What Are The Thyroid Glands?

The thyroid is the butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. The gland produces hormones that affect the metabolism. The thyroid is extremely important, maintaining the body’s heart, temperature, protein production, and usage of fats and carbohydrates. Problems with one’s thyroid can result in thyroid disease, which is an umbrella term for any complication caused by the thyroid.

Here, we go over one of the most common thyroid problems: Overactive thyroids.

Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is caused by the thyroid overproducing hormones. This causes the metabolism to work faster than it’s meant to. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite and the amount and type of food you eat remain the same or even increase
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute — irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations)
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness, anxiety and irritability
• Tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers
• Sweating
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements
• An enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck
• Fatigue, muscle weakness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Skin thinning
• Fine, brittle hair

(Source: Mayo Clinic)

Symptoms can vary depending on the person. Older adults tend to experience less severe symptoms, sometimes showing little to no symptoms. Symptoms such as fatigue, increased heart rate, and higher body temperature can easily be mistaken for other health issues.

Overactive thyroids can be caused by preexisting conditions, including graves’ disease, toxic adenoma, Plummer disease (toxic multinodular goiter) and thyroiditis(x). The disease is more common in women and in people with a family history of thyroid disease.

Hyperthyroidism can only be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If you start experiencing any symptoms, consult with your doctor immediately. If untreated, overactive thyroid can result in heart disease, osteoporosis, eye problems, red, swollen skin and thyrotoxic crisis.

Among seniors, depression is the most common mood disorder. It often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to the stigma that it is not a real disorder. Depression is very real, and should never be ignored. Here, we go over the types, symptoms, causes, and effects of depression.

Depression is the feeling of sadness, hopelessness, and apatheticness. The difference between feeling sad and feeling depressed, is that depression lasts for long periods of time, from anywhere between a few weeks to several years. It inevitably will affect a person’s life, including their personal relationships and job performance. The main types of depression are:

Major Depression, which is the most common depressive disorder. It lasts for two weeks or longer, and can cause a person to experiences four or more of the following symptoms:

• Ongoing feelings of sadness and/or hopelessness
• Feelings of guilt and/or worthlessness
• Insomnia / difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of fatigue or tiredness
• Feelings of irritability
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Trouble concentrating and making decisions
• Thoughts of death and/or suicide
• Suicide attempts
• Physical symptoms that do not respond to normal treatments, such as headaches, digestive issues, aches, cramps, or pain.

Persistent Depressive Disorder or PDD, is a form of depression that lasts for over two years. PDD shares the same symptoms as major depression, and can include episodes of major depression along with periods of less severe symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder (formerly manic depression) is not as common as major depression or PDD, and is the experience of extreme mood cycles that go from intense highs (manic) to severe lows (depression).

Depression has several underlying causes, including genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. Depression can be genetic, with people with a history of depression in their family having higher risks of suffering from depression. But, this is not always the case. Depression can also be caused by trauma or stress (e.g. the recent death of a loved one, financial issues, etc.), or depression can occur with no obvious causes or triggers.

In the same way one would go to the doctor when sick, people with depression should seek help from a professional. If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression, talk to your doctor. They can help you find a certified psychiatrist. Many clinics and senior centers also have attending psychiatrists and therapists on site who are willing to help those in need. If you or someone you know is showing signs of suicidal behavior (talking about death, planning their own death, etc.) contact the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit Suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a non-contagious chronic disease that causes rough, raised patches on the skin. It is an autoimmune disease, which means it is caused by the immune system. People suffering from psoriasis develop an overabundance of skin cells, which causes build-up. Symptoms can include:

• Itching, burning, or stinging
• Red patches of skin
• Cracked or scaly skin
• Stiff or swollen joints
• Abnormal nail growth (including pitted, ridged, thick, or discolored nails)

Psoriasis can appear on any part of the body, but most commonly appears on the scalp, elbows and knees. If you are experiencing any symptoms of psoriasis, visit your primary doctor or a dermatologist. Over-the-counter products will not cause psoriasis symptoms to disappear, so it is important to speak with your physician.  

Types of Psoriasis

There are several different types of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis, which is the most common type, is distinguished by the swollen red patches that appear on the skin. The patches are often covered with dead skin cells, causing it to have a white, scaly appearance. It most often appears on the outside of the knees and elbows, the scalp, face, lower back, palms, and feet soles.

Guttate Psoriasis is most common in kids and young adults, but it can still flair up later on in life. It causes small, red dots to appear on the skin that can appear by the hundreds. It flairs up most often on the torso, arms and legs, but can also appear on the scalp, face, and ears. Guttate can be triggered by infections, certain drugs, skin injuries, or stress, and can occur simultaneously to other forms of psoriasis.  

Inverse (or Intertriginous) Psoriasis symptoms can also occur at the same time as other psoriasis symptoms. Unlike other forms of psoriasis, inverse psoriasis symptoms include red patches on the skin that are smooth and shiny. They appear in body folds, like in the armpits, the groin, below breasts, and skin folds. Because of the constant rubbing and sweating, the patches tend to be extremely sensitive and irritated.

Pustular Psoriasis causes small, white, pus-filled blisters to appear surrounded by red skin. It can be triggered by a number of causes, including  medications, UV light, outside irritants, infections, and stress.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most uncommon form of psoriasis. Symptoms include widespread redness and shedding on the body, skin appearing burned, severe pain and itching, increases and decreases in body temperature. Erythrodermic psoriasis can be fatal, and can be triggered by sun burn, medications, infections, steroid usage, alcoholism, and stress. If you or someone you know are showing any symptoms get medical help immediately.

What is Crohn’s Disease?

Crohn’s Disease is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or an IBD. Affecting around 780,000 Americans, the disease causes inflammation in the bowel tissue of the digestive tract. Symptoms can vary, but generally include:

• Abdominal Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Bloody stool
• Rectal bleeding
• Persistent need to use the bathroom
• Constipation
• Feeling of incomplete bowel removal

Less common symptoms can also include:

• Fever and fatigue
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Night Sweats
• Inflammation of skin, eyes, joints, liver or bile ducts

The causes of Crohn’s Disease are still unknown. People with a family history of the disease are more likely to suffer from it. Those with parents, siblings, or children affected by the disease are at highest risk.

The types of Crohn’s Disease are dependant on which part of the tract is affected. The different types include:

Ileocolitis, which affects the ends of both the small and large intestines. Commonly, people experience cramping, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen, and can experience weight loss.

Ileitis, which affects only the small intestines, shares the same symptoms as Ileocolitis.

Jejunoileitis causes inflammation in random parts of the upper half of the small intestine. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pains, and cramps, especially after eating.

Gastroduodenal affects the small intestine and the stomach, and can cause nausea, vomiting, loss and appetite and weight loss.

Crohn’s (Granulomatous) Colitis causes rectal bleeding and diarrhea, and affects the colon.

Those who have Crohn’s Disease can experience symptoms irregularly. The disease is chronic, and has no cure. It cannot be self-diagnosed, and can only be diagnosed by a professional. If you have experienced any of the major symptoms listed above, visit your doctor immediately.

What is Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes red itchy patches to appear on the skin. It is a chronic condition that can vary from mild to severe. Eczema has no cure, but it can be treated. Symptoms of Eczema include:

• Irritated red or grayish brown patches on the body
• Itching
• Small skin bumps
• Crusting or fluid-filled bumps
• Dry, cracked, swollen, and sensitive skin

Many factors can flare or aggravate symptoms of eczema, including cold weather. During the winter, to the cold air mixed with the heat of the indoors and wearing extra layers make it harder for the skin to maintain moisture. This aggravates the skin.  Of course, eczema can worsen based on many different factors. Here are a few to keep in mind this season: 

Hot baths and long hot showers

Some bath products claim to help eczema with special bath salts or mixtures that should be used in the tub. But, often, people tend to use these products in hot water. This is counter-intuitive, because spending long periods of time submerged in hot water dries out the skin, worsening eczema symptoms. Try using warm water instead of hot water, and limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower or bath.

Clothes, towels, and sheets

At almost all times, fabrics are rubbing up against our skins. So, it is important to keep in mind that certain fabrics can be causing your skin more harm than good. When dealing with eczema, softer fabrics like silk or cotton are better for the skin. Certain materials, like wool, should not be in direct contact with the skin. In the case of wool coats, the inside material should always be softer and more delicate than the outside.

When it comes to towels, they should be gentle on the skin, not rough. Avoid stiff or older towels. When using a towel, always pat the skin dry. Rubbing, especially on dry patches, can cause further damage.

Sheets should also be soft. Cotton and silk sheets (if you want to splurge) work best when dealing with eczema.

Scratching

Scratching or picking at skin with dry patches or raised bumps causes aggravation,crusting, and swelling. Scratching can also cause fluids to develop under the skin and the spread of bacteria. Instead, skin should be properly treated to diminish irritation. Gentle, unscented soaps without dyes or alcohol should be used when bathing. Use thick moisturizers everyday. When dealing with flare-ups, use specialized ointments recommended to you by your doctor. These ointments may contain hydrocortisone or hydrocortisone acetate, which help with itching.  

Is Organic Food Better For You?

Overall studies have found that organic foods are no more healthy than regularly grown and raised food.   

Organic food is food that is grown or raised without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics or hormones. Traditional foods are foods that include all of these additives. Studies have found that there is little to no nutritional difference between organically grown and non-organically grown food. In a 2012 study showed that there was little to no vitamin or nutrient difference between organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables. The biggest difference was pesticides. Organic food had little to no pesticides while non-organic food almost always used pesticides. But, all of the food passed the pesticide safety limits. Even meats showed little difference, both organic and traditional meat having similar risks of e coli virus.

But, Aren’t Pesticides bad?

A lot of people don’t trust pesticides, and they’re not without their reasons. Pesticides are used to keep harmful pests like insects from contaminating foods. They are made up of different compounds and chemicals that are generally safe for people to consume in limits, which is why pesticides that are over the safety limit cannot be consumed. So, why are so many people against them? Well, pesticides are man-made, and though there is no direct proof if pesticides cause any problems or illnesses, some chemicals used in pesticides are dangerous in larger amounts. A lot of people also like to point out that past synthetic chemicals that were thought safe at one point where proven to be harmful overtime.

So, why do we use pesticide? Pesticides make it possible to grow a lot of food with a much lower risk of contamination. But, not all pesticides are the same. Natural pesticides do not use any synthetic chemicals. And, as said before, a lot of organic foods are grown with natural or no pesticides.

At the end of the day, there is little danger in consuming foods made with pesticides. Whether or not you choose to eat organic or non-organic raised foods is entirely up to you. The main goal is to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Margarine

Originally, margarine was created to be a healthier alternative to butter. But, over the years, the spread has become so processed, that it’s hardly any better than butter. While significantly lower in cholesterol and fat when compared to butter, margarine is still not much better. It’s high in saturated fat, contains trans fat, and has very little nutritional value. But, margarine’s nutritional value varies, depending on the brand and type. One popular brand of margarine that many people don’t realize is margarine is I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. Some margarines contain less trans fat and low salt, so always check the nutritional information before buying.

For an alternative, try using vegetable oils or olive oils on different foods and breads instead.   

Low-Fat Products

Many food products use catchy words to make them sound healthy; low-fat, fat-free, reduced-fat, light, etc. These words appeal to people who are trying to cut fat out of their diet. But, in order to make up for the lack of fat and lack of taste, these foods tend to stock up on sugar, salt,  and all other type of ingredients that drive up the calories. This is also why it’s important to always check the nutritional value before eating.

But, do these food descriptions all mean the same thing? Negative. In fact, each has a completely separate meaning:

Low-fat means a serving size of food has three or less grams of fat.

Fat-free means a serving size of food contains less than 0.5 grams of fat.

Reduced-fat means a food product has 24% less fat than the regular food product.

Light foods either have one-third less fat than the original food or half the fat of the original food.

Salad toppings

Salad is seen as the ultimate healthy meal. But, when all those greens are covered in thick dressing, croutons and strips of meat, then it’s no longer as healthy as it once was. Beware of pre-made salads bought at restaurants and fast food places, where the salads can be over one third of your daily calorie intake. When making or buying a salad, be careful of what goes in it. These can include:

Dressings, especially thick, creamy dressings like ranch or russian; Instead, try oil or vinegar based dressings.  

Toppings, such as croutons, cheese, fried meats, fish, salted/roasted nuts, etc; Instead, opt for crunchy fruits and vegetables, grilled or baked meats-fish, and regular nuts and seeds.

The best way to know to whether a food is healthy or not is to check its nutritional label. But, what exactly should you be looking for when reading one?

Serving Size & Serving Per Container: Serving sizes are important because the nutritional label is based on the serving size. This can become confusing when you see something has only 100 calories but has 4 servings. This means that the entire package of food is actually 400 calories. Often times, people tend to eat well over the serving size, ignoring it all together. It is extremely important to check the serving size, since it could be the difference between 100 calories and 400 calories.

Calories: Calories counts help you keep track of how many calories you’re consuming as part of your daily intake. According to the FDA, anything with 40 calories or less is considered a low calorie food, 100 calories, a moderate calorie food, and 400 or more calories, a high calorie food.

Calories from fat: exactly as it says, these are the amount of calories that come from fat.

Fat: Generally, too much fat is a bad thing, especially saturated fats and trans fats, so you should always avoid eating foods high in those fats. But, not all fats are bad. Fats like polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats are healthy, and can be found in healthy foods such as oils, nuts, seeds, and avocados.

Cholesterol & sodium: Just like fats, foods high in cholesterol and sodium should be either avoided or eaten in moderation.

Total carbohydrates: Popular to contrary belief, carbohydrates are not bad for you. Both dietary fiber and sugar are carbs. Dietary fiber is essential for good health, and helps maintain healthy bowel movements, as well as making you feel fuller faster. Sugar, on the other hand, can be either good or bad, believe it or not. Natural sugars that come naturally from fruits, vegetables or milk is fine, while processed and added sugars are the sugars you should avoid.   

Protein, vitamin and minerals: These are important since they are essential for a healthy lifestyle.

DV%: DV% stands for daily value percentage, and is listed next to the nutrition facts. These percentages list how much of that nutrient you are receiving based on the daily recommended amount. These percentages are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, which may be either above or below your personal recommended calorie intake. When reading the DV%, remember that 5% or lower is low and 20% or higher is high. For healthy nutrients like dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals, you want to look for high DV%. And for unhealthy nutrients like saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and cholesterol, you want to aim for low DV%.    

What Is Asthma ?

Asthma is a chronic illness that affects the lung’s airways. The lung’s airways carry air in and out of the lungs. In people suffering with asthma, the muscles in their airways can become constricted and swollen, allowing less air to pass through. Symptoms of asthma can include:

• Wheezing
• Trouble breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Chronic coughing

Symptoms of asthma most commonly occur in reaction to various allergens, irritants, activities, and surroundings. These triggers can cause a flare-up of symptoms, also called asthma attacks. These triggers can include:

• Allergens, such as animal dander, dust, mold, pollen, or cockroaches
• Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, or sprays (hairspray, disinfectant spray, etc.)
• Certain medications
• Physical activity
• Sulfites in foods or drinks
• Changes in weather

Adult-onset asthma can be triggered by allergies. Other triggers include:

• Extended exposure to irritants, such as cigarette smoke or work materials
• Hormonal fluctuations in women, which can happen during and after pregnancy or menopause
• Certain illnesses (such as a cold or the flu)

Asthma can re-appear if you suffered with asthma as a child. In fact, people who suffered from asthma when they were younger experience more severe symptoms when developing adult-onset asthma.   

The exact cause of asthma is unknown, and there is no cure. But, when properly treated, asthma can be maintained.  

Asthma Treatments

Doctors who specialize in asthma work with patients to help control their symptoms. Since everyone experiences asthma differently, doctors will prescribe different medications and create different plans to fit each individual’s symptoms and triggers. Prescription asthma medications come in two types: long-term control and short-term control. Long-term control medications help prevent asthma symptoms while short-term medications give instant relief from symptoms.