Impact Of Drinking Water, Dietary Habits And Environmental Factors On Thyroid Hormones

Abstract

Back ground: Thyroid disorders affect millions globally, involving complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies indicated that thyroid disorders are prevalent in the hilly regions, Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan had been overlooked due to extreme conservatism present in the region.

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency and distribution of thyroid disorders among the female population residing in Karak district and to find out if factors like ground water and the local edibles contribute the development of thyroid disorders or thyroid gland status in studied area.

Methods: The consumable water were collected from four scattered sources (hand pumps, tap water, wells and springs) in each locality of the study area (Zebichenakhel, Lawagharchenakhel and Upper Lawagharchenakhel).The water samples were processed for the characteristics of pH and conductivity and for the concentrations of total dissolved solids, iodine, fluoride, selenium, nitrate and cyanide using specific spectrophotometric methods. These were compared with WHO permissible ranges to assess in general the quality of the water consumed by the studied population.

Results:  The occurrence of thyroid disorders was 33%(100)and 14% were normal euthyroid in these areas conformed through ELISA kits. The foods grown in the area of the district Karak and consume by the female population was focused and the information was collected from each of the subject sampled for the blood and whose thyroid function’s hormones profile was investigated. The food component contain cruciferous vegetables whose high intake can cause hypothyroidism because these vegetables naturally contain substances goitrogens interfering in thyroid hormones synthesizing capacity. The hypothyroid incidences may be iodine induced due to uneven that is some taking and other avoiding iodine supplementation. To further understand these elements and how they might assist individuals in diagnosing and treating thyroid diseases, more research is necessary.