Actor Arjun Kapoor revealed he suffers from an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. He said that it could also be the reason for this weight gain.
“I have something called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It’s an extension of having a thyroid issue. Your antibodies fight against you. It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes into stress. The stress mode is when your antibodies believe something is wrong, and it goes into action. The more relaxed I am, the better I look — which is ironic because, in this profession, you’re not really relaxed,” the actor told The Hollywood Reporter India.
Arjun Kapoor described that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an extension of having a thyroid issue. This means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and potential damage.
Dr Satish Koul, Senior Director & Unit Head, Internal Medicine, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, told IndiaToday.in that Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland – a butterfly shaped gland located in the neck – becomes underactive.
This leads to the gland producing insufficient levels of vital hormones like thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are essential in regulating metabolism, growth, and development in the body.
WHAT CAUSES HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE?
The exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and hormonal imbalances.
According to Dr Koul, several factors can increase the risk of developing this condition:
Genetics: Family history of thyroid or autoimmune diseases.
Gender: Women are more susceptible than men, likely due to hormonal influences.
Age: Most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged individuals, though it can occur at any age.
Environmental Factors: Excessive iodine intake, exposure to radiation, or infections.
Stress and Lifestyle: Chronic stress and a poor diet can exacerbate autoimmune responses.
HOW DOES HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE AFFECT DAILY ACTIVITIES?
Hashimoto’s disease can impact one’s quality of life by affecting both physical and mental health. The thyroid hormones play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic rate, heart function, digestive health, muscle control, and brain function.
Therefore, when the thyroid is underactive due to Hashimoto’s disease, it can lead to various symptoms that hinder daily activities:
Fatigue and Weakness: Low thyroid hormone levels can cause extreme tiredness, making it difficult to engage in physical activities or even complete everyday tasks.
Weight Gain: Slowed metabolism can result in unintended weight gain despite normal eating habits.
Cognitive Impairment: Symptoms like brain fog, poor concentration, and memory problems can affect work productivity and social interactions.
Mood Changes: Hypothyroidism is often linked with depression, anxiety, and mood swings, which can strain personal relationships.
Cold Intolerance: Sensitivity to cold temperatures may make it uncomfortable to stay active, especially in cooler environments.
Muscle and Joint Pain: Stiffness, aches, and joint discomfort are common, leading to a decrease in mobility and exercise.
Digestive Issues: Symptoms like constipation and bloating can disrupt routine and cause discomfort.
HOW IS IT MANAGED?
The way to manage Hashimoto’s disease is by going on thyroid hormone replacement therapy, typically with levothyroxine, to restore normal thyroid hormone levels and alleviate symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain.
Regular monitoring of thyroid function is essential to adjusting medication dosage as needed. Dietary modifications, such as consuming a balanced diet rich in selenium and zinc, may support thyroid health, though excessive iodine should be avoided.
Stress management and adequate sleep are also vital, as they help regulate the immune system and reduce symptom flares.
