World Thyroid Day

Every year May 25 is observed as World Thyroid Day to promote awareness and understanding of thyroid health and the advances made in treating thyroid diseases. World Thyroid Day was established in 2008 as part of a campaign led by the European Thyroid Association and the American Thyroid Association to emphasize the prevalence of thyroid diseases, focus on the urgent need for education and prevention programs, and increase awareness of new treatment modalities.

The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the center of the neck, is the master gland of metabolism. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating metabolism and energy use and affect almost all of the body\’s organs. In the early stages, a person may not notice any symptoms. However, without treatment, hypothyroidism can lead to severe complications, such as infertility and heart disease.

History

During their AGM prior to the ETA congress in Leipzig, Germany, in September 2007, the members of Thyroid Federation International decided to create a “World Thyroid Day”. They choose the date of May 25th (where there is already a national thyroid awareness day in some Scandinavian countries). During the ETA congress, they put a little poster on their booth: “The 25th of May is World Thyroid Day”.

Shortly afterward, they created a logo and decided that the first WTD would be celebrated in 2008. It was also decided to send an application to the UN, to have May 25th put on the list of “World … days” – but as TFI, at this date, was no stand-alone organization, only a subgroup of TFC in Canada, this request was not accepted. So, TFI never officially organized this “world thyroid day”, as a worldwide event, but various member organizations have events on this date all over the world. It has also been adopted by professional Endocrinology organizations as well. In their newsletter published in March 2008, the ETA announced the first “European Thyroid Day” on May 25th, 2008.

At the same time, the date of May 25th celebrates the creation of the ETA (created on May 25th, 1965, which celebrated its 40th anniversary on May 25th, 2005) May 25th has been designed as the anniversary of the European Thyroid Association, founded in Rome, May 25th, 1965, and in 2005 the ETA celebrated at the Jubilee Meeting in Athens, 40 years of excellence in clinical and experimental research. They, therefore, propose the designation of May 25th as European Thyroid Day in the context of a number of several international efforts to implement a World Thyroid Day.

5 tips for healthy thyroid

Stay lean and fit

A 2013 European Journal of Endocrinology study says that obesity is linked to the development of thyroid cancer. Maintain a healthy weight with clean eating and exercise to keep your thyroid gland healthy.

Increase iodine intake

Iodine is essential for thyroid health. Hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are named T4 and T3 due to the number of iodine molecules they possess. Iodine deficiency is common, but iodine intake can be fortified by consuming dairy products and seafood.

Consume nuts

Nuts have high selenium content which is important to the thyroid as it is needed to convert thyroid hormone T4 to T3 as the enzymes required for this conversion are actually dependent on selenium. It is also a potent antioxidant; protecting the gland from oxidative stress. Broccoli, butter, eggs, fish, garlic, onion, turnips, and seafood are also fantastic sources of selenium.

Hit the gym

Thyroid hormones help to regulate body weight. People with low levels of thyroid hormones can experience weight gain and an increase in body mass index (BMI) while a high level of hormones can result in weight loss. Hit the gym to control weight gain or loss.

Increase intake of anti-oxidants

The thyroid is very susceptible to oxidative stress. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and colorful vegetables that are high in antioxidants are extremely helpful to protect the thyroid. They are also must-haves if someone is suffering from an autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Significance

The thyroid is a gland located just below Adam’s apple in the neck. It is a part of the endocrine system that is known to regulate various body functions. The thyroid uses iodine from the food you eat and produces hormones that are important for the optimal function of your brain, kidneys, and liver. Also, it plays a vital role in the growth, metabolism, and development of your body. Hormones including triiodothyronine, tetraiodothyronine, and calcitonin are produced by the thyroid and they help in breathing, regulating cholesterol level, and body weight, improving muscle strength, and maintaining heart rate.

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