Part of taking care of your health involves understanding your thyroid
Most people have heard of the thyroid gland, but many don’t know what it is. Even fewer people understand the important jobs that it does for the body. Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology is here to change that with facts about this small but mighty gland. Understanding your thyroid has never been easier.
What is the thyroid gland?
Your thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system. This is the system that produces and releases the hormones that control different bodily processes.
The thyroid itself is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that lives at the front of your neck. Although it is small, it is very important for your overall health and fertility.
The following bodily functions are all affected by your thyroid.
- Digestion and metabolism (how your body uses energy)
- Breathing and heart rate
- Body temperature
- Mental activity and brain development
- Skin and bone health
- Fertility
As you can see, understanding your thyroid is important because this little gland affects so many parts of your body.
What does the thyroid do?
Your thyroid gland controls different bodily processes by making and releasing several types of hormones. Specifically, your thyroid is responsible for the following hormones.
- Thyroxine (T4)
- Triiodothyronine (T3)
- Reverse triiodothyronine (RT3)
- Calcitonin
The gland makes these hormones by trapping and transforming the iodine that comes from the food you eat. If you have too little or too much iodine, it can interfere with your thyroid’s function.
Understanding your thyroid: How can I keep my thyroid healthy?
The best way to protect and support your thyroid is through your diet. Specifically, you want to make sure you’re getting enough iodine from your food. Most people consume enough of this nutrient through iodized table salt and iodine-fortified foods.
You can also get iodine from the following food sources.
- Dairy products, including cheese, cow’s milk and yogurt
- Eggs
- Saltwater fish, shellfish and seaweed
- Soy milk and soy sauce
However, know that you can have too much of a good thing, so try not to consume too much iodine.
Our San Antonio OBGYNs can help you determine if you’re getting just the right amount of iodine in your diet. They can also help you find out if you might have one of the common thyroid disorders in women.
If you need more help understanding your thyroid, turn to Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology. Contact us to schedule an appointment and get the information you need to keep your thyroid healthy.