Thyroid Awareness Month

by Ashna S 14 January 2020

Thyroid Awareness Month

January is Thyroid Awareness Month! Why spend a whole month on such a tiny part of our bodies? I'll tell you.

Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that resembles a butterfly. Ever heard size does not matter? Well, in this case, it rings true. Even though your thyroid may be such a small, seemingly insignificant part of your body, it has a huge impact on your overall health. Your thyroid can affect some of your most vital organs, like your heart, liver, kidneys and more. It is also responsible for making the hormones that control your metabolism. 
Especially in women more than men, thyroid disorders can be quite common. Estimates are that 20 million people are affected in the US, but that does not include all those who go undiagnosed (which is more prevalent than you think).

What are some common thyroid disorders?

Graves' Disease and Hashimoto's are two autoimmune disorders that most are aware about. 

Graves' Disease:

The causes are still unknown, some believe it is genetic. The disease refers to when your immune system attacks your thyroid gland and causes overproduction of hormones (hyperthyroidism). It mostly affects women under 40. The doctor can recommend removing your thyroid depending on your condition. 

Hashimoto's thyroiditis:

Thyroiditis is inflammation of your thyroid gland. There are many types of thyroiditis that have been discovered. One you may have heard of is called Hashimoto's which typically affects women between the ages of 30 and 50. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is when your own immune system attacks your thyroid over a long span of time eventually leading to hypothyroidism. A goiter, which is a lump in your throat can also form due to heavy swelling or inflammation.
Chronic conditions like thyroiditis are incurable. However, as with most chronic conditions, reducing your inflammation will be beneficial in your symptoms.
There was a study done in Pakistan where the use of turmeric helped reduce goitrogenesis (the creation of a goiter). South Asians tend to be more at risk of developing goiters and thyroiditis because of iodine deficiency in the diet. 
Taking a supplement daily, like Turmeric Gold, will help keep your inflammation in check.