The thyroid gland is a small gland that helps regulate a person’s metabolism by producing hormones.

A person can have problems if their thyroid gland produces too much or not enough hormones.

These conditions are known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively.

Changes in hormone production can also cause the thyroid gland to swell to a visible, enlarged state called a goiter.

The thyroid gland is an important organ of the endocrine system, located in the neck, which plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy management in the human body. It produces thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which affect many processes in the body including growth and development, thermogenesis, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and cardiovascular function.

Thyroid hormones help the body to expend energy and control a range of activities. They affect calorie burn rate, respiratory rate, gastrointestinal function and even heart rate.

These hormones also play a role in processes that help the body stay warm and maintain energy expenditure in the brain, heart muscles and other organs.

A small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland helps control thyroid hormone levels in the body. The pituitary gland produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

The level of TSH in the blood rises or falls depending on whether the hormone circulates enough to meet the body’s needs. When thyroid hormone levels rise or fall, the pituitary gland reduces or increases TSH production in response.
When one of these glands releases too much or too little hormone, thyroid dysfunction can occur.
Thyroid function may be impaired for various reasons, including heredity, iodine deficiency, stress and other factors. This can result in hypo- or hyperthyroidism – conditions associated with insufficient or excessive production of thyroid hormones.

As a nutritionist, I can share with you a few tips on how to maintain thyroid health through proper nutrition.

Consume enough iodine

Iodine is an important mineral that is essential for proper thyroid function. Its deficiency can lead to various health problems, including the development of hypothyroidism. Good sources of iodine are seafood such as seaweed, fish and shellfish, and iodised salt.

Increase your protein intake

Protein is the basic building material for tissues and organs in the human body. Eating sufficient protein can help maintain a healthy thyroid gland and prevent the development of certain thyroid disorders. Meat, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts and seeds are good sources of protein.

Vitamin D, which plays a role in maintaining healthy bones, the immune system and the thyroid gland. Its deficiency can lead to various health problems, including the development of autoimmune thyroid disease. Good sources of vitamin D include oily fish, egg yolk, milk and fortified foods.

Increase selenium intake

Selenium is an important mineral that plays a role in protecting cells from free radicals and maintaining thyroid health. Its deficiency can lead to the development of thyroid disease. Good sources of selenium include seafood, meat, nuts, seeds and vegetables.

There are also several signs that may indicate thyroid health problems, including:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight gain or loss
• Problems with memory and concentration
• Enlargement or reduction in size of the thyroid gland
• Changes in the skin and hair

If you suspect a thyroid problem, see your doctor for tests and diagnosis. Diagnosis may include a blood test for thyroid hormone levels, an ultrasound and other methods.

In general, thyroid health plays an important role in the overall health and wellbeing of the body.

Proper nutrition and regular check-ups can help to maintain its function and prevent the development of health problems.