What is Thyroid?

The Thyroid Gland: The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland in the front of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Even though it’s small it plays a big role in keeping our bodies functioning properly.

What It Does: The thyroid gland makes hormones that help control how the body uses energy. These hormones influence growth, metabolism (how our bodies use food for energy) and even how fast the heart beats. Basically, the thyroid helps control lots of important processes in the body like temperature regulation and how fast our body burns calories.

Why It's Important: Without enough of the thyroid hormone, you might feel tired, cold, or have trouble growing. If there’s too much thyroid hormone, your body can become overactive, making you feel restless or anxious.

Common Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid):

What It Is: Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid isn’t making enough hormones. This can slow down processes in the body.

Symptoms: Feeling tired or sleepy all the time, gaining weight even without eating more, feeling cold even when others don’t, having dry skin or feeling sad and down a lot.

Causes: It can be caused by conditions like Hashimoto's disease or it may be something you’re born with.

Treatment: Most of the time hypothyroidism can be treated with medication that helps give the body the hormones it needs.

Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid):

What It Is: Hyperthyroidism means the thyroid is making too much hormone. It speeds up many body functions.

Symptoms: Feeling nervous or anxious, losing weight without trying, sweating a lot, feeling hot or having a fast heartbeat.

Causes: It can be caused by Graves' disease or thyroid nodules (small lumps in the thyroid).

Treatment: Hyperthyroidism may be treated with medication, radioactive iodine or sometimes surgery.

Symptoms Young People Might Experience

Tiredness: Feeling tired a lot even after sleeping well could mean your thyroid isn’t making enough hormones.

Mood Changes: Feeling very sad (hypothyroidism) or very anxious (hyperthyroidism) can sometimes be due to thyroid problems.

Weight Changes: Gaining or losing weight without really changing how much you’re eating or exercising.

Growth Problems: The thyroid hormone is important for growth especially for teenagers. If there are issues with the thyroid it might slow down growth or delay puberty.

Temperature Sensitivity: Feeling cold all the time could mean an underactive thyroid while always feeling hot might indicate an overactive thyroid.

Changes in Skin, Hair, and Nails: Dry skin, hair falling out or brittle nails are also signs that something might be up with the thyroid.

Tips for Maintaining Good Thyroid Health

Eat Foods Rich in Iodine: Iodine is very important for making thyroid hormones. Good sources of iodine include iodized salt, seafood and dairy products. Just be sure to have a balanced amount too much iodine can also be harmful.

Get Enough Selenium and Zinc: Selenium and zinc are minerals that help the thyroid work well. Brazil nuts, seafood and whole grains are good sources of selenium. Foods like nuts, beans, and meat are good sources of zinc.

Avoid Excessive Consumption of Soy: Eating too much soy can interfere with the thyroid’s ability to function especially for those who already have thyroid problems. It's fine to have some soy but it should be in moderation.

Stay Active: Regular exercise can help maintain good overall health which includes keeping the thyroid working well. It helps keep your metabolism active and maintains a healthy weight.

Regular Checkups: If you have a family history of thyroid issues or notice any of the symptoms mentioned make sure to talk to a doctor and get regular checkups.

Tips for Parents and Friends

Recognize the Symptoms:If you see someone always feeling tired, gaining weight unexpectedly or feeling very anxious encourage them to talk to a doctor.

Offer Support: Living with a thyroid condition can sometimes make young people feel different. Being understanding and supportive can make a big difference. Just letting them know you’re there for them is important.

Encourage Healthy Habits: Whether it’s balanced eating, exercise or regular sleep, these habits help keep not only the thyroid healthy but also the entire body.