Thyroid disorders have been on a rise in India. Approximately one in ten Indian adults suffer from hypothyroidism. But why do these disorders occur and what are the symptoms? Thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped endocrine gland, located in the lower front of the neck. Thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism in the body. Different disorders may arise if these hormones are either too many or too less, referred to as Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism respectively.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms:
- Anxiety, Racing heart, Nervousness and restlessness, Irritability, Excess sweating, Thinning skin, Unintentional weight loss, Weakness
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
- Fatigue, Dry hair and skin, Weakness, Weight gain, Slow heart rate, Constipation, depression, Sensitivity to cold
The British Thyroid Foundation explains, “Many people are asking whether having an autoimmune thyroid disease means you are immunocompromised. We can confirm it does not. The part of the immune system that’s responsible for autoimmune thyroid conditions is separate from the immune system that’s responsible for fighting off viral infections, such as COVID-19”. It also says that thyroid medications do not change or weaken the immune system. “However, some people with thyroid eye disease will be on high doses of steroid medication which can suppress the immune system”.
Therefore, if you are living with thyroid amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some Tips for a healthy Thyroid:
- Try relaxing yourself with some yoga and meditation. This will help reduce stress, especially from all the chaos in the outer world
- Maintain a healthy weight by eating healthy food and do not binge eat as you stay home.
- Take your medications regularly, without delaying them. Stock up your medicines, so that you don’t run short of them when required.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol, since it may interfere the functions of thyroid and medications.
- Maintain proper sleep hygiene. Some of the symptoms of thyroid include fatigue, tiredness and weakness. Therefore, proper rest is also important. A sound sleep of at least 7-9 hours a day is good.
- Exercising everyday will help maintain a healthy body along with a healthy mind.
Therefore, even though there have been no such claims that people with thyroid are at a higher risk, it is still essential that people take proper precautions and preventive measures as have been recommended by the health and government authorities. Together we can fight the novel coronavirus and live a healthy life.
