Thyroid surgery

Thyroid surgery may be indicated for one of three reasons: cancer, compression or cosmesis. There are about 40,000 new thyroid cancer cases diagnosed per year in the United States. This number has been progressively rising over the last few decades probably because of earlier detection and an actual increase in the incidence with immigrants from areas exposed to radiation. Compression refers to choking or swallowing difficulties resulting from a goiter or from extension of the thyroid to the chest. The final indication, cosmesis, refers to a patient's wish to eliminate an unsightly goiter in the neck.

Aside from anaesthetic risks, the specific risks of thyroid surgery are hemorrhage, wound infection, voice disturbance and hypocalcemia. Hemorrhage refers to bleeding during or after the procedure. It is important that all vessels supplying the thyroid gland are adequately controlled during the procedure. Hemorrhage after the procedure can be life-threatening. Wound infection is uncommon but a few patients may react to the stitch material used for the closure.

The thyroid gland overlies the larynx and trachea. The nerves supplying the vocal cords traverse the upper and deep portions of the thyroid gland. Disturbances of the voice can result from direct trauma to these nerves or cautery. These injuries can be minimized with the use of the intra-operative nerve monitor, which is akin to the monitor used during spinal surgery. By this means, the surgeon can be alerted to even minimal nerve stimulation and thus avoid any significant trauma to the nerves.

The final potential complication is hypocalcemia, which typically may arise after a total thyroidectomy, which is usually indicated for thyroid cancer or a goiter. It is important for the surgeon to identify and preserve the parathyroid glands with their intricate blood supply intact. If there is any concern, the parathyroid gland should be removed and transplanted into the neck muscles. Post-operative blood tests can show if one has parathyroid malfunction and calcium supplementation should be commenced.

Finally, it is important to discuss with your surgeon their experience in thyroid surgery. Like other surgeries requiring meticulous dissection, the greater experience is generally coupled with reduced risk. Similarly, it is important to ensure that the surgeon will be personally performing or attending the surgery at all times.

Underactive Thyroid Diet

Underactive Thyroid Diet - Simple Diet Plan To Help You Regain Energy and Lose Weight

Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces abnormally low thyroid hormones needed by the body for metabolism, such as breaking down of foods into energy. The main symptoms of this condition include weight gain, depression, memory loss, hair loss, constipation, hoarse voice, chronic fatigue and weakness.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms or diagnosed with underactive thyroid condition, the best way to improve your thyroid function is by modifying your diet. Underactive thyroid condition can be maintained with appropriate diets that are rich in essential trace minerals such as iodine, selenium and zinc. These elements can stimulate the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones required by the body to function properly. Moreover, by maintaining appropriate diet will help you to lose weight and regain the much-needed energy for daily activities.

So if you want to live a healthy life, here is a simple diet plan for underactive thyroid condition

Breakfast

Eat whole cereals or whole bread with eggs. For bread, choose a whole-grain and whole-meal varieties of bread. These are high in energy but low in fat. Make sure to take tea, especially herbal tea. Use low-fat milk for the tea. After this, you can take yoghurt. Milk and yoghurt are very rich in iodine. Also include fresh fruits such as strawberries.

Lunch

Eat fresh ground turkey or skinless chicken sandwiches on whole-bread with sliced tomatoes. These will provide you with vitamin B and C and selenium which are essential for normal thyroid function. Make sure to drink plenty of water, at least 8-10 glasses a day. Water helps to flush out toxin from the body and help you to lose weight. You can take apples for snack.

Dinner

Eat brown rice with shrimps and fish, such as salmon. Include plenty of vegetables and dress with tomatoes, lettuce and pepper. Ensure that you cook stew or soup with olive oil. Complete your dinner with yoghurt.

This is just a simple diet plan to give you an idea of what your main diet should contain. The key to healthy eating is to eat a wide variety of foods. To achieve the desired result, make it a habit to follow this diet plan and incorporate the above mentioned foods into your diet at least 3 times in a week.

Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals and fibres. Eat green leafy vegetables and fruits regularly. It is recommended that you have at least five potions of fruits and vegetables a day. You should also take vitamin supplements.

A simple diet plan will go a long way in helping you to control the symptoms of underactive thyroid condition and live a healthy life. There is a program which outlines a comprehensive diet plan and other Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism which will help you to live a healthy life.