Any health condition that hampers the proper functioning of the thyroid gland must be treated promptly. This is because the thyroid gland plays a significant role in the smooth operation of the human body and is responsible for vital activities like

• influencing the rate of metabolism, i.e., the speed at which calories are converted to energy in the body,
• the rapidity at which food moves through the gastrointestinal tract,
• governing the proper growth and development of the brain, especially in infants and children,
• regulating body temperature, and
• heart functions.

Iodine absorbed from the food that is ingested is the most important mineral used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland regulates the release of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Therefore, any imbalance of iodine intake or ailment of the pituitary gland affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Herein, we discuss some thyroid diseases and the suggested options for treating them.

1. Goiter
Lack of iodine in the diet can cause abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland located below the Adam’s apple in the throat. Goiter is usually painless but severe swelling can constrict the trachea and result in continuous coughing, making both swallowing and breathing painful and strenuous. While a simple solution of consuming iodine-enriched salt in the diet can help reduce symptoms, thyroidectomy—a surgery that involves removing a part of or the entire thyroid gland—is suggested when the swelling becomes unmanageable.

2. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
An autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis—also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis—could develop initially as goiter or hypothyroidism. While, sometimes, there are no symptoms at all and inflammation reduces naturally, in some cases, gradual destruction of the thyroid gland happens over time and could even result in thyroid lymphoma. Thyroid hormone replacement tablets are advised routinely to replenish low thyroid hormone levels. In extreme cases where symptoms are acute, surgery or corticosteroid therapy is advised by physicians.

3. Hyperthyroidism
Production of surplus thyroid hormones, more than is needed by the body, can result in hyperthyroidism. And in the United States, this condition is primarily caused by Graves’ disease, multinodular goiter or merely because of excessive consumption of iodine. Hyperthyroidism could become complicated and rarely result in a life-threatening thyroid storm condition. Affecting more women than men, especially those over the age of 60, hyperthyroidism can be treated in multiple ways. Treatment options include antithyroid drugs that prevent the gland from releasing thyroid hormones, beta-blocker medicines, radio-iodine therapy, diet restrictions, and thyroid surgery.

4. Hypothyroidism
Deficiency in the production of thyroid hormone leads to hypothyroidism. Inadequate quantities of iron absorption in the body and the autoimmune disease Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are the leading causes of hypothyroidism. However, Congenital hypothyroidism or injury to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus could also be lesser-known causes of this thyroid disease. Hormone Replacement Therapy with synthetic thyroid hormone-producing medications remains an essential form of treating this thyroid disease.

5. Thyroid cancer
This cancer occurs when the mutation of cells originates in the thyroid gland tissues. Options for treating this thyroid disease include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

It’s important to follow a healthy diet to avoid thyroid diseases and the high costs that come with treating them. So, consult your doctor to know which thyroid disease you may be prone to and how you can prevent them and what are the ways through which treating them will help.