life. Like any new patient in denial, any patient with an autoimmune disease, there was one question in my mind: why?

Why me? Why now? How many others? How bad is it? How bad can it get? What did I do?

The only answer she could give me with certainty was "MANY others".

But why?

It's been so long that I don't remember her answer anymore. But I knew all this time, I was so angry and discussed it with others and I knew: that big ecological disaster back in 1986 in a Soviet country that put "becquerel" and "milliroentgen" in our everyday vocabulary. That Easter day when my mom came back from the grocery store with a crapload of cans, a dozen bags full of them.

So yesterday, as I was walking out the door for the next patient to come in, I thought to hell with it, I'm gonna pull an obsessed-fangirl-question on my doctor.

"So many of us, is it because of Chernobyl? Sorry, just asking because there's this tv show and everyone's been talking ab'-"

She glanced at me opening the door and smiled.

"Of course it's because of Chernobyl. 100% because of it. 1000%."

It's not like I didn't know. I just needed the confirmation from my doctor.

But as Boris would say, "I've gotten off easily."

#chernobyl #hashimoto #thyroid

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trishalopez0-blog · 5 years ago

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Ultra Fast Keto Boost : Does It Really Work?

Ultra Fast Keto Boost If you have already been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder - hyperthyroidism, hyperthyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroid - properly follow your doctor's treatment and askyou about the most appropriate diet for you.

Diet for Diverticulitis - Foods and Tips

Diverticulitis is an inflammatory health condition characterized by the formation of small, protruding pockets and cysts on the inner wall of the intestine. These are the so-called diverticula, usually found in the large intestine and usually appear after age 40.

The presence of diverticula in the digestive tract, called diverticulosis, is considered harmless. However, there are cases in which they give rise to some type of health problem, thus characterizing diverticulitis.

Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, it is believed that a low fiber diet is responsible. This is because the absence of the nutrient is associated with constipation and the presence of hard stools. The result is that more effort must be made to eliminate them, resulting in the formation of such cysts.

https://turmericforskolinnutrition.com/ultra-fast-keto-boost/

#Ultra Fast Keto Boost #weight loss #Diet Plan #Fitness

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readingthearticle · 2 years ago

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Date: August 5, 2022 Author: Alex Mitchell This headline and preview are of course designed to generate clicks, emotion and curiosity — all headlines are, but this crosses the line into the disingenuous. I agree with beardedmrbean that there absolutely should have been quotes around "flamethrower," and the preview picture should have been unedited. The rest of the article has some fun quotes and refers to Daniel Hishimoto, who invented the device — and by "invented the device" I do mean "attached some silk to a leafblower" — as a "playful pyro patriarch," which I like. His wife, Mandy Richardville, seems to also have had some role in the "flamethrower's" creation, but the article doesn't elaborate beyond a quote from Hashimoto stating that she grabbed the duct tape and a rubber band to attach the silk. It looks like this was originally a viral video that the New York Post reached out to get some more information on. Also, it refers to the kids as "tots." Insert John Mulaney bit here. The New York Post is not a reliable source, but aside from the headline chicanery, this article seems fairly harmless. It's a fairly trivial topic, yes, but in our current media landscape, I think we need some of that...

Can we please put quotes around words like flame thrower in cases like this

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seoissuesfixes · 3 years ago

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Look, No Needles! Dentists Are Now Providing Painless Clinics

Some cytophathologists accept that there should be something like six groups of follicular cells of 10 to 20 cells each on two slides for a thyroid biopsy to qualify as harmless. An analysis of harm can be made when there are less cells, given that there are different indications of threat present in the example.

Cytopathologic Characteristics

Thyroid fine needle goal can be troublesome and testing as the measure of tissue on the slides Needle tenderizer for assessment might rely upon the technique for yearning. Nonetheless, the assessment of thyroid tissue ought to incorporate the accompanying:

The presence or nonattendance of follicles

Cell size

Staining attributes of the cells

Tissue extremity. This ought to be considered in cell block examples as it were.

Presence of atomic depressions as well as atomic clearing

Presence of nucleoli

Presence and sort of colloid

Repetitive populace of either follicular or Hurthle cells

Presence of lymphocytes

Harmless Lesions

Very nearly over two thirds of instances of thyroid masses are harmless injuries. Albeit the clinical signs in a patient might support harmless sores, FNA it doesn't actually imply that FNA ought to be rejected in the workup. These are the accompanying clinical attributes of harmless thyroid injuries:

An unexpected beginning of torment and delicacy might propose discharge into a harmless adenoma or pimple, or subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, individually. Notwithstanding, discharge into a malignant growth might give comparative signs.

Manifestations proposing hyperthyroidism or immune system thyroiditis (Hashimoto's sickness).

Family background of harmless nodular illness, Hashimoto's sickness, or immune system thyroiditis.

A smooth, delicate, and effectively mobile knob.

Multi-nodularity.

A midline knob over the hyoid bone that goes here and there with the bulge of the tongue is in all likelihood a thyroglossal pipe pimple.

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ayurvedakidneytreatment · 3 years ago

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Can Kidney Problems Cause Urticaria?

In this article, we try to cover urticaria's possible causes and risk factors and you will find your answer to whether kidney problems cause urticaria or not.

Possible Causes and Risk factors associated with Urticaria

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a simple form of rash in which the formation of raised, red, and itchy bumps may appear on your skin. The causes and severity of this problem vary from person to person. Urticaria may commonly occur due to allergy to food, medications, or other irritants. However, you may also have urticaria due to some non-allergic causes like stress, infection, autoimmune disease, and sometimes food poisoning. Some other causes of Urticaria are idiopathic, which means they are unknown.

Urticaria can affect people of any age group, gender, and race. It is assumed that around 15–23 percent of the adults will experience at least one round of urticaria in their life.

Allergic

Allergy is found to be responsible for the majority of cases of urticaria. It occurs when the immune system responds incorrectly to a non-harmless substance and may trigger excess production of an inflammatory chemical called histamine.

Histamine release may trigger allergic rhinitis and other respiratory or gastric symptoms. In some other cases, it can cause capillaries to swell excessively and release interstitial fluid into the surrounding tissue. In this condition, the localized swelling of the dermis will progress and form a rash and thus causes urticaria.

The two most common allergies associated with Urticaria are;

Food allergies, most commonly caused by nuts, milk, eggs, shellfish, wheat, and soy, etc.

Drug allergies may occur because of intake of antibiotics, antifungals, ibuprofen or sulfonamides, etc.

Rarely, hives may occur due to some common allergens like insect bites, pollen, pet dander, and latex, etc. Less commonly, scombroid food poisoning may also be the cause of hives. It may occur when a person intakes fish that has become rotten or spoiled. The excess histamine concentration in decaying flesh stimulates a food ‘pseudoallergy’ with symptoms like diarrhoea, dizziness, cramps, and severely spreading hives.

Most allergically-induced hives commonly get resolved on their own if the allergen is removed.

Physical

Physical Urticaria is a form of hives where the skin rash is provoked by specific environmental or physical factors, which mainly include heat, cold, pressure, vibration, friction, and sunlight, etc.

Physical urticaria cause is not known; it is found to be an autoimmune response where the body’s cells attack normal tissue.

It can cause stimulation of the same inflammatory response involved in allergic hives. When it comes to the appearance of the hives, it is quite different. In some cases, it is found that the rashes develop in areas of skin exposed to environmental stimuli. In other cases, a widespread eruption may occur, which can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure and causes symptoms like headaches, blur vision, fainting, etc.

It is assumed that physical urticaria is believed to be related to autoimmunity; the condition is mainly chronic thus can last for years.

The familiar types of physical urticaria are;

Aquagenic urticaria is a rare kind of hive causing contact with water.

Cold urticaria is an uncommon form that occurs due to exposure to cold.

Cholinergic urticaria, also called heat rash, commonly happens due to excessive sweating and elevated skin temperatures.

Dermographism urticaria is the result of friction or the firm stroking of the skin.

Pressure urticaria is caused when there is excessive pressure exerted on the skin.

Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light can cause Solar Urticaria.

Vibratory Urticaria may occur due to any form of vibration like mowing the lawn or clapping, etc.

Stress

Stress is commonly linked to the progression or worsening of chronic hives. The exact cause is unknown; however, it is believed that the release of stress hormones like cortisol may have another consequence where an underlying cause of hives is formed or activated.

As stress may not directly cause hives rather, it affects the immune response, which can further cause hives. For instance, cholinergic urticaria where stress-related perspective may instigate the development of heat rash.

Exercise

In the case of food-dependent exercise-induced urticaria, a person may notice symptoms when he takes a particular food and exercises shortly after. In this problem, neither exercise solely nor specific food indigestion alone can trigger the symptoms. In some cases, it can take the form of potentially life-threatening exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Infections and other medical conditions

Urticaria is common for certain infections and medical conditions or diseases.

In young children, it is found that 80 percent of hives are caused by a viral infection. Immune system activation may be triggered by simple things such as a cold. The hives caused by infection develop within a week and usually get resolved in one or a couple of weeks without treatment.

Other illnesses are also commonly associated with hives, most of them are autoimmune, and some others are related to an infection or malignancy. They also include;

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Dermatitis herpetiformis, an autoimmune skin disorder related to celiac disease

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune problem associated with low thyroid function

Helicobacter pylori, a common stomach bacterial infection.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Lupus

Lymphoma, a kind of blood cancer

Polycythemia vera, a gradually progressive cancer of the bone, marrow

Parasitic gastrointestinal infections

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Type 1 diabetes

Vasculitis, the inflammation of blood vessels that may occur due to autoimmune and non-autoimmune disease as well.

Commonly, urticaria occurring due to these conditions can be chronic or acute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the causes of hives?

Allergy is found to be the most common cause of hives. In case of allergic response, mast cells in the skin will break open and release a kind kidney of a pro-inflammatory compound called histamine. It results in capillaries close to the skin surface dilating and release fluid into surrounding tissues, which leads to the formation of raised, itchy hives.

Are there non-allergic causes of hives?

Yes, of course. In fact, chronic urticaria mostly occurs due to non-allergic causes. Non-allergic forms of hives include;

Autoimmune urticaria, a general cause responsible for unprovoked hives

Dematographic urticaria occurs due to skin scratching

Cholinergic urticaria, exercises, stress or sweating, can be responsible

Cold-induced urticaria occurs due to exposure to cold

Pressure urticaria, caused by the pressure put on the skin

Solar urticaria, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the reason behind

Vibratory urticaria occurs due to extreme vibration

Can an infection occur due to hives?

Yes, viral infections are the main cause of acute hives in young children. Hives begin when the immune system starts clearing infection, triggering mast cells to break open and secrete histamine. Even a common cold may cause this response to occur/trigger.

What are the causes of facial hives?

Facial hives may take place Contact urticaria where one has an allergic reaction to something that he has either touched or anything applied on his face. Facial hives may occur with angioedema, where one may have swelling of the lips, cheeks, and eyes. Angioedema also has allergic and non-allergic triggers, both as urticaria.

What makes hives get itchier at night?

Hives may often be worse at night. It may be because of a condition, nocturnal pruritus, which is estimated to be associated with the circadian rhythm and fluctuation in the level of cortisol, the main stress hormone.

Cortisol levels drop at night, which reduces inflammation but increases the sensation of itch. Body temperature drop and skin loss in urine may also be responsible for making hives itchier at night.

Source of Content: Can Kidney Problems Cause Urticaria?

#Can Kidney Problems Cause Urticaria

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finiarels · 7 years ago

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The Beat of Her Heart - PART 2

End of the year’s holiday special. The story consists of 5 parts + 1 epilogue.

Update every Wednesday and Sunday

Main Pairing: Shiraishi Mai X Wakatsuki Yumi

[read on JPH!P]

Wakatsuki Yumi. She hadn’t even met her until last year, yet she was already familiar with the name for four years. From the time Fukagawa Mai helped her to disclose a classified hospital record, that name has claimed a permanent place in her brain. It wasn’t that hard for the latter to get her hands on the records considering the Fukagawa ownership of the hospital. Back then, just like how Shiraishi was, Fukagawa also believed that maybe knowing the names will help her to move on as losing her best friend was also giving her a difficult time. Well, those names might really give Fukagawa a sense of closure, however, knowing the names didn’t work out that well for Shiraishi. Most of the times, Shiraishi Mai ponders upon how ironic a fate is. How she was betrothed to another girl from she was young, not knowing what the future holds for the girl. How she would be the reason for the girl’s death a decade after that. Some of her peers which also has been promised to another person since they were young are not even in love but somehow- they are still in a lasting relationship up until this point. Yet she- who had fallen head over heels with her fiancé lost her completely. Isn’t that unfair? Scratch that. There are some parts of Sakurai Reika left in this world. Among the many pieces the girl so generously donated, the most important one is left in Wakatsuki Yumi. Shiraishi looks up only to meet Wakatsuki’s face, her eyes are unreadable behind the snow google, her hand held out to Shiraishi as an offer to help. Shiraishi grasp the hand with both of hers, letting the smaller girl pull her up. As she stands up, she leaned as close as possible to the helper. That is her purpose, her goal for the day, to hear the heartbeat of her past lover. To her dismay, Wakatsuki took a step back even though her fingers holding Shiraishi’s arm gently to make sure she doesn’t fall down again. “Thanks,” Shiraishi said, purposely lifting her google so the other girl could recognise her. “S- Shiraishi-san? It’s me- Wakatsuki Yumi,” the girl lifts her snow google as well. “I never thought I will see you here.” Shiraishi raised her gloved hand to her mouth as if she’s not expecting to see the other girl as well, “What a surprise! It’s really nice to see you. Well, my friend is the owner of the Hashimoto ski-resort and she invites me to come over for a couple of nights. How about you?” “My family has a lodge just right below the resort so I am staying there. I’m basically alone though, my sister will come to join me the day after tomorrow, but the rest of my family is basically busy. You are welcome to visit.” “I would love to,” Shiraishi excitedly took the offer, grasping the girl’s hand with hers. “For you to come alone for a ski trip, you must really like the snow, don’t you?” “Ah- that might be because I used to be too ill to play this kind of sports. But ever since I have gotten much better I tried a lot of things that I couldn’t do before, including the snowboard.” Shiraishi smiled a little, seeing Wakatsuki happily talked about something have that effect on her. She’s glad that the donation lands on someone who deserves it. “How about ski? Do you know anything about this?” “Well, I did take a ski lesson so I could give you a view pointer. The way you’re standing now it’s already perfect, just make sure to keep your legs from spreading apart when you’re sliding down and watch your speed. I think the main reason you fell is that you were too fast.” “I admit I was really enjoying the speed rush before,” Shiraishi laughed, somehow that earned a dazed look from Wakatsuki. Shiraishi tilted her head a bit, “Wakatsuki-san?” “Yes, uh- sorry, I was just out of it. By the way, no need to be so polite, calling me with the family name makes me feel like you are talking to my father instead of me.” “Yumi-san then? Or would Yumi-chan works better?” “E-either way is good,” she replied, looking bashful out of the sudden. “Well, I will call you Yumi-chan, then. You also don’t need to use my family name to call me, just so we are even.” Wakatsuki smiled, “Okay, Mai-chan, shall we finish the remaining of this track now? I will help you up if you ever fall again.” Shiraishi was stunned, she didn’t realise that it’s been a long time since someone called her like that. Her friends call her ‘Maiyan’ and her parents always ditch any kind of honorific to call her. She hadn’t noticed it before but Sakurai Reika was the only one who calls her like that. Hearing those words coming out from another mouth that is not hers with a voice that is completely different is bittersweet. She thought of asking the girl to call her something else instead, but somehow, she likes the sounds of Wakatsuki saying that. “Let’s go,” Shiraishi said, snapping out of her train of thought and averted her focus to the ski track ahead of them. About a few meters from where they had started to slide down the slope side by side, Shiraishi felt a bit of pain, she might have splintered her foot a little when she slipped. However, that should be fine, since Wakatsuki is moving in a decent and harmless speed. “Is your foot okay?” She somehow guessed correctly. “It’s fine. We are not going at full speed anyway,” Shiraishi assured her. Wakatsuki nodded, “I sort of fell in a similar way last year. My foot was splintered badly, but that might be because of the ski lesson’s cheap ski boots.” Shiraishi laughed, imagining the non-flexible boots that most of the ski rental offers, “I can imagine.” The two girls move in silence for a moment. Calculating her next move, Shiraishi stole a quick glance at the girl beside her, contemplating whether she should try to achieve her main objective or not. Noticing a bit of a curve ahead of them, she realised that her second chance is coming. She closes her eyes and let her footing shambles, making sure that she lands in the most comfortable way as she does so, letting out a little yelp when she finally hit the ground. Wakatsuki stopped, holding out a hand to help her stand up just like how she did it before. However, this time instead of letting the girl pull her up, Shiraishi pulled down the girl that’s holding her. Furthermore, when the girl loses a little bit of her balance, Shiraishi’s foot plays their part to purposely tripped the girl down. Just like that, Wakatsuki Yumi fell right on top of her. Shiraishi lay still, trying to make out the beat of the girl’s heart, however, their thick jackets prevent that. Sighing, she realised that this petty trick won’t do. Shiraishi turns her head, her eyes meeting Wakatsuki that is looking at her with her eyes widened, totally wasn’t expecting the sudden turn of event. Shiraishi smiled sheepishly, “I’m sorry.” It took Wakatsuki a couple of seconds to pull herself together and rolled off Shiraishi’s body, expression unreadable, “don’t mind it.” This time, Shiraishi helped herself up instead of waiting for the girl, thinking that she had done enough to trouble her by falling. In response, Wakatsuki watches in silence as she readied herself back, only giving her a small nod before continuing the rest of their track. Shiraishi could feel the girl’s eyes checking up on her every now and then as if to make sure that she didn’t hurt herself even more by that second fall. They already did more than half of the track and Shiraishi realised if she still wants to have a chat with the girl furthermore she might need to say something soon. She remembered requesting a dinner to Hashimoto and took her chance, “Yumi-chan, would you like to join me for dinner tonight? My treat. Consider it my way to pay you back for your help.” Wakatsuki’s movement slowed down, “no need to trouble yourself.” “It’s totally fine, I insist.” Wakatsuki looks at her for a moment, before averting her gaze back to the track. There’s something that bugs her mind for a while and she thinks that this is the right time to find out the truth, “Mai-chan, when you slipped right in front of me. Was it truly an accident?” “What are you talking about? Y-you saw it happened,” Shiraishi tried to defend herself. “From the time where we talked in our first meeting, a lot of people have warned me about you. I decided to brush it off, thinking that there is no way that nice girl who is willing to listen to my boring story instead meeting the other more important people in the gala would do that to me,” Wakatsuki sighed. “Still, I feel the need to make myself clear. Maybe you don’t care about your reputation for sleeping around with different person each night, but I do care. So, if the actual reason for that dinner is so that you can add me to your long list of ‘girl I’ve slept with’. I’m sorry but I can’t and I won’t.” That wasn’t the first time she had been turned down by someone, she had gotten that response a lot especially since her name isn’t exactly untarnished when it comes to love affairs. Somehow, she had built a wall to protect her from hurting from rejection, reminding herself that there are plenty other fishes in the sea. However, this time, for the first time in years, Shiraishi Mai felt like her heart was crushed. “I was a fool to think that you would treat me differently because of the heart that’s beating in you. Well, it was still nice to hang out with you. Have a good day, Yumi-chan.” ~ To Be Continued ~

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paleorecipecookbook · 7 years ago

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The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Sleep

Sleep is something that often falls far from our minds in the chaos and busyness of daily life. We focus on family time, work time, diets, exercise, and our favorite Netflix shows. But sleep often slips to the bottom of the list as we try to squeeze everything we can from a day.

Still, sleep is one of the most essential factors for health, and there are consequences to shorting ourselves in the sleep department. So how can you set proper sleep boundaries and establish a healthy routine? We’ll explore the various aspects here.

What Causes Sleep Problems?

Sleep is healthy for us, and there isn’t a lot of argument on that fact. Parents ensure that children get naps and proper bedtimes, and teenagers, while sometimes preferring late nights, will tend to make up for their sleep deficit by staying in bed as late as possible.

When we become adults, most of us have a shift in viewpoint on sleep, and suddenly it’s no longer a necessity, but a luxury, and one that frequently gets bumped when the busyness of life intervenes. We stay up later to get things done, and we wake up earlier to get a jump on the day. We don’t have time for naps because no one pays us to sleep.

While this isn’t true for all adults, an overwhelming majority aren’t getting enough sleep. We can prioritize healthy eating and exercise, but sleep is an equally essential component in the triad of basic wellness. The other two can’t undo a lack in this essential department.

The CDC estimates that 50 to 70 million adults have a sleep disorder of some kind. (1) Nearly 40 percent of all adults don’t get enough sleep, with the basic adult requirements falling between seven to nine hours per night. (2) Adults under age 50 tend to fall into the most sleep-deprived category. (3)

While some adults have circumstances that impact their ability to sleep, such as having an infant or small child, others may be under significant stress from high-demand jobs and be unable to fall asleep. Chronic health disorders can also influence sleep, along with a poor sleep environment, and many other factors. Sleep problems can be caused, influenced by, or worsened from any of the following: (4,5,6,7,8)

Anxiety

Bipolar disorder

Blue light exposure (i.e. to smartphones, computers, or other devices)

Chronic conditions

Depression

Ear infections

Excess caffeine intake

Fibromyalgia

Graves’ disease

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Hypoglycemia

Insomnia

Obesity

Osteoarthritis

Pharmaceutical side effects

Poor sleep habits

PTSD

Restless leg syndrome

Rheumatoid arthritis

Stress

Sugar intake

Tension headaches

Thyroid disorders

While these aren’t the only factors that influence sleep, they can have a significant impact on a person’s health and wellness, including the ability to rest.

7 Things That Happen While You Sleep

People often think of sleep as something that we do when we are tired, mentally or physically, but in reality, our bodies are very metabolically active when we are asleep.

There are four stages to a complete sleep cycle, the first three being stages one, two, and three of non-rapid eye movement, culminating in REM sleep, or rapid eye movement. Dreams occur during REM sleep. The entire sleep cycle takes approximately two hours, with the cycle repeating three or four times during a single night’s sleep.

1. Processing

During REM sleep, the brain is highly active. This can be viewed as the brain’s chance to process and essentially clean up what’s going on in there. This can be why dreams are sometimes related to real-life stressors, fears, or people in our lives. (9)

2. Storage

The brain also imprints new memories and knowledge for long-term storage while you’re sleeping. (10) This is why it can be beneficial to get a good night of sleep before a big test, instead of spending the whole night cramming.

3. Rebuilding

The liver keeps busy during the day detoxing the body from the toxins and other harmful substances, but while you’re sleeping, it takes the time to repair and rebuild. (11) This is essential for a healthy liver, and strong organs overall. The heart rate slows, breathing deepens, and muscles and joints get a break. All of this is essential for repair and starting the next day off strong.

4. Blood Pressure Break

While you’re sleeping, your blood pressure also drops, giving your arteries a bit of a break. Blood pressure is highest during the mid-morning, and drops throughout the day, but for those with high blood pressure, this nighttime break is even more essential. (12)

5. Growth Hormone

Even after we reach adulthood, our muscles still need growth hormones to strengthen, our bones are always in various stages of remodeling and repairing, and our cells are always regenerating. These things happen while we sleep. This is one of the main reasons why sleep for growing children is so essential—without it, they will literally run short on enough growth hormone—but sleep isn’t actually less important for adults, even though a lack won’t literally stunt our growth. A lack of growth hormone in adults, however, can have other consequences. (13)

6. Hormone Balance

Beyond growth hormone, the body has many other hormones that count on you getting enough rest. Proper sleep helps to regulate leptin and ghrelin, the hormones that regulate appetite. When we run short on sleep, this can lead to food cravings, increased appetite, and weight gain. Well-rested individuals are more prone to having normal appetites. (14)

Reproductive and thyroid hormones also rely on a healthy sleep cycle to keep levels steady and balanced. When hormone levels don’t wildly fluctuate, overall health, mood, and weight will remain more balanced. (15)

7. Gut Health

While sleep itself doesn’t add or remove gut bacteria, it can influence ratios and balance in the microbiome. When sleep is reduced, bad bacteria can proliferate and the more beneficial bacteria may be harmed. (16)

While diet has a significant impact on what bacteria we specifically have, sleep can certainly strengthen or weaken the good guys in our gut. Since the gut has ties to numerous aspects of overall health, including chronic conditions and autoimmunity, sleep is an essential part of a wellness routine.

Should You Take Supplements or Sleep Aids?

Over-the-counter sleep aids are so popular because they are readily accessible, but even more significant is that more than nine million Americans regularly take prescription sleep aids. (17) Lack of sleep is a major cultural crisis. But as is frequently proven, just because something is available doesn’t make it safe. So should sleep aids really be as relied on as they are?

Even natural aids aimed at improving sleep are some of the top selling dietary supplements, most notably, melatonin. Again—just because they’re natural and readily available, should they really be taken so often?

The major problem with sleep aids of any kind is that they don’t really fix the underlying problem. In some cases, they manage symptoms or side effects associated with treatments or conditions where improving sleep may not be possible. In other cases, though, they mask the root problem and at the same time, create a dependence on them which further disrupts the ability to have a normal sleep routine.

If sleep issues are truly a problem, it’s better to consult a professional who will investigate the cause rather than dabble in experimenting with your own sleep concoctions.

8 Ways to Improve Your Sleep Tonight

It can be easy to assume that OTC or supplement sleep aids are harmless, but they can still come with side effects. Rather than self medicating with sleep aids, consider trying some of the following ways to naturally improve sleep mechanisms.

1. Quit Caffeine

Even if you don’t think you’re caffeine sensitive, when it is consumed within six hours of bedtime it can dramatically mess with the ability to fall or stay asleep. (18) If you are having sleep issues of any kind, it might be worth quitting all caffeine for 30 days or longer and seeing if your sleep quality improves. While caffeine is certainly not entirely bad, it is still a stimulant, and sleep-sensitive individuals should consider this as a primary option.

2. Set a Regular Bedtime

Even if you struggle to fall asleep, setting a routine can help to train the brain to ultimately settle into a sleepy state when you crawl into bed at your predictable time. (19) The same goes for waking at a consistent time, since sleeping in or taking naps can also interfere with the ability to fall or stay asleep.

3. Quit Alcohol

While many like to have a drink as part of their evening relaxation routine, it turns out that alcohol in the evening or before bed can actually mess up the brain’s ability to relax and fall asleep, as well as disrupting natural production of melatonin. (20) If healthy sleep is eluding you, take a break from alcohol for a few weeks or a month to determine if it might be a key factor in your sleep issues.

4. Bright Light During the Day

Your body contains an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. (21) Bright light exposure during the first part of the day can help to naturally regulate this and promote a desire to go to sleep at a normal time. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle to feel tired enough when it should be bedtime. It’s also helpful to avoid bright or blue lights in the evening hours because for sensitive individuals, this can lead to a confused body clock.

5. Keep It Cool

Sleep can be disrupted if the environment isn’t optimal, and an overly warm room can interfere with the ability to fall into a deep, restorative sleep. (22) While the ideal temperature might differ based on personal preferences and time of year, opting for a slight chill in the air, which requires blankets, will lead toward more comfortable sleep than a room which is too warm to want blankets.

6. Eat Sleep-Friendly Foods for Dinner

Certain foods can increase the desire to sleep, and these foods are best consumed for dinner when sleep quality is on your mind. Foods rich in tryptophan—the famed ingredient that causes Thanksgiving “turkey comas”—can actually lead to satisfying sleep. Tryptophan is naturally found in foods like eggs, turkey, chicken, salmon, nuts, and seeds.

7. Skip the Sugar Bowl

While you’re focusing on foods that help to promote sleep, you’ll also want to avoid foods that disrupt sleep, and sugar is a major culprit. Not only can it make you hyper and cause the mind to race, but it can also mess with blood sugar and insulin levels. Insulin resistance and higher levels of insulin can contribute to certain sleep disruptions, so avoiding sugar before bed, and strictly limiting it for the rest of the day, can be essential for a normalized sleep pattern. (23)

8. Magnesium

While over-the-counter or supplement sleep aids may be problematic, there’s another nutrient that can have a profound impact on sleep quality and won’t cause you to become dependent: magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that the body needs for numerous processes, including calming the nervous system and relaxing muscles. (24) Magnesium doesn’t have side effects when taken appropriately, although if you’re taking other medications, you should always ensure that there are no interactions and you should always get supplements approved by your practitioner.

For adults, the recommended limit of supplemental magnesium is 350 milligrams. (25) If you’re boosting magnesium to support healthier sleep, it can be taken before bed with water. Be sure to get supplement recommendations from your practitioner, as supplement quality varies dramatically by brand. There are various forms of magnesium, but magnesium citrate is superior for absorption. (26)

Bottom Line

Sleep problems are common, whether they’re a seasonal part of life or a constant part of chronic health issues or other problems. Since our health depends on the ability to get restorative sleep, it’s essential to be able to find solutions that allow our bodies to rest. While this can sometimes be accomplished with simple lifestyle and dietary changes, other times it might require professional help. Ultimately, sleep is a priceless commodity, and it needs to be equally as valued as diet and exercise.

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lindafrancois · 5 years ago

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Thyroid Disorder: Act Now Before Your Metabolism Takes The Hit

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shunmukha Priya, Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition

Just like PCOD, diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases, thyroid disorder is also on the rise. Thyroid disorder is linked to weight gain, it causes fatigue and many other problems.

Sadly, many of us do not recognise the problem until it starts affecting the body. Before going in detail about thyroid disorder and its many consequences, what is a thyroid gland and why is it important?

Table Of Content

Location and Functioning

Types of Cells

Thyroid disorders and causes

Hypothyroidism

Causes

Symptoms

Diagnosis and Treatment

Hyperthyroidism

Causes

Symptoms

Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid Nodules

Diagnosis and Treatment

Thyroid Cancer

Types of Thyroid Cancer

Diet for Thyroid in Check

Nutrients to be Avoided

Success stories

Conclusion

A portion of the endocrine structure, the thyroid gland is responsible for releasing and producing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones help in the regulation of the body’s metabolic functioning.

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland also aid in the effective functioning of the heart, the digestive system, brain development and muscle control.

Location and Functioning of the Thyroid Gland

Glandula Thyreoidea, or simply put the thyroid, is situated in the neck, under the larynx. It is shaped like a butterfly. The 2 side lobes lie around and against the trachea and are connected in front by a narrow strip.

The Thyroid gland is controlled by the pituitary gland, the master gland located in the brain. The pituitary gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in our bloodstream. TSH, in turn, prompts the thyroid organ to deliver thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3) which stimulates the metabolism of pretty much every tissue in the body.

Types of Cells in the Thyroid Gland

1. Follicular cells:

These cells are responsible for the secretion of thyroxine. The hormone plays a vital role in controlling the basal metabolism of the body. It controls how quickly calories are burned. Burning of calories has a direct impact on issues related to body weight.

This, in turn, helps in regulating the heartbeat. It also influences the functioning of the digestive tract. TSH also indirectly controls the way muscles contract, and how quickly dying cells are replenished.

2. C cells:

These help in making calcitonin, a hormone that participates and is required in calcium metabolism.

Thyroid disorder and their causes

The effective functioning of the thyroid gland is imperative for the overall metabolism to be regulated.

But at times, internal or external disorders can lead to a thyroid disorder.

Internal disorders

Iodine deficiency – Iodine is a key building block of both the hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. Our bodies cannot produce this trace element. Iodine deficiency can lead to a reduced secretion of thyroid hormones.

Autoimmune diseases – autoimmune diseases are those under which your immune system works against you and attacks your own body. This can lead to thyroid disorders.

Inflammation – painless inflammation caused by certain viruses or bacteria nodules or non- cancerous tumours of the thyroid gland can also become a cause of thyroid disorder.

Pregnancy – Occasionally, pregnancy can cause thyroid problems too. If not treated on time this can cause problems for baby and mother, including premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

External Factors

In some cases, certain medical treatments or medicines can have adverse effects on the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Radiation therapy

Thyroid surgery

Some genetic disorders

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland secretes insufficient amounts of the thyroid hormones required to maintain your normal body metabolism.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Thyroiditis – An inflammation of the thyroid gland, thyroiditis is also known as Hashimoto’s Disease. It is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own body’s tissues.

In defence the pituitary gland, in turn, releases TSH. The increased demand for hormone production causes the thyroid gland to enlarge- a condition termed as goitre.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism depend on the severity of the deficient hormones.

Some of the symptoms to look out for on a continual basis include:

Fatigue

Weight gain

Decreased appetite

Irregular menstrual periods

Increased sensitivity to cold

Constipation

Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness

Puffiness around the eyes

Brittle nails

Hair loss

Impaired memory

Slowed heart rate

Enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)

Diagnosis and Treatment for Hypothyroidism

The doctors usually prescribe blood tests to measure TSH levels and thyroid hormone levels.

For Screening, a simple finger-stick blood test is used to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. It is the key indicator of how well the thyroid gland is functioning. No fasting is required. TSH hormone levels are reported in mIU/L, which is milli-international units per litre of blood.

The normal range for TSH is .50-4.59 mIU/L;

< 0.59 mIU/L indicates a possibly overactive thyroid or Hyperthyroidism

> 5 mIU/L indicates a potentially underactive thyroid or Hypothyroidism

In most of the cases, the condition is treated with oral intake of thyroid hormone pills. But it is important to keep the dosage in mind. An increased dosage can lead to Hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid is a condition that is characterized by an excess secretion of the hormone thyroxine. It tends to accelerate the patient’s metabolism that can cause an unintentional loss in weight or irregular heartbeat.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Graves’ disease – one of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease. It mostly affects women between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

Graves’ ophthalmopathy – is also a form of the Grave’s disorder and the most evident symptom is characterized by bulging eyes or a wide-eyed stare.

Thyroiditis – intake of too many thyroid hormones while being treated for hypothyroidism can also lead to symptoms of an overactive thyroid.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Some of the initial symptoms may appear to be overlapping but generally the hyperthyroid symptom checklist would include the following:

Appetite change (decrease or increase)

Fatigue

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

A frequent bowel movement, perhaps diarrhoea

Heat intolerance

Heart palpitations

Increase in perspiration

Mental disturbances

Light menstrual periods or even missed periods

Muscle weakness

Problems with fertility

Nervousness

Sudden paralysis

Vision changes

Tremor/shakiness

Possible increase in blood sugar

Weight loss and weight gain

Thinning of hair

Dizziness

Itching and hives

Diagnosis and treatment for hyperthyroidism

Blood tests to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine levels can confirm the diagnosis. High or low amounts of TSH indicate an overactive thyroid.

Anti-thyroid medicines work by reducing the secretion of the thyroid hormone.

Beta-blockers are also a form of medication that aids in controlling the rapid heartbeat. Apart from these, the doctors can advise radioactive ablation.

In some cases, it may be required to destroy a part of the thyroid gland. Surgery may be needed in extreme cases to remove the thyroid gland.

Thyroid Nodules

Lumps in the thyroid are called hot nodules. These are growths that form on or in the thyroid gland. The nodules can be solid or fluid-filled.

Mostly they are harmless but at times can also be cancerous. Women are at a higher risk as compared to men and the risk increases with age.

If they grow large enough, they can cause swelling in your neck and lead to difficulties in breathing and swallowing. It can also cause a lot of pain and may also form into a goiter.

Thyroid nodules diagnosis and treatment:

A standard physical examination can help detect a nodule. In addition to this, an ultrasound, a CT scan or an MRI are also conducted for confirmation.

A fine-needle aspiration biopsy can also be conducted to check if the nodule is cancerous or not. Harmless thyroid nodules are not life-threatening and generally do not require treatment.

Usually, nothing is done to eliminate the nodule if it does not change with time. A doctor may suggest a biopsy and prescribe radioactive iodine to shrink the nodules if it increases in size.

Thyroid Cancer

At times thyroid disorders can also become cancerous.

Cancerous Thyroid Tumors

Healthy cells in the thyroid at times begin to change and grow out of control thus forming a tumour. A cancerous tumour is malignant in nature. It can grow and spread to different parts of the body.

A non-malignant tumour, on the other hand, can grow but will not spread.

Types of Thyroid Cancer:

1. Papillary thyroid cancer – This type of cancer tends to develop in the follicular cells. It is one of the most widely recognized sorts of thyroid malignant growth. Under a magnifying instrument, the carcinogenic tumour looks like an ordinary thyroid tissue. Papillary thyroid cancer has the potential to spread to the lymph nodes.

2. Follicular thyroid cancer- Just like papillary thyroid cancer, Follicular thyroid cancer also germinates in the follicular cells.

Diet for Keeping Your Thyroid in Check

Thyroid disorders occur when the body does not secrete the required levels of thyroid hormones. Doctors treat hypothyroidism with medicine that replaces the thyroid hormones.

Intake of certain essential nutrients along with medication can help manage thyroid disorders.

Required nutrients that can help maintain proper thyroid functions are iodine, selenium, and zinc.

Iodine is essential for producing thyroid hormones. However, the body cannot make iodine, so iodine has to come from the diet. Cheese, milk, iodized table salt; saltwater fish and seaweed are some of the best iodine sources.

Selenium is one of the essential micronutrients that are rich in antioxidant properties. It plays a vital role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. This means it can protect the thyroid gland from damage caused by free radicals. Selenium-rich foods in your diet are a great way to boost your selenium levels. Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes are all rich in selenium. However, one should avoid the intake of selenium supplements unless advised by the doctor. Intake of selenium in large doses can be toxic.

It has been observed that zinc supplements in combination with selenium have significantly increased levels of thyroxine. Oysters, fortified cereals, legumes and pumpkin seeds have good amounts of zinc. On its own too, the intake of zinc also helps tackle thyroid disorders.

Nutrients to be Avoided

Processed foods in addition to soy products and intake of gluten should be limited.

Derived from the term goitre, Goitrogens are compounds that tend to interfere in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Most of our everyday foods like tofu, cabbage, spinach, cauliflower contain goitrogens that are considered harmful. In addition to these, fruits like strawberries and starchy foods such as sweet potatoes also contain these compounds that hinder the functioning of the thyroid gland. The intake of these should be in moderation.

People diagnosed with hypothyroidism should also minimize their intake of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat. Gluten tends to irritate the small intestine and also works against the absorption of hormone replacement medicines.

Whole grain varieties of wheat, rice or bread are high in their fibre content. The whole grain varieties can aid in bowel irregularity which is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Supplements and certain food items can also interfere with absorption of thyroid replacement medicine. Limited intake of these foods will further aid in checking the disorders.

Success stories of individuals who fought thyroid with dietary modifications

Timely supervision by physicians, combined with a personal dietician and a meal fortified with superfoods is one of the most effective ways of addressing thyroid disorders.

A 36-year-old Chartered accountant, Rashmi Murthy had been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

Rashmi’s physical movements were restricted owing to excruciating knee pains. Under the assistance of a personal dietitian, regular meal plans and with the intake of superfoods, Rashmi successfully lost 22kgs in 8 months.

Sapna Shettigar, a 49-year-old former fitness trainer and aerobics instructor, was diagnosed with a borderline thyroid imbalance.

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Determined to fight thyroid, she adopted an approach of ‘fat loss with healthy eating’. With timely diet plans and a dietitian’s guidance, Sapna lost 17.5 kgs in a short period of 6 months.

A homemaker in Bangalore, Vishnu Priya had been struggling with weight gain due to thyroid disorder.

Homoeopathy helped her regulate TSH levels but the excess weight was adding on to her frustration. Rigorous weight loss practices coupled with dieting and yoga helped her address her condition.

In addition to this, intake of superfoods coupled with right eating plans helped her shed her added kgs. A thorough combination of 70% home-cooked food and 30% of superfoods rescued her.

Within a period of three months, she succeeded in losing all her excess fat. A toned and a healthy body also acted as a boost to her self-esteem.

65-year-old Sharda Bajaj from Pune is yet another inspirational story. With age, she realized that her weight gain was becoming a problem for her health. Post-menopause, at the age of 56 years, she was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and a knee problem.

Being a wedding planner for more than 2 decades, she was more accustomed to erratic and unhealthy eating habits.

Sharada began her journey to tackle her disorder with dietary modifications and a detox regime. With persistent efforts, she successfully managed to lose 14 kgs in a time period of 10 months.

Conclusion

Studies have revealed that a number of Indians suffer from thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism. Though various reasons contribute towards thyroid disorder, certain preventive methods can keep thyroid disorder caused due to poor lifestyle at bay.

The first thing is eating nutritiously. Food plays a vital role in repairing the body and when you eat foods rich in protein, zinc, selenium, iron etc, you boost your body’s metabolism.

Likewise, if any of your immediate family members like father, mother or grandparents have a thyroid disorder, then it is best to get tested for the diseases periodically since it can pass genetically.

Most importantly, MOVE! A sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits are the main cause of thyroid disorders amongst the younger generation. An active lifestyle will help you prevent the development of this disorder.

Remember, when you opt for a healthier lifestyle, you do a lot of good to your body and improve the quality of your life. Eat healthily, stay fit! You’ll gain energy, confidence and happiness!

The post Thyroid Disorder: Act Now Before Your Metabolism Takes The Hit appeared first on Truweight Blog.

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Thyroid Disorders

Overview

Your thyroid is one of your body’s most important glands. When your thyroid doesn’t work properly, it can cause you to feel nervous or tired; make your muscles weak; cause weight gain or loss; impair your memory; and affect your menstrual flow. A thyroid disorder can also cause miscarriage and infertility. About 20 million Americans—more of them women than men—are affected by a thyroid disease or disorder, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA). In fact, an estimated one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder at some time in her life. Thyroid Disease in Women Women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid dysfunction than men, but most don’t know they have it. Women often overlook their symptoms or mistake them for symptoms of other conditions. For example, women are at particularly high risk for developing thyroid disorders following childbirth. Symptoms such as fatigue and depression are common during this period, but these are also symptoms of thyroid disease. The ATA estimates that more than half of thyroid conditions remain undiagnosed.

How the Thyroid Works

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland you can feel at the base of your neck, just below your larynx (voice box). Two lobes (the “wings” of the butterfly) fit on either side of your windpipe. The thyroid gland manufactures and stores thyroid hormone (TH), often referred to as the body’s metabolic hormone. Among other actions, TH stimulates enzymes that combine oxygen and glucose, a process that increases your basal metabolic rate(BMR) and body heat production. The hormone also helps maintain blood pressure, regulates tissue growth and development and is critical for skeletal and nervous system development. It plays an important role in the development of the reproductive system.

Types of Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid gland can malfunction in one of three ways: It can release too little TH, resulting in a condition known as hypothyroidism(underactive thyroid). It can release too much TH, resulting in a condition known as hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid). Its tissue can overgrow, resulting in a nodule, a small lump in part of the gland. Most nodules are harmless growths, but some are cancerous. In fact, according to the ATA, less than one in 10 thyroid nodules are cancerous. However, despite this relatively low incidence, thyroid cancer is currently the fastest growing cancer in women. Hypothyroidism When too little TH is released, the body’s metabolic rate decreases, and the body slows down. Hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are often mistaken for or attributed to other conditions. Symptoms include:

fatigue depression low body temperature weight gain dry or itchy skin thin, dry hair or hair loss puffy face, hands and feet decreased taste and smell slow heart rate constipation poor memory trouble with concentration hoarseness or husky voice irregular or heavy menstruation muscle aches infertility high cholesterol goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

Hypothyroidism can occur spontaneously, develop during or after pregnancy or after treatment for hyperthyroidism. You can be born with it or it can be caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Named for the Japanese health care professional who first described it in detail,Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. That means the immune systemattacks the body’s healthy tissues instead of fighting off invading bacteria or viruses. In this case, the immune system produces antibodies to attack the thyroid gland as if it were a foreign substance that needed to be destroyed. The resulting damage leads to reduced production of TH. Hyperthyroidism When too much TH is released, the body’s metabolic rate increases, and yourmetabolism speeds up. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

nervousness/irritability weight loss fast or irregular heart rate heat intolerance or increased perspiration changes in appetite sleep disturbances (such as insomnia) muscle weakness trembling hands more frequent bowel movements shorter and scantier menstrual flow exophthalmos (bulging eyes) goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by nodules composed of thyroid cells that produce THwithout regard to the body’s need. It can also develop during or after pregnancy and may be caused by Graves’ disease. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may also result from overtreatment of hypothyroidism with synthetic TH or from thyroiditis, an inflammationof the thyroid gland, which leads to an overproduction of TH. Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition, is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for 85 percent of hyperthyroidism cases. Graves’ disease differs from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in that the antibodies turn the thyroid on, causing the thyroid gland to enlarge and overproduce TH. Other antibodies may also attack eye muscle tissue and the skin on the front of the lower leg. Graves’ disease was named for Robert Graves, an Irish health care professional who first discussed this form of hyperthyroidism. It is a completely treatable disease and is rarely fatal. Thyroid nodules Thyroid nodules are the most common thyroid disorder, occurring in up to 50 percent of people over the age of 50. Many of these nodules are small (less than 1 centimeter) but some can reach more than 5 centimeters with few, if any, symptoms. Indeed, many nodules are only discovered when people have imaging studies of their necks, such as a chest CT scan or a carotid ultrasound. An estimated one in 10 Americans will develop a significant thyroid nodule at some point in their lives. Ranging from as small as a millimeter to as large as several inches, thyroid nodules themselves don’t represent illness. Nodules do, however, indicate an underlying problem with the thyroid and should be evaluated if they are discovered. The majority of nodules are benign discrete clumps of thyroid cells, which don’t function like normal thyroid tissue. Other nodules turn out to be simple cysts. However, there is a slight chance that a thyroid nodule is cancerous—less than 10 percent of nodules are cancerous—so it is important to have a health care professional assess all growths. While most nodules have no symptoms, are never detected and are harmless, some can be large enough to press against the windpipe and cause difficulty swallowing or a cough. A nodule can also become overactive, suppressing the rest of the gland and causing hyperthyroidism.

Diagnosis

Thyroid hormone (TH), which is stored and produced by the thyroid gland, actually consists of two hormones: thyroxine, known as T4, and tri-iodothyronine, known as T3. The production of T4 and T3 is controlled by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The pituitary gland produces TSH, controlling the production of TH by the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland acts like a sensor on a thermostat; if it senses too little TH in your blood, it releases TSH to tell your thyroid to produce more. Likewise, if your pituitary senses too much TH in the blood, it decreases production of TSH. The best way to determine if your body is making too much or too little TH is by measuring blood levels of TSH. If the TSH level is abnormal, your health care professional may also want to test your blood for T3 and T4 levels. These blood tests provide an accurate picture of how the thyroid is functioning. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed if TH levels are low to normal and TSH levels are high. To rule out Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as the cause, your health care professional may check your blood for antithyroid antibodies. Hyperthyroidism is suspected if TH levels are high and TSH levels are low. To determine if Graves’ disease is the cause, your health care professional can check your blood for thyroid stimulating antibodies or give you a radioactive iodine uptake test. Iodine is essential for the production of TH, so the thyroid absorbs it from the blood. During a radioactive iodine uptake test, you swallow a small amount of I-123 radioactive iodine. This form of radioactive iodine does not damage the thyroid. The thyroid absorbs and metabolizes this radioactive iodine within 24 hours. Special equipment is then used to measure the amount of radioactivity in the thyroid gland, and you usually have to return within six and 24 hours to have the radioactivity measured (although some labs only measure after 24 hours). If you have Graves’ disease, the amount of radioactivity in the thyroid is high. If you have other forms of hyperthyroidism, such as an inflammation of the thyroid known as a thyroiditis, the radioactivity taken up by the thyroid will be low. Thyroid Nodules There are four ways to diagnose a thyroid nodule: You or your health care professional feels a growth while manually examining your throat, even though you have no symptoms. You have trouble swallowing and, upon evaluation, your health care professional identifies a nodule. You have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. You have an imaging study of your neck performed for an unrelated reason (i.e., CT scan, MRI, carotid ultrasound) that discovers the nodule. All nodules should be evaluated by a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or an internal medicine specialist, to determine if the nodule is caused by a thyroid cancer. In addition to ordering blood tests described earlier, your doctor will examine the structure of the thyroid gland using one or more of the following tests: Ultrasound. An ultrasound test uses soundwaves to create a picture of the structure of the thyroid gland and accurately identify and characterize nodules within the thyroid. The American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend ultrasound imaging as the first step in the evaluation of a nodule. If the nodule is filled with fluid, it suggests a thyroid cyst. A solid nodule doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it may mean that further testing is required. This test can also find other nodules that can’t be felt with a manual examination. It is often used to guide biopsies of nodules. A thyroid ultrasound is also the best test to determine the size of the nodules and to follow any growth over time. Biopsy. In this test, called a fine needle aspirate, a very thin needle is inserted into the gland and several samples of tissue are sucked out (aspirated). The samples are then analyzed under a microscope. This is the best test to determine if a thyroid cancer is present. A biopsy is usually performed if the nodule is larger than 1.5 cm and occasionally with smaller nodules depending on your risk factors and how concerned you and your doctor are. This procedure is done in the doctor’s office, and patients usually return home or to work after the biopsy without any ill effects. Thyroid scan. As with a radioactive iodine uptake test described earlier, in a thyroid scan you either swallow a radioactive iodine pill or get injected intravenously with a radioactive chemical known as technetium. A special camera is then used to view the size, shape and function of the gland based on the amount of radioactive material absorbed. This helps determine whether the nodule is “hot” (usually benign but overactive) or “cold” (inactive and either benign or malignant).

Treatment

The treatment you receive depends on the type of thyroid disorder you have, what’s causing it and your overall medical condition. In general, there are three categories of treatment: prescription medication, radioactive iodine and surgery (thyroidectomy). Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is the simplest of the three types of thyroid disorders to treat. It requires a daily dose of prescription synthetic T4, called levothyroxine sodium (L-thyroxine, L-T4). You and your health care professional will work together to find the right dose for you based on your symptoms and blood tests. You’ll need to take T4 for the rest of your life, although the dose may change. You will also need periodic blood tests to evaluate the dose. Many years ago, the only treatment available for hypothyroidism was desiccated thyroid, the dried and powdered thyroid glands of animals. It contains both T4 and T3. While desiccated thyroid is still available today, few health care professionals advocate this “natural” therapy. Desiccated thyroid produces variable blood levels of thyroid hormones, not the steady and predictable levels needed for optimal health. If your T4 dose is too low—if you remain somewhat hypothyroid—you may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism (depression, low body temperature, dry or itchy skin, poor memory, muscle aches, slowed reflexes, among other symptoms). If your dose is too high—if you become somewhat hyperthyroid—you may notice symptoms of hyperthyroidism (nervousness, weight loss, fast or irregular heart rate, changes in appetite, insomnia, muscle weakness or fatigue, decreased menstrual flow, among other symptoms). Over time, TH excess can increase your risk of an abnormal heart rhythm or osteoporosis. In the United States, levothyroxine is available as four branded products (Levoxyl, Levothroid, Synthroid and Unithroid) and several generic versions. All of the branded and generic preparations contain the same hormone—levothyroxine—and are effective in treating hypothyrodism. However, because the preparations may differ in the amount of levothyroxine they contain, many experts have expressed concerns about potential adverse effects caused by switching between manufacturers as will happen with the generic T4 preparations. For example, the 100 mcg dose of one preparation may contain the same amount of T4 as the 112 mcg dose of another preparation, so switching between preparations may actually represent a dose change. Generally, you should stick with one T4 product for treating hypothyroidism, generally a branded T4. However, because of insurance issues, you may not have a choice between branded or generic. If possible, stick to one generic manufacturer to keep the level fairly consistent in your body. If you must change generics or brands, talk to your health care professional—he or she may have to repeat your blood tests and change the dose to maintain the desired effect or prevent toxicity. If you do switch brands or change to a generic T4, you should have your TSH level checked six weeks later. In general, because multiple manufacturers produce generic versions, those on generic T4 should have their TSH levels monitored more frequently. Hyperthyroidism If you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, including Graves’ disease, your health care professional will consider several factors to determine the best treatment for you. These include your age, your general health and the cause and severity of the hyperthyroidism. Available treatments include I-131 radioactive iodine (the form of radioactive iodine that damages thyroid tissue), antithyroid drugs and surgery. A dose of radioactive iodine works to damage the thyroid gland, ending the hyperthyroidism. After the iodine is administered, the gland shrinks and blood levels of TH drop. In most, the hyperthyroidism is completely resolved within three to six months. The main side effect is the development of hypothyroidism. Occasionally, you may develop a sore throat one or two weeks after the treatment. Some people with hyperthyroidism receive antithyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole (Tapazole). These drugs are designed to interfere both with the thyroid gland’s uptake of iodine and with one or more of the steps required for the thyroid to make TH. Because iodine is essential for TH production, reducing the amount of iodine the thyroid gets reduces the amount of TH it produces. Some people with Graves’ disease may go into a long-term remission of more than a year after one or two years of treatment, after which the drugs are stopped. Surgery to remove part of the overactive thyroid gland is occasionally recommended to treat hyperthyroidism. Like radioactive iodine, people who undergo surgery usually become hypothyroid. Complications include damage to the parathyroid glands that control the body’s calcium levels and damage to the nerves that control your vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. Since any of the three treatments for hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism, it’s important that you learn to recognize the symptoms of too little thyroid hormone: depression, low body temperature, dry or itchy skin, poor memory, muscle aches and slowed reflexes. Let your health care professional know if you experience any symptoms. Nodules If a nodule is benign—as most are—it will probably simply need to be monitored, not treated. If a biopsy is unclear or identifies a malignancy, then you will need a thyroidectomy, or removal of all or part of the thyroid. A thyroidectomy is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours. If the biopsy showed a malignancy, the surgeon usually removes the entire thyroid and some surrounding lymph nodes. If the biopsy was unclear, the surgeon may remove just one lobe of the thyroid and, while you’re still under the anesthetic, wait for it to be tested for cancerous cells. If these cells are present, the surgeon removes the other lobe. If the cancer has spread outside the thyroid, the surgeon may also remove the lymph nodes in your neck. If you have thyroid cancer you may require treatment with a large dose of the I-131 form of radioactive iodine about six weeks after surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous tissue. The use of radioactive iodine in thyroid cancer has changed in recent years and is beign used less frequently. This is because many patients with small cancers, who are at low risk for cancer recurrence, do not appear to benefit from radioactive iodine since they are most likely cured with surgery alone. You should discuss this with a thyroid cancer specialist. You also begin lifelong TH replacement therapy. In most cases, the surgery and radioactive iodine cure the cancer. As with other surgery, the minor risks include infection, bleeding and scar tissue on the neck. Major side effects from surgery are rare and involve complications to neck structures close to the thyroid, including damage to the parathyroid glands that control your body’s calcium levels and damage to the nerves that control your vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. These complications, however, occur in less than 1 percent of patients operated on by experienced surgeons. If the parathyroid glands are damaged during surgery, you’ll need calcium supplements and possibly other drugs.

Prevention

There is no way to prevent thyroid disorders, but by managing the disorder you can prevent complications. For instance, left untreated, Graves’ disease can weaken your heart muscles, leading to heart failure, and can lead to osteoporosis or severe emotional disorders. Depression, a symptom of hypothyroidism, can also have devastating effects if you don’t treat the underlying condition. Thus, even if your treatment is working, keep the following in mind: Be aware of any changes in how you feel. Don’t disregard symptoms because you think they could be due to something else. Choose ahealth care professional who is knowledgeable about autoimmune disorders in general and thyroid diseases in particular. Make sure this person listens to what you say and takes your symptoms seriously. Explain how you feel to your health care professional. You may even want to keep a journal, making brief notes about your symptoms and what you think may be causing them. Include those symptoms that are the most bothersome, when they seem to be the hardest to tolerate (for example, are certain symptoms worse during a particular phase of your menstrual cycle?), and what, if anything, causes them to get better or worse. You could use the journal to jot down questions you may want to ask during your medical visit. Let your health care professional know about any pattern of autoimmune diseases in your family’s medical history, since many are genetic in nature. You can create a family tree with the help of the “My Family Health Portrait” resource offered by the U.S. Surgeon General. Make sure your health care professional examines you thoroughly and orders any lab tests to help diagnosis your condition. Seek out second, third or even fourth opinions if you are not satisfied with how your evaluation and treatment are progressing. Although there is no known method to “cure” some thyroid disorders (such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), there is effective treatment, and the healthier you are in general, the better your body will be able to cope with treatment. A healthy diet, exercise, meditation and other mind-body therapies have given many patients relief and comfort but cannot take the place of standard medical treatment. If you begin thyroid hormone replacement therapy: Find a way to remember to take your pills every day. Some people report that associating their pill taking with something else they do every day—such as brushing their teeth—helps them remember. Alert other health care professionals about the medication you’re taking to avoid interactions with other drugs. Notify your health care professional if you become pregnant. Be vigilant about yearly checkups to reassess your dose.

Facts to Know

Of the estimated 20 million Americans who have thyroid disorders, about 60 percent have not yet received a diagnosis, according to the American Thyroid Association. Thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, are autoimmune diseases—that is, conditions in the immune system that attack healthy tissue instead of fighting against invading bacteria and viruses. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men. Research shows that there is a strong genetic link between thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases including certain types of diabetes, anemia and arthritis. According to the American Thyroid Association, women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid dysfunction than men. If thyroid problems go undiagnosed, they can increase risk for serious conditions such cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and infertility. Physical and emotional stress may trigger autoimmune disorders such as Graves’ disease. Stress adversely affects the immune system and takes its toll on those genetically susceptible to these types of disorders. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is about seven times more common in women than men. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in 5 percent to 10 percent of women following childbirth. Most thyroid cancers are completely curable, and all are treatable to some extent. The exception is a rare type of thyroid cancer called anaplastic carcinoma. An aggressive tumor that rapidly invades the neck, anaplastic carcinoma is likely to spread to other parts of the body and is extremely hard to treat. About 2 percent to 5 percent of thyroid cancers are in this category. Radioactive iodine, used as a diagnostic test (I-123) or as treatment (I-131) for thyroid disorders, is safe and has no side effects for most people.

Key Q&A

What is thyroiditis?Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can result in a nodule, or it can cause hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or both (one followed by the other). What role does the thyroid play in the body?The thyroid gland makes, stores and releases thyroid hormone (TH), which is known as the body’s metabolic hormone. TH tells the body how fast to use energy. If there is too much TH in your blood, you become hyperthyroid, and you use energy too fast. If there is too little TH in your blood, you become hypothyroid, and you use energy too slowly. What causes hypothyroidism?The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism also can occur spontaneously; can develop during or after pregnancy; can be present at birth; or can develop after hyperthyroid treatment. What is the cause of hyperthyroidism?The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as Graves’ disease. It can also be the result of nodules (lumps in the gland) that cause an overproduction of TH. Hyperthyroidism also can develop during or after pregnancy. Is Graves’ disease curable?Graves’ disease is not curable, but it is rarely fatal and is a completely treatable disease. Remission may be permanent, but the thyroid should be checked periodically to be sure. Severe stress can aggravate a recurrence. What causes postpartum thyroiditis?The cause of postpartum thyroiditis is not known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease similar to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. As with Hashimoto’s, postpartum thyroiditis is associated with the development of anti-thyroid antibodies. What if I need treatment for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism while I’m pregnant?Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing thyroid dysfunction as compared to the general population. Any woman with a prior history of a thyroid problem, a family history of thyroid disease or symptoms of thyroid dysfunction should be tested for thyroid dysfunction as soon as she knows she is pregnant. TH (T4) is absolutely safe to take during pregnancy and is essential for the health of the fetus if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. If you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, antithyroid drugs may be used. If a woman is allergic to these drugs, surgery may also be considered at certain times during the pregnancy (the second trimester). Radioactive iodine is not an option during pregnancy because it will pass into the fetus and damage its thyroid gland. Is there a relationship between thyroid disorders and osteoporosis?Untreated hyperthyroidism or overtreated hypothyroidism can increase your risk for osteoporosis. However, thyroid hormone treatment for hypothyroidism that keeps the thyroid levels in the normal range does not increase the risk of osteoporosis. Bones generally renew themselves in a process called bone turnover or resorption. Because hyperthyroidism increases the body’s metabolism, bone turnover also is increased. This increase causes old bone tissue to dissolve before new tissue is fully formed, which does not give the body enough time to produce enough minerals for the new bones. The result: thin or weakened bones—osteoporosis. Do some people have both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?The use of thyroid hormone or antithyroid drug treatment can, over time, produce the opposite effect, especially if the dose of medication given is too high. This means that if you are taking antithyroid medication for hyperthyroidism, you could become hypothyroid; if you are taking thyroid hormone medication for hypothyroidism, you could become hyperthyroid. Pay close attention to how you feel and be aware of the symptoms for each type of thyroid disorder. Do chest and dental x-rays place me at a higher risk for thyroid cancer?X-rays used today to take images of the head and chest are not harmful. While the thyroid does get exposed to tiny doses of radiation during dental X-rays, there is no evidence to date that these low doses cause thyroid cancer. However, it is prudent (and mostly standard practice) to use a thyroid shield when getting dental X-rays. In contrast to X-rays performed today, radiation procedures from the 1920s to the 1960s for inflamed tonsils, adenoids, lymph nodes or an enlarged thymus gland could put you at risk. There is a clearly established relationship between thyroid cancer and these early radiation treatments of the head and neck. If you believe you were exposed to this type of treatment as a child or an adult, you should have your thyroid checked annually. Do mammograms place me at a higher risk for thyroid cancer?There is no evidence that the tiny amounts of radiation from mammograms even reach the thyroid and, thus, there is no evidence that mammograms increase your risk for thyroid cancer. It is not necessary to use a thyroid shield during a mammogram. Can taking your morning basal body temperature accurately predict a thyroid disorder?No. Some people have normally high or low waking body temperatures. The only way to accurately diagnose a thyroid disorder is with a highly sensitive TSH blood test.

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#Thyroid Disorders

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shreepadkhedekar-blog · 7 years ago

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ARE DOCTORS TREATING YOUR PSORIASIS CHEATING YOU?

Patient beware! Did you know that doctors claiming to cure Psoriasis will most probably cheat you?If you knew the 7 basic facts about Psoriasis you would know WHY!Definitely you’ve read several ‘scholarly articles’ on Psoriasis and know something but… You’ve probably also noticed that most chains of ‘Specialist Skin Clinics’ or ‘Homeopathy Clinics’ and ‘Con-Doctors’ start their businesses with Psoriasis and Hair fall treatments as their Unique selling Point? Don’t fall prey to photoshopped pictures in magazines and news papers everyday.Here are 7 facts about Psoriasis as a disease and why you get fleeced:

1. The cause of Psoriasis is still unknownThe exact cause of psoriasis isn’t fully understood, but scientists believe psoriasis is the result of several factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and the immune system. Hence your psoriasis doctor will always give you ‘a reason’ that will make you think that he really knows your problem. He will tell you something that you have never heard before and you will end up signing up with him.

2. Your mood affects the psoriatic aggravations and periods of bettermentSo, while you think the medicines prescribed or creams applied are working, its actually your mood that is affecting your psoriatic aggravations or ameliorations.

3. Psoriasis has no correlation with your diet.Most doctors will give you a strict diet and take your money for the same. One must understand that Psoriasis is an auto-immune problem and has nothing to do with what you eat.

4. Local applications or creams don’t cure Psoriasis.Coal tar applications, Shampoos or Steroidal creams can never cure an auto-immune disease! This just has never happened in the history of mankind. Auto-immunity is by the virtue of erratic genetic mechanisms hence theres no way that a local application can alter that! But steroids or cytostatics will give you instantaneous and magical temporary relief. the moment they are stopped, disease will come back with a double bang. Don’t ever fall for it

5. Its difficult for you to differentiate between excessive Dandruff and Psoriasis.Most ignorant doctors will start treating your harmless dandruff on the scalp as psoriasis and will also claim to have cured it!

6. Long duration of Psoriasis.Con-Doctors will always lead you in to believing that it takes years to cure psoriasis and hence will buy time from you and keep giving you useless medicines and fleece you during this period. Best text books of dermatology mention a 7 year treatment process.

7. Psoriasis has cosmetic value.Unfortunately most people will choose skin treatments over something more important like blood-pressure or heart ailments. Patients spend 20 times more money on problems of the skin (cosmetology) over serious internal issues. Con-doctors know this and will exploit your weakness of having low self esteem.So what do you do?Here’s what researchers will advice you:

1. Ask your doctor to define a period. Doctors trying to give you short and quick-fix solutions are conning you.

2. Ask homeopaths on what they are actually giving you. Have you ever bothered to ask for a prescription at a homeopathic clinic? Have they ever told you? WHY NOT? Are you so ignorant to take anything internally in to your body blindly?

3. Ask your doctor to give you contact details of patients that he claims to have cured. Call them up or meet them. See how the treatment has helped them.

4. Disappearance of a psoriatic lesion here and there doesn’t mean it is cured.

5. No remission of Psoriasis for more than 7 years means it is cured. Verify that!

6. Even if psoriatic lesions have disappeared, always check for what came after it. Diseases do not disappear, they transform to higher or lower forms, thats a law of Bio-energetics and Physics.

7. Always check what came after psoriasis got better. Was it A) Diabetes, Hashimoto;s thyroid issues, joint problems or B) sinusitis, gastritis or dermatitis? Most cases of wrongly treated psoriasis develop white patches or vitiligo: a sure sign of suppression!!The Mechanism:To control and cure psoriasis mathematically, first the perverted or erratic genetic defence mechanism will have to be corrected by giving the right informations to your body through infinitesimal signalling process used in homeopathy. This will ensure that your body will start defending your self with a lower burden. For e.g: ‘Psoriasis with Cracks‘ will have to be transformed to ‘Psoriasis with Inflammation‘ (destruction and loss of skin integrity to increased sensitivity and irritation). And then the auto-immune process that attacks immature skin cells (due to shortened cell cycle) will be transformed to ‘stasis’ or ‘inflammation’.Now the question is, will your doctor know this or be honest enough to reveal this to you? Any conscientious doctor would. But what if….Don’t worry, there is advanced software technology to your rescue. You will get an honestheads-up on your situation in less than 10 minutes once you follow 3 simple steps. And all this for FREE!

Open eHeilung.com

1. Click on link

www.eHeilung.com

2. Do a quick sign-up or do a Facebook login3. Open Disease Compass, enter your original or source problem, enter your current or existing disease and get a mathematical result with scientific explanations on why this conclusion.For a more detailed road-map for you or your doctor on what to do next, ask your doctor to analyse your case using the ‘2nd Opinion‘ tool by clicking this link:

Free 2nd Opinion

Thanks for reading this article: here are 10 ways to increase your confidence during the Psoriasis treatment:

If your self-confidence is lacking, you can tackle psoriasis on multiple levels to help give it a boost. Start with these steps.

1. Connect to others with your condition. “You have to realize you are never alone — there are millions of us out there with this disease, so that’s a lot of people who completely understand what you are going through,” says psoriasis blogger Sudhakar Deshpande who was diagnosed with psoriasis 13 years ago. Jury admits that when he was first diagnosed, he didn’t talk much about his psoriasis or how he felt. “Once I let it out and released the frustration, life suddenly became much easier,” he says. Now he blogs and is active in online forums for people who have psoriasis. He advocated homeopathy treatment at Imperial clinics.

2. Educate yourself about psoriasis. Sharmila Patel says she was covered in psoriasis plaques before she finally persuaded her doctors to consider a psoriasis diagnosis. “I dug in and did some of my own research,” she recalls. She connected with other women whose blogs about psoriasis helped her understand her condition. The 29-year-old Mumbai resident says she is mostly clear today with the help of homeopathy at Imperial clinics, but she believes that educating herself about psoriasis is what led to her diagnosis and the ability to successfully manage her condition and feel comfortable in her own skin today.

3. Educate others, too. Patel recalls some tough times when people were put off by her flaking or bleeding skin. One time before her psoriasis was controlled, she even left a job because her supervisor commented harshly on her appearance. Now she calmly reassures others that the condition is “not contagious.” Talking to others about your psoriasis can go a long way in helping them understand your condition, while also helping you keep your confidence when you’re around those people.

4. Focus on what you love. Khedekar recommends finding something you love to do and channeling your energy into it when you’re feeling down. For example, he enjoys cooking and puts a lot of effort into making great meals for himself and his wife. The kitchen is “a psoriasis-free zone,” he says. “If you have a passion or hobby, this is your escape,” Khedekar advises.

5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. A good moisturizer is one of your best weapons against low self-esteem. Jury says he searched exhaustively to find the light, non-greasy, moisturizers he feels confident wearing in public. He also advises planning ahead. For example, before a big event, he might step up his shaving and moisturizing routine days in advance to get good results.

6. Feel fabulous in the clothes you wear. Jury says he is drawn to light clothing that layers well so he can dress up and down as the occasion requires. “Layers help you regulate your body temperature more,” he points out. “I do tend to go for cotton most of the time, as it’s softer on my skin, and I find dark grays are good at hiding grease stains from your treatment.” White and colored patterns also can provide some camouflage, he says. And just wearing clothes you love and feel good in can boost your confidence significantly, he says.

For women, try long flowing skirts and silks or soft blends that don’t aggravate the skin, says Dr. Shreepad A. Khedekar MD, clinical consultant of dermatology at Imperial Clinics Mumbai.

“If it’s summertime and my arms are really terrible, I might wear a very light long-sleeved top and shorts,” says Patel.

7. Nip stress in the bud. “It’s very important to make lifestyle modifications to try and help relieve mental stress,” Dr. Khedekar says. She adds that psoriasis and stress form a vicious cycle: You might be stressed over your psoriasis, which leads to worsening psoriasis, which leads to more stress. But you can break the cycle. Try meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises. In fact, eight weeks of mindfulness training and practice has been shown to improve quality of life for people with psoriasis, according to research published in April 2014 in Psychology, Health & Medicine.

8. Live a healthy life overall. Lee advises being physically active, eating a heart-healthy diet, cutting back on alcohol, and quitting smoking if you do. Not only could all these choices help your psoriasis and your related risk of metabolic disease, they can help improve your overall mood and outlook. Ineson agrees about eating a healthier diet, which was one of the changes she made after her diagnosis. “What you put in your body is what you get out. I got healthier skin. Try it!” she says.

9. Check your stress levels.

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Dr. Shreepad A. Khedekar, BHMS, MD (homeopathy), a specialist for over 17 years, he has used homeopathy in his Switzerland, Belgrade and Mumbai practice for the last 17 years. He lectures on homeopathy at Switzerland, Croatia and at the Serbian Doctors Association (SLD) Teaching Centre in Belgrade and has a busy private practice in Dadar and at Shushrusha Citizens co-operative hospital, Mumbai and is the only Homeopath in their 60 year history.

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gotoocollectorheart-blog · 7 years ago

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What is Thyroid Disorders?

Overview

Your thyroid is one of your body's most important glands. When your thyroid doesn't work properly, it can cause you to feel nervous or tired; make your muscles weak; cause weight gain or loss; impair your memory; and affect your menstrual flow. A thyroid disorder can also cause miscarriage and infertility. About 20 million Americans—more of them women than men—are affected by a thyroid disease or disorder, according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA). In fact, an estimated one in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder at some time in her life. Thyroid Disease in Women Women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid dysfunction than men, but most don't know they have it. Women often overlook their symptoms or mistake them for symptoms of other conditions. For example, women are at particularly high risk for developing thyroid disorders following childbirth. Symptoms such as fatigue and depression are common during this period, but these are also symptoms of thyroid disease. The ATA estimates that more than half of thyroid conditions remain undiagnosed. How the Thyroid Works The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland you can feel at the base of your neck, just below your larynx (voice box). Two lobes (the "wings" of the butterfly) fit on either side of your windpipe. The thyroid gland manufactures and stores thyroid hormone (TH), often referred to as the body's metabolic hormone. Among other actions, TH stimulates enzymes that combine oxygen and glucose, a process that increases your basal metabolic rate(BMR) and body heat production. The hormone also helps maintain blood pressure, regulates tissue growth and development and is critical for skeletal and nervous system development. It plays an important role in the development of the reproductive system. Types of Thyroid Disorders The thyroid gland can malfunction in one of three ways: It can release too little TH, resulting in a condition known as hypothyroidism(underactive thyroid). It can release too much TH, resulting in a condition known as hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid). Its tissue can overgrow, resulting in a nodule, a small lump in part of the gland. Most nodules are harmless growths, but some are cancerous. In fact, according to the ATA, less than one in 10 thyroid nodules are cancerous. However, despite this relatively low incidence, thyroid cancer is currently the fastest growing cancer in women. Hypothyroidism When too little TH is released, the body's metabolic rate decreases, and the body slows down. Hypothyroidism often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are often mistaken for or attributed to other conditions. Symptoms include: fatigue depression low body temperature weight gain dry or itchy skin thin, dry hair or hair loss puffy face, hands and feet decreased taste and smell slow heart rate constipation poor memory trouble with concentration hoarseness or husky voice irregular or heavy menstruation muscle aches infertility high cholesterol goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) Hypothyroidism can occur spontaneously, develop during or after pregnancy or after treatment for hyperthyroidism. You can be born with it or it can be caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Named for the Japanese health care professional who first described it in detail,Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. That means the immune systemattacks the body's healthy tissues instead of fighting off invading bacteria or viruses. In this case, the immune system produces antibodies to attack the thyroid gland as if it were a foreign substance that needed to be destroyed. The resulting damage leads to reduced production of TH.

Hyperthyroidism

When too much TH is released, the body's metabolic rate increases, and yourmetabolism speeds up. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: nervousness/irritability weight loss fast or irregular heart rate heat intolerance or increased perspiration changes in appetite sleep disturbances (such as insomnia) muscle weakness trembling hands more frequent bowel movements shorter and scantier menstrual flow exophthalmos (bulging eyes) goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) Hyperthyroidism can be caused by nodules composed of thyroid cells that produce THwithout regard to the body's need. It can also develop during or after pregnancy and may be caused by Graves' disease. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may also result from overtreatment of hypothyroidism with synthetic TH or from thyroiditis, an inflammationof the thyroid gland, which leads to an overproduction of TH. Graves' disease, another autoimmune condition, is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism, accounting for 85 percent of hyperthyroidism cases. Graves' disease differs from Hashimoto's thyroiditis in that the antibodies turn the thyroid on, causing the thyroid gland to enlarge and overproduce TH. Other antibodies may also attack eye muscle tissue and the skin on the front of the lower leg. Graves' disease was named for Robert Graves, an Irish health care professional who first discussed this form of hyperthyroidism. It is a completely treatable disease and is rarely fatal. Thyroid nodules Thyroid nodules are the most common thyroid disorder, occurring in up to 50 percent of people over the age of 50. Many of these nodules are small (less than 1 centimeter) but some can reach more than 5 centimeters with few, if any, symptoms. Indeed, many nodules are only discovered when people have imaging studies of their necks, such as a chest CT scan or a carotid ultrasound. An estimated one in 10 Americans will develop a significant thyroid nodule at some point in their lives. Ranging from as small as a millimeter to as large as several inches, thyroid nodules themselves don't represent illness. Nodules do, however, indicate an underlying problem with the thyroid and should be evaluated if they are discovered. The majority of nodules are benign discrete clumps of thyroid cells, which don't function like normal thyroid tissue. Other nodules turn out to be simple cysts. However, there is a slight chance that a thyroid nodule is cancerous—less than 10 percent of nodules are cancerous—so it is important to have a health care professional assess all growths. While most nodules have no symptoms, are never detected and are harmless, some can be large enough to press against the windpipe and cause difficulty swallowing or a cough. A nodule can also become overactive, suppressing the rest of the gland and causing hyperthyroidism. Diagnosis Thyroid hormone (TH), which is stored and produced by the thyroid gland, actually consists of two hormones: thyroxine, known as T4, and tri-iodothyronine, known as T3. The production of T4 and T3 is controlled by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The pituitary gland produces TSH, controlling the production of TH by the thyroid gland. The pituitary gland acts like a sensor on a thermostat; if it senses too little TH in your blood, it releases TSH to tell your thyroid to produce more. Likewise, if your pituitary senses too much TH in the blood, it decreases production of TSH. The best way to determine if your body is making too much or too little TH is by measuring blood levels of TSH. If the TSH level is abnormal, your health care professional may also want to test your blood for T3 and T4 levels. These blood tests provide an accurate picture of how the thyroid is functioning. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed if TH levels are low to normal and TSH levels are high. To rule out Hashimoto's thyroiditis as the cause, your health care professional may check your blood for antithyroid antibodies. Hyperthyroidism is suspected if TH levels are high and TSH levels are low. To determine if Graves' disease is the cause, your health care professional can check your blood for thyroid stimulating antibodies or give you a radioactive iodine uptake test. Iodine is essential for the production of TH, so the thyroid absorbs it from the blood. During a radioactive iodine uptake test, you swallow a small amount of I-123 radioactive iodine. This form of radioactive iodine does not damage the thyroid. The thyroid absorbs and metabolizes this radioactive iodine within 24 hours. Special equipment is then used to measure the amount of radioactivity in the thyroid gland, and you usually have to return within six and 24 hours to have the radioactivity measured (although some labs only measure after 24 hours). If you have Graves' disease, the amount of radioactivity in the thyroid is high. If you have other forms of hyperthyroidism, such as an inflammation of the thyroid known as a thyroiditis, the radioactivity taken up by the thyroid will be low. Thyroid Nodules There are four ways to diagnose a thyroid nodule: You or your health care professional feels a growth while manually examining your throat, even though you have no symptoms. You have trouble swallowing and, upon evaluation, your health care professional identifies a nodule. You have symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. You have an imaging study of your neck performed for an unrelated reason (i.e., CT scan, MRI, carotid ultrasound) that discovers the nodule. All nodules should be evaluated by a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or an internal medicine specialist, to determine if the nodule is caused by a thyroid cancer. In addition to ordering blood tests described earlier, your doctor will examine the structure of the thyroid gland using one or more of the following tests: Ultrasound. An ultrasound test uses soundwaves to create a picture of the structure of the thyroid gland and accurately identify and characterize nodules within the thyroid. The American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend ultrasound imaging as the first step in the evaluation of a nodule. If the nodule is filled with fluid, it suggests a thyroid cyst. A solid nodule doesn't necessarily mean cancer, but it may mean that further testing is required. This test can also find other nodules that can't be felt with a manual examination. It is often used to guide biopsies of nodules. A thyroid ultrasound is also the best test to determine the size of the nodules and to follow any growth over time. Biopsy. In this test, called a fine needle aspirate, a very thin needle is inserted into the gland and several samples of tissue are sucked out (aspirated). The samples are then analyzed under a microscope. This is the best test to determine if a thyroid cancer is present. A biopsy is usually performed if the nodule is larger than 1.5 cm and occasionally with smaller nodules depending on your risk factors and how concerned you and your doctor are. This procedure is done in the doctor's office, and patients usually return home or to work after the biopsy without any ill effects. Thyroid scan. As with a radioactive iodine uptake test described earlier, in a thyroid scan you either swallow a radioactive iodine pill or get injected intravenously with a radioactive chemical known as technetium. A special camera is then used to view the size, shape and function of the gland based on the amount of radioactive material absorbed. This helps determine whether the nodule is "hot" (usually benign but overactive) or "cold" (inactive and either benign or malignant). Treatment The treatment you receive depends on the type of thyroid disorder you have, what's causing it and your overall medical condition. In general, there are three categories of treatment: prescription medication, radioactive iodine and surgery (thyroidectomy). Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is the simplest of the three types of thyroid disorders to treat. It requires a daily dose of prescription synthetic T4, called levothyroxine sodium (L-thyroxine, L-T4). You and your health care professional will work together to find the right dose for you based on your symptoms and blood tests. You'll need to take T4 for the rest of your life, although the dose may change. You will also need periodic blood tests to evaluate the dose. Many years ago, the only treatment available for hypothyroidism was desiccated thyroid, the dried and powdered thyroid glands of animals. It contains both T4 and T3. While desiccated thyroid is still available today, few health care professionals advocate this "natural" therapy. Desiccated thyroid produces variable blood levels of thyroid hormones, not the steady and predictable levels needed for optimal health. If your T4 dose is too low—if you remain somewhat hypothyroid—you may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism (depression, low body temperature, dry or itchy skin, poor memory, muscle aches, slowed reflexes, among other symptoms). If your dose is too high—if you become somewhat hyperthyroid—you may notice symptoms of hyperthyroidism (nervousness, weight loss, fast or irregular heart rate, changes in appetite, insomnia, muscle weakness or fatigue, decreased menstrual flow, among other symptoms). Over time, TH excess can increase your risk of an abnormal heart rhythm or osteoporosis. In the United States, levothyroxine is available as four branded products (Levoxyl, Levothroid, Synthroid and Unithroid) and several generic versions. All of the branded and generic preparations contain the same hormone—levothyroxine—and are effective in treating hypothyrodism. However, because the preparations may differ in the amount of levothyroxine they contain, many experts have expressed concerns about potential adverse effects caused by switching between manufacturers as will happen with the generic T4 preparations. For example, the 100 mcg dose of one preparation may contain the same amount of T4 as the 112 mcg dose of another preparation, so switching between preparations may actually represent a dose change. Generally, you should stick with one T4 product for treating hypothyroidism, generally a branded T4. However, because of insurance issues, you may not have a choice between branded or generic. If possible, stick to one generic manufacturer to keep the level fairly consistent in your body. If you must change generics or brands, talk to your health care professional—he or she may have to repeat your blood tests and change the dose to maintain the desired effect or prevent toxicity. If you do switch brands or change to a generic T4, you should have your TSH level checked six weeks later. In general, because multiple manufacturers produce generic versions, those on generic T4 should have their TSH levels monitored more frequently. Hyperthyroidism If you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, including Graves' disease, your health care professional will consider several factors to determine the best treatment for you. These include your age, your general health and the cause and severity of the hyperthyroidism. Available treatments include I-131 radioactive iodine (the form of radioactive iodine that damages thyroid tissue), antithyroid drugs and surgery. A dose of radioactive iodine works to damage the thyroid gland, ending the hyperthyroidism. After the iodine is administered, the gland shrinks and blood levels of TH drop. In most, the hyperthyroidism is completely resolved within three to six months. The main side effect is the development of hypothyroidism. Occasionally, you may develop a sore throat one or two weeks after the treatment. Some people with hyperthyroidism receive antithyroid drugs such as propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole (Tapazole). These drugs are designed to interfere both with the thyroid gland's uptake of iodine and with one or more of the steps required for the thyroid to make TH. Because iodine is essential for TH production, reducing the amount of iodine the thyroid gets reduces the amount of TH it produces. Some people with Graves' disease may go into a long-term remission of more than a year after one or two years of treatment, after which the drugs are stopped. Surgery to remove part of the overactive thyroid gland is occasionally recommended to treat hyperthyroidism. Like radioactive iodine, people who undergo surgery usually become hypothyroid. Complications include damage to the parathyroid glands that control the body's calcium levels and damage to the nerves that control your vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. Since any of the three treatments for hyperthyroidism can lead to hypothyroidism, it's important that you learn to recognize the symptoms of too little thyroid hormone: depression, low body temperature, dry or itchy skin, poor memory, muscle aches and slowed reflexes. Let your health care professional know if you experience any symptoms. Nodules If a nodule is benign—as most are—it will probably simply need to be monitored, not treated. If a biopsy is unclear or identifies a malignancy, then you will need a thyroidectomy, or removal of all or part of the thyroid. A thyroidectomy is performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours. If the biopsy showed a malignancy, the surgeon usually removes the entire thyroid and some surrounding lymph nodes. If the biopsy was unclear, the surgeon may remove just one lobe of the thyroid and, while you're still under the anesthetic, wait for it to be tested for cancerous cells. If these cells are present, the surgeon removes the other lobe. If the cancer has spread outside the thyroid, the surgeon may also remove the lymph nodes in your neck. If you have thyroid cancer you may require treatment with a large dose of the I-131 form of radioactive iodine about six weeks after surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous tissue. The use of radioactive iodine in thyroid cancer has changed in recent years and is beign used less frequently. This is because many patients with small cancers, who are at low risk for cancer recurrence, do not appear to benefit from radioactive iodine since they are most likely cured with surgery alone. You should discuss this with a thyroid cancer specialist. You also begin lifelong TH replacement therapy. In most cases, the surgery and radioactive iodine cure the cancer. As with other surgery, the minor risks include infection, bleeding and scar tissue on the neck. Major side effects from surgery are rare and involve complications to neck structures close to the thyroid, including damage to the parathyroid glands that control your body's calcium levels and damage to the nerves that control your vocal cords, leading to hoarseness. These complications, however, occur in less than 1 percent of patients operated on by experienced surgeons. If the parathyroid glands are damaged during surgery, you'll need calcium supplements and possibly other drugs. Prevention There is no way to prevent thyroid disorders, but by managing the disorder you can prevent complications. For instance, left untreated, Graves' disease can weaken your heart muscles, leading to heart failure, and can lead to osteoporosis or severe emotional disorders. Depression, a symptom of hypothyroidism, can also have devastating effects if you don't treat the underlying condition. Thus, even if your treatment is working, keep the following in mind: Be aware of any changes in how you feel. Don't disregard symptoms because you think they could be due to something else. Choose ahealth care professional who is knowledgeable about autoimmune disorders in general and thyroid diseases in particular. Make sure this person listens to what you say and takes your symptoms seriously. Explain how you feel to your health care professional. You may even want to keep a journal, making brief notes about your symptoms and what you think may be causing them. Include those symptoms that are the most bothersome, when they seem to be the hardest to tolerate (for example, are certain symptoms worse during a particular phase of your menstrual cycle?), and what, if anything, causes them to get better or worse. You could use the journal to jot down questions you may want to ask during your medical visit. Let your health care professional know about any pattern of autoimmune diseases in your family's medical history, since many are genetic in nature. You can create a family tree with the help of the "My Family Health Portrait" resource offered by the U.S. Surgeon General. Make sure your health care professional examines you thoroughly and orders any lab tests to help diagnosis your condition. Seek out second, third or even fourth opinions if you are not satisfied with how your evaluation and treatment are progressing. Although there is no known method to "cure" some thyroid disorders (such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis), there is effective treatment, and the healthier you are in general, the better your body will be able to cope with treatment. A healthy diet, exercise, meditation and other mind-body therapies have given many patients relief and comfort but cannot take the place of standard medical treatment. If you begin thyroid hormone replacement therapy: Find a way to remember to take your pills every day. Some people report that associating their pill taking with something else they do every day—such as brushing their teeth—helps them remember. Alert other health care professionals about the medication you're taking to avoid interactions with other drugs. Notify your health care professional if you become pregnant. Be vigilant about yearly checkups to reassess your dose. Facts to Know Of the estimated 20 million Americans who have thyroid disorders, about 60 percent have not yet received a diagnosis, according to the American Thyroid Association. Thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, are autoimmune diseases—that is, conditions in the immune system that attack healthy tissue instead of fighting against invading bacteria and viruses. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women than in men. Research shows that there is a strong genetic link between thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases including certain types of diabetes, anemia and arthritis. According to the American Thyroid Association, women are five to eight times more likely to have thyroid dysfunction than men. If thyroid problems go undiagnosed, they can increase risk for serious conditions such cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and infertility. Physical and emotional stress may trigger autoimmune disorders such as Graves' disease. Stress adversely affects the immune system and takes its toll on those genetically susceptible to these types of disorders. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is about seven times more common in women than men. Postpartum thyroiditis occurs in 5 percent to 10 percent of women following childbirth. Most thyroid cancers are completely curable, and all are treatable to some extent. The exception is a rare type of thyroid cancer called anaplastic carcinoma. An aggressive tumor that rapidly invades the neck, anaplastic carcinoma is likely to spread to other parts of the body and is extremely hard to treat. About 2 percent to 5 percent of thyroid cancers are in this category. Radioactive iodine, used as a diagnostic test (I-123) or as treatment (I-131) for thyroid disorders, is safe and has no side effects for most people. Key Q&A What is thyroiditis?Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can result in a nodule, or it can cause hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or both (one followed by the other). What role does the thyroid play in the body?The thyroid gland makes, stores and releases thyroid hormone (TH), which is known as the body's metabolic hormone. TH tells the body how fast to use energy. If there is too much TH in your blood, you become hyperthyroid, and you use energy too fast. If there is too little TH in your blood, you become hypothyroid, and you use energy too slowly. What causes hypothyroidism?The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hypothyroidism also can occur spontaneously; can develop during or after pregnancy; can be present at birth; or can develop after hyperthyroid treatment. What is the cause of hyperthyroidism?The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as Graves' disease. It can also be the result of nodules (lumps in the gland) that cause an overproduction of TH. Hyperthyroidism also can develop during or after pregnancy. Is Graves' disease curable?Graves' disease is not curable, but it is rarely fatal and is a completely treatable disease. Remission may be permanent, but the thyroid should be checked periodically to be sure. Severe stress can aggravate a recurrence. What causes postpartum thyroiditis?The cause of postpartum thyroiditis is not known, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease similar to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. As with Hashimoto's, postpartum thyroiditis is associated with the development of anti-thyroid antibodies. What if I need treatment for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism while I'm pregnant?Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing thyroid dysfunction as compared to the general population. Any woman with a prior history of a thyroid problem, a family history of thyroid disease or symptoms of thyroid dysfunction should be tested for thyroid dysfunction as soon as she knows she is pregnant. TH (T4) is absolutely safe to take during pregnancy and is essential for the health of the fetus if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. If you are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, antithyroid drugs may be used. If a woman is allergic to these drugs, surgery may also be considered at certain times during the pregnancy (the second trimester). Radioactive iodine is not an option during pregnancy because it will pass into the fetus and damage its thyroid gland. Is there a relationship between thyroid disorders and osteoporosis?Untreated hyperthyroidism or overtreated hypothyroidism can increase your risk for osteoporosis. However, thyroid hormone treatment for hypothyroidism that keeps the thyroid levels in the normal range does not increase the risk of osteoporosis. Bones generally renew themselves in a process called bone turnover or resorption. Because hyperthyroidism increases the body's metabolism, bone turnover also is increased. This increase causes old bone tissue to dissolve before new tissue is fully formed, which does not give the body enough time to produce enough minerals for the new bones. The result: thin or weakened bones—osteoporosis. Do some people have both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?The use of thyroid hormone or antithyroid drug treatment can, over time, produce the opposite effect, especially if the dose of medication given is too high. This means that if you are taking antithyroid medication for hyperthyroidism, you could become hypothyroid; if you are taking thyroid hormone medication for hypothyroidism, you could become hyperthyroid. Pay close attention to how you feel and be aware of the symptoms for each type of thyroid disorder. Do chest and dental x-rays place me at a higher risk for thyroid cancer?X-rays used today to take images of the head and chest are not harmful. While the thyroid does get exposed to tiny doses of radiation during dental X-rays, there is no evidence to date that these low doses cause thyroid cancer. However, it is prudent (and mostly standard practice) to use a thyroid shield when getting dental X-rays.In contrast to X-rays performed today, radiation procedures from the 1920s to the 1960s for inflamed tonsils, adenoids, lymph nodes or an enlarged thymus gland could put you at risk. There is a clearly established relationship between thyroid cancer and these early radiation treatments of the head and neck. If you believe you were exposed to this type of treatment as a child or an adult, you should have your thyroid checked annually. Do mammograms place me at a higher risk for thyroid cancer?There is no evidence that the tiny amounts of radiation from mammograms even reach the thyroid and, thus, there is no evidence that mammograms increase your risk for thyroid cancer. It is not necessary to use a thyroid shield during a mammogram. Can taking your morning basal body temperature accurately predict a thyroid disorder?No. Some people have normally high or low waking body temperatures. The only way to accurately diagnose a thyroid disorder is with a highly sensitive TSH blood test. Read the full article

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