4 Ways to prevent and reduce the risk of hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland can cause health complications in vital organs, one of which is the heart. This condition, called hyperthyroidism, can actually be prevented or reduced in risk in a number of simple ways. So, how do you prevent hyperthyroidism?

How to prevent hyperthyroid disease

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located on the front of the neck.

These glands produce hormones that are used in body metabolism, regulating body temperature, and brain development in children.

Thyroid hormone is needed by the body. However, the amount must be in accordance with the alias need not be excessive.

This overactive thyroid gland can cause a variety of symptoms, such as irregular heartbeats, irritable moods, tremors, insomnia, hair loss, muscle weakness, and digestive problems.

Without treatment, this condition can lead to complications, such as problems with the heart, bones, eyes, and skin.

Actually there is no special way to prevent hyperthyroid disease.

However, there are steps you can take to lower the risk, as quoted from International Journal of Endocrinology Metabolism, that is:

1. Stop smoking

Smoking is the main cause of many deadly diseases, such as lung cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

This happens because cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that can inhibit the performance of organs and tissues, including the thyroid gland.

Cigarette chemicals can interfere with the absorption of iodine, which in turn increases the risk of orbitopathy graves, known as hyperthyroid protruding eye disorders.

If this bad habit is stopped, the risk of developing hyperthyroid disease is also reduced.

For this reason, quitting smoking is a way to prevent hyperthyroidism that should be done, especially if you are a heavy smoker.

2. Consume alcohol wisely

Some studies have shown that drinking alcohol has an impact on thyroid health. Although further study is needed, it would be nice if you limit the habit of drinking alcohol.

Make sure you don't drink alcohol to excess. For example, if in a day you are accustomed to drinking 3 glasses of alcohol, try reducing it to one glass per day.

This method is done not only to prevent hyperthyroidism but also other diseases, one of which is alcoholic cirrhosis which attacks the liver.

3. Eat foods that nourish the thyroid

You can reduce the risk of certain diseases by increasing your intake of healthy nutritious foods.

So, to maintain the health of the thyroid gland, soybeans are one of the recommended foods.

You can get soy nutrition from tempeh, tofu, or soy milk. But remember, consumption should not be excessive and should be avoided if you have a soy allergy.

In addition to soy, you can also prevent hyperthyroidism by paying attention to the intake of selenium in food.

This mineral supports the work of thyroid hormones, improves the immune system and cognitive function. You can get selenium from shrimp, salmon, crab, chicken, eggs, spinach, shitake mushrooms, and brown rice.

Selenium is also available in supplement form. However, the body absorbs organic selenium in food more optimally, namely selenomethionine than inorganic selenium, namely sodium selenite.

If you are interested in taking selenium supplements, consult your doctor first.

4. Check thyroid health

The last way you can do to prevent hyperthyroidism is to periodically check the thyroid gland.

This test is done by detecting a lump or swelling around the neck.

If there are no lumps but thyroid symptoms, such as easy sweating, more sensitivity to heat, menstrual cycles and appetite changes, consult a doctor immediately.