The thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in the human body. The thyroid hormones it secretes are critical for body growth, neuronal development, reproduction, and regulation of energy metabolism. However, problems with the thyroid are not as evident and are often overlooked. The American Thyroid Association points out that more than 12 percent of Americans suffer from thyroid-related diseases, but up to 60 percent are unaware of their condition.
How can we prevent thyroid cancer? Should the thyroid gland be removed? This article will teach you how to improve thyroid function through daily diet and acupoint massaging.
Hyperthyroidism
When the body has a surplus of thyroid hormone, it is in a state of hyperthyroidism, and several of its functions are highly active.Hypothyroidism
On the other hand, when the body doesn’t have enough thyroid hormone, it is known as hypothyroidism. Much of the body’s functions are affected in this situation, and metabolism is slowed.Hypothyroidism is like a machine with a dead battery, with little or no energy remaining. Common symptoms include thyroid gland enlargement, weight gain, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Hypothyroidism may be caused by an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s disease, which causes chronic thyroid gland inflammation, resulting in an inability to produce enough thyroid hormone. Other causes include congenital hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency, and drug side effects.
Dietary Recommendations for Thyroid Patients
An abundance of iodine in the body induces more thyroid production. People with hyperthyroidism are recommended to reduce their intake of the following three types of foods to reduce iodine intake:- Seaweed: Seaweeds such as kelp, seaweed, kombu, and nori should be avoided.
- Seafood: Avoid saltwater fish, shrimp, shellfish, and crab.
- Raw radish and cabbage: Although radish and cabbage do not contain iodine, there are goitrogens in both of them, so it is not recommended to eat them raw. However, eating them cooked is acceptable.
- High-quality protein: Foods such as beef, fish, bananas, pumpkin seeds, and almonds all help speed up metabolism.
- Iodine-rich foods: Choose kelp, seaweed, kombu, nori, shellfish, shrimp, and dairy products.
Iodized or Non-Iodized Salt?
There is no need to buy iodized salt because it may lead to excessive intake of iodine. It is best to choose sea salt and rose salt as direct natural iodine sources and eat less refined salt. Moreover, consuming some sea plants can also help you avoid iodine deficiency.Acupoints to Enhance Thyroid Function
Whether you suffer from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, regularly massaging one special acupoint on your ear, called the thyroid point, will have a healing effect.Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has discovered that meridians are the channels through which energy circulates in the human body, and the internal organs are connected to various parts of the body through these meridians. Certain points on the meridians with special functions are called acupoints. Stimulating the corresponding acupoints through acupuncture and massage can treat diseases of the corresponding organs.
The thyroid gland acupoint lies on the protrusion above the earlobe. When thyroid-related diseases occur, pressing this acupoint will first bring about a searing pain. Pressing this acupoint for another five to 10 minutes can help regulate metabolism, reduce edema, and allow for more comfortable walking.
7 Main Signs of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a rare but serious cancer that usually starts from an abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include the following:- Long-term voice hoarseness.
- Pain in the neck and sometimes ears.
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
- Hot flashes.
- Depression.
- Cough unrelated to illness.
Women and older people are more susceptible to thyroid nodules and tend to feel a constant lump in the throat, called plum-pit qi in TCM (globus sensation in modern-day medicine). Zhang Zhongjing, an ancient Chinese medical scientist, invented the Panellia Magnolia Decoction to treat plum-pit qi. The medicinal ingredients include Pinellia, Magnolia officinalis, Perilla leaf, and Poria.
To prevent thyroid cancer, you must first avoid overexposure to radiation. Some people believe certain crystals can absorb electromagnetic fields (EMFs). There’s certainly no harm in putting crystals around sources of EMFs, like your TV and computer workstation; at best, the crystals may help, and at worst, they are aesthetically pleasing.
Should I Get a Thyroidectomy?
Surgical removal of the thyroid and parathyroid glands will affect many bodily functions. For example, the parathyroid gland is responsible for the distribution of calcium ions, and the lack of it will cause an imbalance in calcium ions metabolism. Moreover, bones lacking calcium ions will lead to osteoporosis. Overall, the costs of a thyroidectomy outweigh the benefits.People who undergo total thyroidectomy must supplement with both thyroxine and parathyroxine. Some patients also need to supplement vitamin D3 every day after surgery or take fish oil, cod liver oil, or bask in the sun.
Weakened metabolism is an inevitable sequela of total thyroidectomy, manifested in such things as edema. If you suffer from thyroid complications, avoid surgery if possible. Consult a TCM practitioner before taking any drastic measures.
Some of the herbs mentioned in this article may sound unfamiliar, but many can be found in health food and Asian grocery stores. In addition, because everyone’s constitution is different, the corresponding treatment methods are also different. Please consult a professional doctor for specific treatment plans.
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