Your thyroid is a gland in the center of your neck that regulates and controls your metabolism and other functions. When your thyroid is healthy, your metabolism works at normal levels and your body temperature is regulated. If your thyroid is not working properly, it may secrete too many hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism, or it could secrete too little, causing an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. You can help your thyroid function at its best.
Medical Exam
If you suspect that you have any type of thyroid problem, consult with your medical doctor. He will do a physical exam and ask questions about your health to see if laboratory testing should be done. The physical exam will consist of checking your thyroid and the surrounding lymph nodes by feel to see if there is any swelling; this could indicate a goiter or growth on your thyroid. He may also look for other physical indications of a thyroid problem such as hoarseness in your voice, a puffy face or dry, pale skin. If you have a condition called Graves' disease, an abnormal immune response that secretes too much thyroid hormone, you may experience anxiety, irregular heartbeat, insomnia and exophthalmoses or protruding eyeballs, according to MayoClinic.com. A blood test to see if your thyroid hormones are at heathy levels may also be necessary.
Diet
You may be able to help stimulate your thyroid if you have hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests eating foods high in iron such as pork, lamb, beef, clams, green beans, peas and pistachios. Some foods, such as soybeans, cabbage and pine nuts, may interfere with the function of your thyroid, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eating antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, cherries and bell pepper may help curb some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medication to help your thyroid. For example, a synthetic thyroid medication such as a levothyroxine replaces the hormones that are lacking. Synthetic hormones must be closely monitored by your doctor over the course of treatment to ensure your thyroid hormone levels are correct.
Surgery
You may have to undergo a biopsy of your thyroid to detect either cancerous or non-cancerous tumors or goiters. A sample of tissue is sent to a laboratory to determine further treatment. Many nodules or goiters are benign and can be treated with a watchful eye and medication. If a goiter becomes bothersome and begins to cut off your air passageway, surgery will be recommended. Any type of suspected cancer or invasive nodule may also have to be removed along with parts of your thyroid.
