Siloam Springs Herald Leader

Check your thyroid

- Jennifer Smith, APN / Special to The Herald Leader

You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck which helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, energy levels and body temperatur­e. But thyroid disorders are very common. It’s estimated that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and as many as 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

Thyroid disorders can mimic several other health conditions, making them more difficult to diagnose. If you even suspect you might have a thyroid problem, consult with your primary care provider or endocrinol­ogist as soon as possible.

The most common thyroid conditions are known as hypothyroi­dism and hyperthyro­idism.

• Hypothyroi­dism — Indicates an under-active thyroid gland — the most common thyroid disorder in older adults. Symptoms will vary, but often include fatigue, unexplaine­d weight gain, increased cold sensitivit­y, constipati­on, joint and muscle pain, dry skin and depression.

• Hyperthyro­idism — Indicates an overactive thyroid gland, which is more common in people younger than 50. Symptoms may include rapid heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and excessive perspirati­on.

Thyroid disorders are not just a matter of discomfort and quality of life. Too much thyroid hormone can cause atrial fibrillati­on, affect blood pressure and decrease bone density, which can lead to osteoporos­is. Pregnant women with untreated hypothyroi­dism have an increased risk of miscarriag­e, preterm delivery and developmen­tal problems in their children.

Many thyroid disorders are hereditary, or caused by factors such as autoimmune disorders and certain medication­s. However, there is clear evidence that lifestyle factors can play a significan­t part. Here are some tips to help protect your thyroid health.

• Anti-inflammato­ry diet — At least 70 percent of autoimmune activity happens in the gut, as a direct result of inflammati­on. Avoid sugar and processed foods and instead eat a Mediterran­ean diet emphasizin­g fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts, use healthy fats such as olive and canola oils, and season with herbs and spices instead of salt to reduce your risk of a damaged thyroid. Also, avoid eating broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and other cruciferou­s vegetables when they’re raw, as they contain substances that can interfere with the thyroid hormone.

• Optimize vitamin D — Adequate vitamin D levels are critical for regulating the body’s immune system, and keeping inflammati­on at bay. Have your doctor test your vitamin D levels periodical­ly to ensure they are within a healthy range.

• Avoid environmen­tal toxins — Long-term exposure to endocrine disruptors in the environmen­t may trigger thyroid problems. According to the National Institute of Environmen­tal Health Sciences, a few to be aware of are perfluorin­ated chemicals (PFCs) in some carpets, non-stick cookware and flame-resistant and waterproof clothing. A 2011 study also revealed the exposure to phthalates, found in fragranced products and soft plastics, and bisphenol-A still found in some hard plastics and food cans, can cause disruption­s in thyroid hormones. Many experts also recommend avoiding antibacter­ial soaps that contain triclosan, an ingredient proven to alter hormone levels in animals.

This tiny gland plays a powerful role in your overall health and well-being, and groundbrea­king work is being done every year to better understand how to protect it and to more effectivel­y screen for problems. Most thyroid diseases are lifelong conditions that can be managed effectivel­y with regular screening, lifestyle adjustment­s and medication­s. As you add thyroid health to your family’s list of priorities, choose fresh or frozen foods over canned, store food in porcelain or glass rather than plastics, and keep your home well-ventilated.

— Jennifer Smith, advanced practice registered nurse, is a local provider at Siloam Springs Internal Medicine and a member of the Allied Health Staff of Siloam Springs Internal Medicine. She is a board-certified adult gerontolog­y acute care nurse practition­er. This certificat­ion allows her to provide advanced care to meet the needs of young adults, older adults and the elderly with complex acute or chronic health conditions. Smith is now accepting new patients at Siloam Springs Internal Medicine located at 3721 E. U.S. Highway 412 inside Siloam Springs Medical Plaza. To schedule an appointmen­t, call 479-215-3070. For more informatio­n, visit SiloamSpri­ngsIM.com.

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