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Postpartum Thyroiditis and Its Relationship With Autoimmunity

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August 13, 2021

Postpartum Thyroiditis and Its Relationship With Autoimmunity

The thyroid and pregnancy have a direct relationship that not everyone is aware of. During pregnancy and after delivery, the mother’s thyroid gland goes through several hemodynamic, metabolic, and immunologic changes. Any small thyroid dysfunction if not detected on time can lead to serious thyroid and pregnancy disorders in the short or long term.

Thyroid and Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the mother’s thyroid gland ideally should increase its thyroxine production by 30% to 50%. The right balance and proper functioning ensure the correct brain development of the fetus and its nervous system. Often a slight imbalance can trigger the onset of thyroid problems, which can lead to a risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. Since thyroid and pregnancy have an obvious relationship, it’s a common practice to monitor the thyroid profile periodically throughout pregnancy.

Postpartum Thyroiditis

After delivery, especially in the first year of the postpartum period, there could be an onset, exacerbation, or relapse of autoimmune diseases. The most common autoimmune thyroid disease postnatally is postpartum thyroiditis.

Postpartum thyroiditis is a transient or permanent thyroid dysfunction syndrome that occurs in the first year after delivery. It is based on an autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid. This thyroid disorder may also occur after the loss of pregnancy at 5–20 weeks gestation.

Most women, who develop postpartum thyroiditis, may take 12 to 18 months from the start of the symptoms for their thyroid function to return to normal. But some women may develop permanent thyroid dysfunction.

What Causes Postpartum Thyroiditis?

During postpartum, when antithyroid antibodies attack the thyroid, it causes the thyroid to become inflamed, leading to postpartum thyroiditis.

The reason why antibodies attack the thyroid is still unknown. However, it is believed that women who develop postpartum thyroiditis may have an underlying autoimmune thyroid condition. However the symptoms are not seen.

During pregnancy, several changes in the immune system take place that makes the pregnant woman have an enhanced state of immune tolerance. During the postpartum period, this immune tolerance is slowly lost which can be accompanied by the beginning, relapse, or worsening of autoimmune thyroid disorders. This rebound reaction to this pregnancy-associated immune suppression aggravates the autoimmune syndrome after delivery, leading to postpartum thyroiditis.

Safest Ways to Gain Weight

Chiranjeevi

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August 12, 2021

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Gain Weight Safely In a world of 1.9 billion obese individuals, where weight loss programs, weight-loss diets, are trending; no one would have paid even the slightest attention to the fact that “being underweight” is also a serious health risk. Hence, the importance of nutrition cannot be ignored. Here, we intend to share certain weight gain tips that are quick, effective yet safe.

Workout Regularly

Gaining weight contributes to an increase in lean muscle mass and bound fat reserves, which can be achieved through strength resistance exercises. Regular weight lifting exercises will bulk up major muscle mass. To get the desired results, you need to take efforts on different important parts of the body; such as thighs, calves, chest, abdomen, back, shoulders, triceps, etc. by setting a regular schedule.

Underweight? Eat More, Burn Less

If you consider simple mathematical logic, in your weight gain mission; you will be able to meet your targets in no time! A system with a higher influx of calories than an outflux may lead to healthy weight gain triggers. Increased consumption of protein-rich food like fish, eggs, meat, and dairy products promotes rapid weight gain. A higher calorie intake through energy-rich carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, cheese, nuts can also be added to your weight gain recipe list.

Adequate Sleep

Whether it’s weight loss or weight gain, the secret of a healthy body relies mostly on your sleep pattern. It plays a very vital role in your physical as well as mental well-being. Multiple scientific studies have proposed relevant data supporting the fact that adequate sleep is beneficial in improving digestion, increasing metabolic response towards exercises and diet, and preventing unnecessary stress triggers; leading to hormonal disturbances and weight challenges.

Drink Plenty of Water

It should be noted that an excessive intake of protein can dehydrate your body; hence, it is always advisable to drink plenty of water intermittently to avoid bloating. You can also add other health beverages to your routine intake; such as peanut butter smoothies, yogurt smoothies, soya milk, fruit juices, etc.

Although everyone’s goal is different, if you want to gain weight safely and healthily, you must rely on calorie-rich foods, protein intakes, a daily dose of weight lifting exercises, and of course adequate sleep to maintain a balanced state of mind and body. Follow these weight gain tips to get faster results.

Discover How to Control Thyroid by Finding the Right Balance Between Exercise and Diet

Chiranjeevi

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August 11, 2021

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How to control Thyroid?

A fit and lean body, like those athletes, is certainly everyone’s dream. The gym seems to be the only solution for losing and gaining weight too. But, wait for a second, is there anything else that might be interfering? The butterfly-shaped gland, the Thyroid is responsible for the digestion of food, growth, as well as development. Here the question arises,

Yes! We can control Thyroid. How? Let’s understand.

An over-active Thyroid causes Hyperthyroidism as a result, a person unintentionally loses weight. Alternatively, an under-active Thyroid causes Hypothyroidism. As a result, a person observes a sudden increase in weight. Both instances affect an individual’s health and overall well-being as they lead to hair loss, muscle weakness, memory loss and leave you feeling tired all day.

Managing Thyroid can become easier if you are diagnosed early. For instance, early detection helps in better treatment by keeping your Thyroid under check. Differentiating between excess and scarcity of thyroid hormones can help you plan your diet as well as include exercises to down-regulate or stimulate your Thyroid gland. In both cases, proper nutrition is a necessity.

How to Control Thyroid?

Undoubtedly the answer is simple. Firstly focus on your diet and secondly on exercise. Here, the nutrition-80% exercise-20% rule is to be followed.

Nutrition demands higher importance as what you eat defines how much your body needs to digest.

Nutrition:

How to Control Thyroid in Hypothyroidism–

Food to avoid or consume in limited quantity:

Processed food: Ready meals, Bread, Cakes, Cheese, etc.
Goitrogens: Soy-rich products (Tofu, etc.); Beverages (Green tea, Coffee, Alcohol); Fruits (Strawberries, Peaches, etc.)
Millet (Cereal or grain crop)
Supplements: Only if advised by a Doctor (Iodine, Selenium)

Food to consume:

Animal products: Eggs, Fish, Seaweed, Lean meat, Chicken, etc.
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products
Beverages: Non-caffeinated
Gluten-free products

How to Control Thyroid in Hyperthyroidism-

Food to avoid or consume in limited quantity:

Iodine-rich food: Seafood, agar-agar, Dairy products, etc.
Animal products: Eggs, Fish, Lean meat, Chicken, etc.
Gluten-rich products
Soy-rich products
Caffeinated beverages

Food to consume:

Cruciferous vegetables
Low-iodine products
Fruits
Nuts
Food products rich in Vitamin D and Minerals (Iron, Selenium, Zinc, Calcium)
Spices: Pepper (black), Turmeric, Green chilies

How to Control Thyroid with Exercise?

Besides consuming a properly balanced diet, it is essential to be physically active. Moderate aerobic and cardiovascular exercises have proven to improve as well as maintain proper Thyroid functioning. But, a sole focus on exercises may lead to complications. The benefits of being physically active not only help in reducing stress and depression but show improvement in energy levels and muscle mass, and more.

Balancing between nutrition as well as exercise is like a puzzle where regular preventive checkups serve as hints. Meanwhile, Thyrocare helps you in testing your Thyroid function with a variety of preventive as well as diagnostic tests.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms in Girls: New Facets of an Old Disease

Chiranjeevi

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August 10, 2021

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Hypothyroidism symptoms in girls

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in girls are different from boys. Hypothyroidism is a low-active demon that ignores what can have disastrous consequences for a long time. In many cases, this condition is associated with simple symptoms such as cold tolerance or dry skin. Therefore, ignoring this condition results in excessive hair loss, neck swelling, and/or organ failure. Although the thyroid gland is not a gender-specific disease, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are more evident in girls.

The thyroid gland, located on the front of the neck just below the jaw, is responsible for managing many of the body’s metabolic processes, which in turn are responsible for the proper functioning of various vital organs, including the heart. However, when the production of thyroid hormones changes, producing fewer or more hormones than necessary, can lead to serious health problems.

Signs and Symptoms

Since the condition is associated with the physiological processes of the human body; symptoms cannot be very typical. Some people may go off-the-record with none of the symptoms listed herewith or some may score high in symptomatic exposition.

Excessive Weight Gain and Resistance Towards the Weight Loss

Sudden unintentional weight gain and resistance to weight loss efforts are some of the common signs of an imbalance in the thyroid gland in the body. In fact, your thyroid gland is responsible for your hunger pranks. Therefore, you may feel a sharp change in your appetite. If your appetite increases and you suddenly start to feel lethargic with weight gain; Then it’s time to see a doctor.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Asymptomatic hypothyroidism is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This increased risk is associated with elevated cholesterol levels. Regardless of total cholesterol levels, asymptomatic hypothyroidism is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, high-density lipoproteins, smoking, and many other factors.

Asymptomatic hypothyroidism in the elderly contributes to the threat of heart failure.
The dominant antagonistic symptoms of hypothyroidism call for a timely diagnosis. Hypothyroidism is a common condition that affects more women than men. Performing long-term treatment with the introduction of thyroxine is an excellent choice.

Postpartum Weight Loss Tips

Chiranjeevi

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August 9, 2021

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Postpartum Weight Loss Tips

Postpartum weight gain is not uncommon. If you’re eager to reclaim your pre-pregnancy body, a smart way to approach weight loss is to listen to your body and give it enough time to recover. You may have to wait for several weeks or months after childbirth before you can safely begin your journey to weight loss. Here are some effective weight loss tips to help you achieve a healthy postpartum weight loss:

Keep Your Goals Realistic

Setting weight loss goals seems easy, but it is one of the most difficult parts of your journey. So, don’t set unreasonable goals because if you fail you might give them up altogether. A reasonable weight loss goal would be losing up to 0.5 kilograms (1 pound) a week. However, it might take six months to one year to go back to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Consume Healthy Foods

After childbirth, proper nutrition is important. Make wise food choices to promote healthy weight loss after pregnancy. Some changes in your eating habits could be:

Eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Controlling portion sizes
Consuming lean proteins
Limiting salt and sweets

Don’t Follow Crash Diet

Crash diets are calorie-deficit diets aimed at losing a large amount of weight in the shortest time possible. After childbirth, your body needs proper nutrition to heal and recover and if you are breastfeeding, you’ll need more calories than normal. So, don’t follow a crash diet, it may leave you feeling tired all the time.

Breastfeed Your Baby

Breastfeeding helps lose postpartum weight. When you breastfeed, the fat cells stored in your body are used to fuel milk production to feed your baby.

Include Exercise to Your Routine

If you had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you can start light exercises within days of delivery. However, if you had a complicated birth or C-section, you may have to wait for four to six weeks to begin exercising.

It is recommended to consult your doctor before you begin. Start slow and gradually add exercises of moderate intensity. If you experience pain, stop immediately; it could be a sign that you are overdoing it.

Vegan Diet for Thyroid Health

Chiranjeevi

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August 7, 2021

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A Vegan Diet for Thyroid and other organs have lots of benefits, which include less chances of obesity, lowered risk of cancer, kidney and cardiovascular disease, and much lesser susceptibility to autoimmune disease. Your diet has a direct impact on your health and this holds true especially for those suffering from thyroid-related issues. Your diet not only affects your thyroid but also the absorption of thyroid medication in your body.

However, we see that even after having BMI in control, vegans show 22% risk for hypothyroidism and 51% risk for hyperthyroidism. Research shows that vegan diets that are high in simple carbohydrates and sugars leads to problems related to thyroid and heart. Let’s read more about how to balance the thyroid diet.

While choosing a thyroid diet, it is important that you focus on foods that are vital in helping your body produce thyroid hormones and in the conversion of T4 to T3. Iodine is one of the key nutrients for a healthy thyroid, which is found in abundance in meats and dairy products. However, when following a vegan thyroid diet, you need to ensure that the foods in your thyroid diet have adequate amounts of iodine.

A well-balanced vegan thyroid diet should contain the following foods:

Iodine Rich Food

Include foods like seaweed, rock salt, peanuts, almonds, avocados, bananas, lima beans, and seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, sesame & squash in your thyroid diet.

You can also include cacao, mushrooms, spirulina, and cashews. This ensures you get a steady intake of iodine that your body requires.

Legumes

Adding legumes to your thyroid diet will ensure that you have a good source of protein.

Complex Carbohydrates

You should also ensure that your thyroid diet is rich in complex carbohydrates. Food rich in fiber and low in sugar include sweet potatoes, pumpkin, green leafy vegetables, etc.

Raw Vegetables-Vegan diet for Thyroid

Raw vegetables ensure that your body gets the right amount of nutrients. Including raw vegetables in salads with low-fat dressings like nuts and seeds is a great idea.

Saturated Fats

Palm oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter contain saturated fat. These can provide your body with the much-needed saturated fats that are key for High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol.

Effects of Delayed Heart Attack Treatment

Chiranjeevi

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August 6, 2021

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Effects of Delayed Heart Attack Treatment

Have you ever experienced chest tightness, mental fog, and/or nausea? If yes then chances are – it might have been a heart attack!! However, it is important to know that almost 40% effects of delayed heart attack treatment is by dint of trivial symptoms like fatigue and brushing aside its complexities.

Statistics suggest that many heart attacks exhibit mild symptoms that are quite common, and can be referred herewith:

Sudden short term discomfort in the chest
Shortness of breath
Sensitivity towards cold temperature
Extreme mental fatigue/confusion
Nausea, vomiting, and/other digestive tract disorders

However, these symptoms are easily ignored by us, due to incomplete knowledge of cardiovascular disorders. Interestingly, women experience different symptoms compared to men.

Some of them being :

Pressure in the upper back
Confusion, irritability
Chest discomfort with a faint pain
Frequent indigestion

With the pandemic underway, most people have started following the trend of virtual treatments.

The Sudden Danger of Congestive Heart Failure

The physiology of heart diseases validates that arterial blockage is one of the primary reasons that contribute to the poor functional attributes of the heart causing a heart attack. The heart is a muscular organ that demands a continuous supply of blood that carries oxygen for its proper functioning. Due to restrictions in blood supply, there is a damage in heart muscle cells, which hampers functional efficiency.

Poor Supply of Oxygenated Blood to Different Organs of the Body

One of the primary functions of the heart is to supply oxygenated blood to different organs of the body. While the heart is at risk, it influences the supply of blood to these organs, increasing the chances of functional abnormalities in the brain, digestive system, etc.

Higher Chances of Second and Third Attack

A delay in the treatment paves way for multiple episodes of heart attack and functional loss that may lead to multiple organ failures.

Thus, it is advised to keep a regular check of your heart health by assessing the cardiac risk markers.

Tips to Fight Coronavirus

Chiranjeevi

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August 5, 2021

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Its been more than 18 months since the Coronavirus pandemic, the first two waves have passed and the third wave is expected soon. Though the daily count of active cases is decreasing, India is still in the top 5 countries across the globe. Therefore, there is an urgent need for tips to fight against Coronavirus by improving your immunity.

While people continue to receive COVID-19 vaccines, we are not yet ready to recommence our pre-pandemic lifestyles. The virus is still out there and the battle is far from over. Until then, it’s important to follow these coronavirus tips to fight off the virus –

Tips to Fight against coronavirus

Wear a Mask

Wearing a mask in a correct manner is important to protect yourself and those around you from contracting and spreading the virus. Consider double masking to protect against the more contagious strains.

Watch Your Distance

Social distancing remains vital for limiting the spread of coronavirus. Be sure to wear face masks and stay at least 6 feet away from people. This will ensure that you are not too close to someone who might be infected and symptomatic or asymptomatic.

Wash Hands Often

Wash your hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important when you return home from being out in crowded places. Keeping sanitizer handy for immediate access is a good practice.

Boost Your Immunity to fight against Coronavirus

Your immune system is the most powerful weapon to fight infections. So, sleep well, lower your stress levels and follow a balanced diet to keep your immune system healthy. Make sure you drink plenty of water and include vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains in your daily diet.

Keep Thermometer and Oximeter Handy at Home

A thermometer and oximeter are two of the most important medical health gadgets that you should have at home right now.

Tracking the rise in temperature and drop in oxygen levels will help you avoid medical emergencies.

Getting a Vaccination

There are three vaccines available in India—Covaxin, Covishield, and Sputnik V —it’s imperative that you get vaccinated irrespective of its brand.

While we cannot completely eliminate the risk of getting COVID-19, these simple coronavirus tips can help minimize the risk, limit the exposure and fight off coronavirus and its deadly variants.

Can Thyroid Cause Problems During Pregnancy?

Chiranjeevi

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August 4, 2021

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Can Thyroid Cause Problems During Pregnancy?

Thyroid During Pregnancy

Many of us are already aware of the fact that disturbance in hormonal secretions causes issues like weight gain, mood swings etc. But did you know that thyroid problem can affect your pregnancy as well? So, your thyroid dysfunction needs immediate medical attention doesn’t it?

As we already know, the thyroid is a “butterfly shaped gland”, situated in the neck region under your chin. This gland is responsible for the majority of the metabolic processes, which also includes reproductive function. The fluctuation in its secretion is in correlation with thyroid and pregnancy issues in women and disruption in the menstrual cycle. Having said that, getting your thyroid regulated with routine checkups and timely treatment can reduce the chances of fertility issues down the line.

1. Role of Thyroid During Pregnancy

Studies have indicated that when women are pregnant, their demand for thyroid hormones increase making them more vulnerable to hypothyroidism. Moreover, impaired functional attributes of thyroid secretion can directly affect development of baby’s central nervous system. However it should be noted that, there is no direct evidence of miscarriage and/or pregnancy losses due to thyroid dysfunction. But this is certainly related to premature birth, low body weight of the baby and other complications. Its found that more than 10 out of every 100 women have reported postpartum thyroiditis; leading to lifetime complications, if not treated within specified time period.

2. How to Avoid Complications with Thyroid During Pregnancy?

Your baby is entirely dependent upon you for all his nutritional requirements, pre and post delivery. Although, the baby’s thyroid gland develops only after 12 weeks of gestation, it takes time for it to start functioning. Hence, it is advisable that whenever you plan to have a baby, you should keep your thyroid profile in check. This will certainly help you avoid unnecessary complications during and post pregnancy.

3. So What’s The Bottom Line?

For those who are really unaware of issue about thyroid during pregnancy, it is important to get your thyroid checked; more particularly if you have a genetic predisposition to the condition. If you are experiencing any of symptoms like irregular menstrual period, sudden weight gain or weight loss, frequent mood swings, insomnia or feeling sleepy all day; please visit your health advisor for better diagnosis and treatment.

10 Ways to Boost Immunity Against Coronavirus

Chiranjeevi

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August 3, 2021

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10 Ways to Boost Immunity Against Coronavirus

How To Boost immunity against Coronavirus.

Since majority of population is still waiting for vaccination, the best possible alternative to fight COVID-19 pandemic is to strengthen the immune system. Immune system is the body’s defense mechanism for fighting off ‘foreign agents’. Therefore it is crucial to find ways to boost immunity against Coronavirus.

1. Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Incorporating green leafy vegetables and fresh seasonal fruits in your diet can drastically boost your immunity against Coronavirus. Local fruits provide ample minerals and antioxidants to fight off free radicals that induces inflammation in the body. In addition seasonal vegetables provide essential vitamins (A, C, D, and E) and minerals (magnesium, selenium, and zinc) that boost immunity. Therefore helps in warding off infection especially in children and elderly.

2. Enough Water Intake

Above all, staying hydrated throughout the day is a sure-shot way to boost immunity. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water is ideal to flush out toxins from the body. A healthy way to increase your water intake would be by eating water-rich fruits or making fresh juices.

3. Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is extremely important for the functioning of immune system. This can be achieved with a balanced-nutritious diet, meditation, proper exercise and sleep.

4. Enough Exposure to Sunlight

It is seen that enough exposure to sunlight results in the production of Vitamin D in the skin which helps prevent as spectrum of infections in the body.

5. Practicing Meditation

Meditation calms the mind and reduces levels of stress and anxiety. This is extremely crucial in the times of pandemic to maintain the mental and physical health.

6. Improved Sleep

Subsequently, good sleep of around 6-7 hours (for adults) and 8-9 hours (for kids) a day is beneficial for recharging and rejuvenating the body and improving the digestive system to provide immunity against Coronavirus.

7. Practicing Good Hygiene

Moreover, pandemic has taught us one thing for sure, that is to maintain good personal hygiene like washing hands regularly, using sanitizer in public places, and regular cleaning of clothes. Besides, these practices are beneficial to prevent diseases and infection.

8. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Consumption of alcohol reduces immunity and smoking in addition effects the respiratory system; However it is advisable to avoid substance abuse to increase the immune levels in the body.

9. Exercising Daily

Practicing yoga and moderate exercise like brisk walking or jogging daily can boost the levels of oxygen and thereby reduce inflammation in an individual.

10. Staying Connected to Friends & Family

Being indoors can seem lonely and increase depression and anxiety among individuals, hence it is important to remain in touch with friends and family through phone calls, video calls, and messages to stay in a positive frame of mind.