Brittle hair and nails could signal serious condition
What is hypothyroidism and what are the symptoms of the condition (photo: Freepik)
When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones necessary for the body's normal functioning, hypothyroidism occurs. It is important to detect this condition early, as it can pose serious risks.
Key symptoms to watch for
There are key symptoms that may indicate this condition. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones. In its early stages, it may not cause noticeable symptoms.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Feeling cold, even in warm weather
- Continuous weight gain
- Brittle hair and nails
- Dry skin
- Depression or decreased concentration
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Memory issues, reduced energy, and focus
Proper diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.
Why it’s dangerous
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to severe consequences:
- Development of type 2 diabetes
- Insulin resistance and elevated cholesterol levels
- Atherosclerosis and increased risk of heart attacks
- Osteoporosis and premature aging
- Memory decline, cognitive impairments, and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
What to do for hypothyroidism
Hormone replacement therapy
Prescribed by a doctor based on test results, this helps normalize hormone levels.
Nutrition
According to nutritionist Olena Kostiuk, a diet for hypothyroidism should be balanced and support the thyroid gland.
Recommended foods:
- Iodine-rich sources: seaweed, cod, shrimp, oysters
- Selenium sources: Brazil nuts, beef liver, eggs
- Zinc: pumpkin seeds, oysters, chickpeas
- Vitamin D: fatty fish (salmon, herring), egg yolks, mushrooms
- Antioxidants: berries, spinach, broccoli
- Omega-3s: flaxseed oil, nuts, mackerel
Addressing deficiencies
Regularly check levels of iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, and vitamin D.
Routine
- Go to bed by 11:00 p.m.
- Engage in regular physical activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga.
By following these steps, weight can stabilize without strict diets, energy returns, and sleep quality improves. Additionally, skin will become more hydrated, and hair and nails stronger.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
