ORLANDO, Fla. – January is Thyroid Awareness Month.
There are about 20 million Americans living with thyroid disease, but researchers believe as many as 60% of them do not know it.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the lower neck that impacts nearly every organ.
It helps regulate heart rate, metabolism, energy and much more.
To make sure your thyroid is healthy and functioning normally, it’s important to see your doctor for annual check-ups and bloodwork.
Some people can experience hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism where the gland produces an imbalanced amount of hormone, which leads to a variety of symptoms.
Studies show 1.1% of men and women will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in their lifetime.
There are four types of thyroid cancers, but they are usually curable.
Medications can help manage thyroid disorders.
Ashley Carter and Jasmine Westbrooks, both licensed dietician nutritionists and founders of EatWell Exchange, said a diet balanced to your individual thyroid needs with the right amounts of nutrients, such as iodine, selenium, and zinc, also play a role in thyroid support.
For more information, watch the full interview at the top of this story.
For more about EatWell Exchange, click here.
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