Improper functioning of the thyroid gland instantly affects health and well-being. It can compress nearby organs, cause coughing, a feeling of a lump in the throat, and even choking attacks. In special cases, there is a lack of strength, hair loss, and weakness.
Moreover, thyroid dysfunction can be a cause of weight gain. A person may feel as if they are gaining weight just by looking at a pastry.
These 4 simple methods will help determine if your gland is functioning normally. If any of the tests show an unsatisfactory result, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
How to Check at Home: Iodine Deficiency Test
Thyroid hormones (thyroid hormones) are 65% made up of iodine. They affect energy metabolism in cells, detoxify the body, fight infections, and even regulate the pancreas. Imagine, the thyroid contains 50% of the iodine found in the human body. It extracts it from the blood and synthesizes the necessary hormones that keep us at the proper physical and mental levels. When there is a deficiency of iodine, the thyroid enlarges, leading to goiter.
Also, if there is a lack of iodine, the skin becomes dry, weight inexplicably increases, constipation occurs, blood pressure drops, and women may experience menstrual cycle disruptions.
People who are iodine deficient often feel apathetic and fall into a depressive state. They find it difficult to concentrate and remember.
Test
Of course, this test does not claim to be the ultimate truth. It is important to understand that this is not a medical quality check, but through this test, you will understand whether your body needs iodine in general.
Using a cotton swab, draw an iodine grid on your wrist measuring 5 by 5 centimeters, and after a couple of hours, check what remains of the drawing. If it has disappeared – you are catastrophically lacking iodine. If there are traces left – everything is normal.
Before going to bed, draw three stripes with iodine on your hand. One very thin, one medium, and one stripe one centimeter wide. If in the morning you see that the thinnest one has disappeared – then everything is normal. However, if all three have disappeared, including the widest one, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further diagnostics.
How to Check if the Thyroid is Enlarged?
The thyroid enlarges if it has been malfunctioning for a long time. How can you tell if it is normal?
Test
Take a lot of water into your mouth and approach a mirror. Slowly swallow the water. If you see swelling forming on your neck, it means the gland is enlarged.
It is known that hypothyroidism contributes to hair loss. And while we may not notice the thinning of our hair or attribute it to stress or changes in weather, a reduction in eyebrow hairs is a concerning marker of a problem. Place a pen vertically at the outer corner of your eye. Keep it parallel to your nose. If the tip of your eyebrow extends beyond the pencil line – everything is fine, there is no need to worry.
Leave a comment