Tag: thyroid

All about Puffy eyes 🙄

by drjurisharma, posted in brain, emotional health, eyes, Life

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe weekend 🙋🏻

Maybe, we all at some point or very often been troubled with puffiness around eyes, especially below the eyes, interfering with our looks. Puffy eyes are seen usually in the age group above 30 to 40 years. But, nowadays, often young people are also seen with puffy eyes. So, it very common among all age groups. Structurally, eyes are surrounded by orbital fats on all sides that protect the eyes from any external injury and help smooth eyeball movement on all sides. There is also an orbital septum between the orbital bone and the eyelid, preventing orbital fat from bulging. As we age, this orbital septum gets weaker and weaker, and hence the puffiness can be prominent.

Since it is found in both young and aged, the causes are plenty. It can be temporary or persistent, mild to severe depending upon the underlying cause. Sometimes, puffiness can be idiopathic that is without any known cause. Transient puffiness is mostly seen after waking up in the morning, which can disappear as the day progresses. In most of the people, it can be persistent, as the ageing process moves. It can be in varying degree ranging from mild, moderate to severe. The different probable causes can be :

1. Allergy like due to allergens like dust, pollen, dander.
2. Infection in the eyes like conjunctivitis, which can cause both pink and puffy eyes.
3. Wearing contact lenses for too long can cause puffiness as the cornea gets swelled up due to cut off oxygen supply while the lenses are on.
4. Ageing is the most typical cause as the orbital fat below the eyes slowly start protruding.


5. Too much alcohol intake causes bloating.
6. Not getting enough sleep.
7. Too much salt consumption causes water retention.


8. Too much artificial sugar, or high sugar diet can cause water retention, inflammation and bloat.
9. Kidney issues and when protein intake is high. There is an electrolyte imbalance, more sodium in the body. So, there is water retention.
10. Thyroid causes.
11. Cirrhosis as liver problems can cause bloating.
12. Crying for too long can cause transient puffiness.

Depending upon the cause and the severity, the remedies and treatment are required.

1. If it is a mild kind of puffiness, and due to a temporary cause like eye injury, not getting enough sleep, high salt consumption or high alcohol intake. Correcting the underlying cause and applying a cold compress or caffeine creme can be very helpful.

2. If it is due to a medical cause like thyroid issues, kidney issues or liver Cirrhosis, the individual needs to make lifestyle changes like – low carbohydrate diet, low protein diet, cutting down salt and sugar. Sometimes, increasing potassium content through dietary sources can help to get rid of the excess fluid. And, of course, treating the underlying cause with medication.
3. Cosmetic reasons: Sometimes, due to the ageing process, the puffiness can be severe and hinder the physical appearence. In such cases, Hyualuronic acid fillers and lower eyelid blepheroplasty can be helpful.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

 

 

 

All about Ashwagandha 🌱

by drjurisharma, posted in emotional health, food, Life, nature

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

Ashwagandha: This is a herb, initially grown in India, also in the Middle East and some parts of Africa. As the name signifies, ‘Ashwa’ meaning ‘horse’ and ‘gandha’ means ‘smell’. So the herb smells like horse and doesn’t taste good either. But, this herb is well known for its exceptional medicinal properties. It is used in Ayurvedic Medicine from an ancient time. Its botanical name is “Withania Somnifera”. Since it has some fantastic health benefits, various researches have been carried out across the world to prove it’s efficacy. Well yes, this herb has been considered safe and now widely been used as a supplement for various health issues and overall good health.

Scientifically, this herb is an adaptogen, meaning that it adapts the requirement of the body. It balances the body’s homeostasis depending upon the emotional and physiological stresses by strengthening the nervous, endocrine and immune system. The main medicinal compound found in this herb is called ‘Withanolides’. It is found beneficial for both men and women’s health and can be used in case of children too.

The top benefits of Ashwagandha:

1.Ashwagandha helps to boost the overall health, enhances the immune system, increases muscle growth and power. It increases stamina and endurance power.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety: Ashwagandha reduces the level of cortisol and empowers the adrenal health. It can improve the mood by acting as a natural antidepressant. It improves sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety and calming the mind.
3.Aswagandha benefits the thyroid health. It helps to keep a balance of the different thyroid hormones. As it is an adaptogen, it can benefit in overall balance of thyroid hormones so it helpful in thyroid issues. But studies shows that it is more effective in hypothyroidism than hyperthyroidism.
3. It is highly beneficial for brain health. It can reduce inflammation in the brain, improves neuronal health and memory. It is used successfully to improve conditions like Parkinsonism, Alzheimer’s disease. It can help to improve focus and concentration, so it is used in cases of ADHD too.
4. It can be beneficial in both males and females by improving the reproductive health and endocrine system. So, it has been used successfully in case of males to improve the level of testosterone.
5. Studies suggest that it has anti-cancer properties and prevent the growth of new cancer cells. More shreds of evidence are required in this regard.
6. It can lower the blood sugar level as it improves the insulin secretion and increases insulin sensitivity. It can also lower cholesterol level and so is heart-friendly.


Since it is a natural herb from a green shrub, its root, leaves and different parts of the plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine. But the most widely used is the root powder extract. It is available in capsules and powder form. The ideal dose as a supplement is 500mg once or twice daily depending upon the individual body types and body weight. The best way to take the dose is at a convenient timing after a meal. A healthy diet is advisable along with the herb to get the best possible result. Since it has a robust medicinal compound, it has to be always used under Expert advice.

Though considered safe, like all herbs, overdosing can lead to toxicity.
Some of the side effects are important to note before using this herb.

1.Drug interaction: People using medicines for thyroid, blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases should never carelessly use this herb. Because, using this herb, can interfere with the efficacy of the other medicines used. So, this herb should be used only before advice by the treating Physician.
2.Large doses of Ashwagandha can cause gastrointestinal irritations like vomiting, stomach upset and diarrhoea. People should not use it if one suffers from a stomach ulcer.
3.Pregnancy and breastfeeding women should avoid using this herb as it can cause a harmful effect.
4.It can cause sedation when taken in excess or along with antidepressant pills.
5. It is better to avoid using this herb in individual who are opting for surgery as it can slows down the central nervous system.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

(The intent of this post is mainly informational)

3 facts of Hyperhidrosis 😰

by drjurisharma, posted in food, Life

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and great day 🙋🏻

3 things to know about hyperhidrosis :

1. Hyperhidrosis is a condition characterised by excessive sweating from the eccrine glands, which is about 4-5 times more than an average person sweating. This condition can harm the life of the individual at the professional, mental and social level. Physiologically, sweating is a normal phenomenon which occurs to regulate the body’s temperature. It is actually, a function of the sympathetic nervous system that causes the sweating. In hyperhidrosis, tremendous sweating occurs in hands, feet, scalp, face and armpits, making it annoying and irritable. This condition affects about 5% of the global population.

2. Hyperhidrosis has no known cause but can be associated with certain medical conditions. So, reasons can be group as :
a.Idiopathic (no known cause)
b.Hereditary factor
c.It can be related to certain medical underlying conditions and due to the intake of certain medications.
d.Specific conditions which can be associated with hyperhidrosis: Obesity, Stress disorders, chronic anxiety, hyperthyroidism and menopause.

3. There is no known cure for hyperhidrosis. Though topical creme and antiperspirant are there, treatments are available to manage such cases quite well. Some treatment options are :
a.Iontophoresis: It is a non-invasive procedure of delivering electric current to the affected body parts like hands, feet or armpit while that particular body part is submerged in water. Though this procedure is common, it has a limited success rate and requires frequent intervention.
b.Botox injections: This method is quite effective but again requires numerous injections and repeated sessions.
c.Sympathectomy: This is a minimal surgical procedure which is used to remove the sympathetic nerves that control the sweating of the affected parts. This procedure is the most effective one.
The cost-effectiveness of each of the procedures can be decided, depending upon the individual’s requirement and severity.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

 

6 natural ways of Thyroid care 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in Life

Hello everyone ! Have a wonderful and safe day 🙋🏻

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The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped in the neck, which is responsible for metabolism and growth. This gland mainly secretes hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine. It is controlled by the pituitary gland which is called the master gland of the hormonal axis. Thyroid problems are widespread and experienced by millions, but about 60% of such cases remain undiagnosed. Thyroid problems are elevated these days because of high stress in day to day life, unhealthy food habits, sedentary lifestyle, and perhaps increase in top environmental toxins. Though thyroid problems can appear in both men and women, but women are most likely to be affected than men. Although there is no specific cause, the reason can be due to estrogen dominance, a state where the estrogen level is elevated than the progesterone level.

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Thyroid issues can be broad as
#dietary deficiency like iodine deficiency such as in case of goitre  

#autoimmune in origins like hypothyroidism called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism called Graves disease.

#Thyroid nodules.

Symptoms depend on different conditions. Common symptoms for thyroid problems can be:
tiredness,
fast heartbeats,
fatigue,
weightloss (hyperthyroid) or weight gain (hypothyroid),
irritability,
anxiety,
heat intolerance and 
irregular menstrual cycle.
The association of thyroid issues with irregularity or imbalance in women reproductive hormones have been quite relevant. There is a significant association of thyroid issues with conditions like uterine fibroid, endometriosis, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual symptoms (PMS), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and difficulty in menopause.

According to modern medicine, depending upon the thyroid hormone levels in the blood, physical examination, ultrasound and physical symptoms, the diagnosis is confirmed. Drugs are given as a substitute for thyroid hormones in case hypothyroidism.

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But in general, the thyroid gland can be maintained healthily by changing our food habits and lifestyle. 6 natural ways are: 
1.Food: Apple, coconut, yoghurt, beans, spinach, onions, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, mango, olive oil, garlic, mushroom, nuts, sea fishes like sardines and salmon, using natural rock salt in meals.

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2. Avoiding junk food and soya products.

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3. Daily yoga and meditation are beneficial;

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4. The message of the gland with pure cold-pressed walnut oil or red onion (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties) can help significantly to reduce inflammation around the organ.
5. Vitamin D, Selenium and magnesium supplementation are helpful.

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6. Detoxifying: our body is highly equipped with organs (liver, kidneys, skin, lungs) to eliminate toxins. We do not require expensive therapies or sessions or any special diet for detoxification. We, need to stick to a clean diet, plenty of fluids, proper sleep, no excess processed food, sugar and alcohol to enhance the natural detoxification process.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐

Selenium : An amazing mineral 😇

by drjurisharma, posted in Uncategorized

Hello everyone 🤗 Have a wonderful day and stay safe 🙋🏻

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Today, I am going to write about an amazing mineral called Selenium. This mineral is present as a trace mineral in the body’s skeletal muscles. It is an essential mineral which acts as a coenzyme to some almost 25 proteins in the body. Its main function is that it is a powerful antioxidant, protects our body from the damage of oxidative stress caused by free radicals, helps in maintaining a healthy immune system, also improves our cognitive functions. The ideal dose of Selenium as a daily intake is 55 mcg. The therapeutic dose is usually recommended as 200 mcg. A person can tolerate safely up to 400 mcg of selenium daily but beyond that, there are chances of selenium toxicity. Researches have shown that there are 2 forms of Selenium: Organic as selenomethionine and inorganic as selenite or selenate. So, the sources of selenium can be both dietary and supplementation.

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 8 amazing benefits of Selenium are :

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Glutathione structure

1.The most powerful benefit is that selenium is involved in the synthesis of glutathione which is a powerful antioxidant and protects the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, heavy metals, harmful chemicals, or too much sugar causing damage to the nerve, muscle cells in the body. This is why selenium is very useful for people with chronic conditions like Diabetes, heart issues, peripheral neuropathy. It also helps in reducing the complications of such chronic conditions. It protects the brain and nervous system.

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 2.Another important benefit of selenium is that it helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the synthesis of the thyroid hormones. Therefore, a person with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid diseases where the production of thyroid hormones become low, selenium is of great help. It also helps in reducing significantly the thyroid peroxidase antibodies. This is why, selenium is recommended as therapeutic supplement in such conditions. 

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3.Selenium has a high impact on our immune system. It helps in the increase production of activated T cells and natural killer cells making the immune system strong and reduces the susceptibility to viral infections, diseases and tumours. It also reduces inflammation in the body.

4. It helps to protect us from the damage of mercury. Consuming fishes and shellfish, we are exposed to Methylmercury, an organic form of mercury which isn’t good for the body at all. It may have a toxic effect on the nervous system, kidney, lungs, skin and in eyes. Selenium which is also present in fishes counteract with the mercury and make it inactive thereby protecting the body from the toxicity.

5. Anti Cancer effect: Since it reduces the oxidative stress in the body , therby reducing the damage to DNA Mitochrondria. This effect can counteract the carcinogens of harmful chemicals and toxins that enters the body through various sources.

6. Liver disease: Selenium helps to prevent or rather helps in reducing liver damage caused like alcohol use, obesity and liver scarring called Cirrhosis.

7. Prostate : It helps to reduce certain condition of prostate like Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

8. Arsenic: It helps to reduce the effect of Arsenic Poisoning.

Though selenium has some amazing benefits, it is wise to take the appropriate amount daily. Just as the deficiency can cause certain problems in the body, the excess quantity can cause certain toxicity.

Deficiency of Selenium:
Compromised immune system causing us more susceptible to disease.
Cognitive problems like difficulty in thinking and concentrating.
Infertility.
Hair loss
Weight gain.

Some effects of Selenium toxicity :
Skin rashes
Nervous system abnormalities.
Fatigue
Diarrhoea.

Finally, the dietary sources of Selenium:

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Brazil nuts: Though brazil nuts are highest in selenium concentration. They have another substance called Phytic acid which makes the selenium difficult to absorb in the body. So, brazil nuts should be soaked overnight so that the layer of Phytic acid is removed and the selenium can be absorbed properly.

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Grains, bread.

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Fishes like tuna, salmon, sardines, halibut.
Poultry.
Eggs.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐