Dr Sharanya Srinivas Shastri, a nutritionist at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Koramangala, Bengaluru, said: "A fault in this system can lead to conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroiditis."

In a report on TimesofIndia.com she added: "This results in hair loss or baldness, constipation, weight gain or weight loss, irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, lethargy and so on."

A balanced diet rich in iodine and amino acids, together with enough exercise and medication, helps control thyroid problems.

• Saffron: saffron is good for thyroid problems. It helps with stomach problems, pain and weight control. It is beneficial cooked with vegetables or taken mixed with milk before going to bed. It provides needed calcium and protein.
• Banana: another useful food that can be eaten in many ways. As a natural source of iron, eating bananas regularly helps keep thyroid disease under control.
• Mung dal: one of the best sources of protein. It also contains iron and zinc, which naturally activate the inactive T4 and convert it into T3, so the thyroid works properly. Eating rajma, dal or soup twice a week is beneficial.
• Baked fish: baked fish is rich in selenium and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the thyroid. Eating baked fish once a week reduces amino acid deficiency and supplies micronutrients that benefit the thyroid.
• Grain-based foods, vegetables, pulses and seafood: grain-based foods are rich in iron, copper, magnesium and vitamin B, which give the body energy all day.

Source: bdnews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.