World Thyroid Day is an annual awareness day observed on May 25, which focuses on increasing awareness of thyroid health and educating about prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. Thyroid gland produces hormones that influence every cell, tissue and organ in the body; therefore, thyroid health is extremely important, says Dr Rakesh Bobba, MD, DM (Endocrinology), Aster Ramesh Hospitals, Vijayawada.
He said that thyroid hormones played vital roles in growth, neuronal development, reproduction and regulation of energy metabolism. Hence, thyroid hormone disorders will significantly impact a person’s well-being and quality of life. Up to 50 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition and that women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems.
Dr Rakesh said that WHO (World Health Organisation) had identified iodine deficiency as the world’s most prevalent, yet easily preventable, cause of brain damage. Iodine is an essential element in normal thyroid function. Since the body doesn’t make it, iodine must be ingested through the diet. Consequences of iodine deficiency include physical and mental retardation, cretinism, endemic goiter, hypothyroidism and poor outcomes in pregnancy.
Pregnant and lactating women should receive a daily multivitamin/ mineral supplement that contains 250 mcg of iodine or ionized salt. This level of support is critical to assure normal brain development of the foetus and baby. The most common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), hyperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland and thyroid cancer.
Biotin supplements can interfere with the blood tests used to measure thyroid levels, so it is recommended to stop taking biotin containing supplements for two-three days prior to thyroid blood tests.
He said that the tips to prevent thyroid disease were: adopting various lifestyle factors and behaviours, such as maintaining a healthy diet with sufficient iodine, selenium, and iron intake. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption besides managing stress and enough sound sleep and important is regular check-ups and monitoring of thyroid function.
