Thyroid disease prevention may seem tricky, but MainStreet Family Care is here to tell you all the best methods for reducing your risk of developing a thyroid disorder.
What Causes Thyroid Diseases?
Millions of people suffer with a thyroid condition each year. Thyroid disorders are generally caused by an autoimmune condition. This means that the immune system sends out antibodies that harm the thyroid, which can cause excessive or a severe lack of regulating hormones.
This can cause a lowered quality of life, as the thyroid produces hormones that help control many life-sustaining bodily processes such as breathing and metabolism. You are more likely to encounter these issues if you have a family history of thyroid disorder.
Types of Thyroid Disorders
The most common types of thyroid conditions include:
- Graves Disease, which typically causes hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism consist of unexplained weight loss, anxiety, fidgeting, irregular heart rate, and more.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a type of thyroid disease that causes swelling of the thyroid. People with Hashimoto’s may suffer from hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include unexplained weight gain, lethargy, depression, and stunted bone growth.
It is important to know the symptoms of these conditions, especially if you have a family history of thyroid disorders.
Thyroid Disorder Prevention
While autoimmune conditions are not totally preventable, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing a thyroid disorder. Lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on your overall health and can be especially helpful in reducing your risk of thyroid disease.
Some lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk include:
- Stop smoking and using tobacco products.
- Eat a well-balanced diet consisting of whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Get tested for Celiac’s disease. Very Well Health states that people who have celiac’s disease are three times as likely to develop a thyroid disease.
- Take selenium supplements.
- Reduce your soy intake as it can have a negative impact on the thyroid.
- Do thyroid checks regularly. This is done by feeling your neck to see if there are any abnormal lumps and bumps.
- When getting x-rays done, ask for a neck collar to add extra protection to your thyroid from harmful rays.
Additionally, get blood tests regularly to check for any abnormalities in your body. MainStreet Family Care offers full panel lab tests as well as thyroid disorder diagnosis through our primary care services.
Talk to your provider to see if they recommend any additional prevention methods for your thyroid health.
Turn To MainStreet Family Care
Are you trying to reduce your risk of developing a thyroid condition? MainStreet’s board-certified providers are here to help with that. To receive primary care services, sign-up online and schedule your first appointment. We even offer same-day and next-day appointments!
