Hypothyroidism requires proper treatment and medication from a doctor – no amount of lifestyle changes will make it go away completely. However, a few lifestyle changes can help sufferers manage their symptoms better.
Diet
A consistent, balanced diet is crucial for managing hypothyroidism, in particular ensuring enough vegetables are being consumed. However, some vegetables can actually cause more issues – cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage and turnips should be avoided as they can hinder thyroid hormone production. Cutting them out completely should only be considered if a sufferer has a severe iodine deficiency, as these vegetables do still have many health benefits.
It is important to eat cleanly every day, cutting out processed food and paying attention to the intake of sugar and ensuring each meal has a good helping of fibre and protein.
Exercise
Exercise should be incorporated into daily life, but with certain limits. It is important to have exercise as part of a routine, but listening to the needs of the body should always come first. So if the body is saying it needs rest, listen to it – don’t push it too far, as this can hinder the body’s ability to change inactive thyroid hormone T4 to the active form T3. If this is a concern, look into T3 medication UK.
Relaxation
Stress can increase the resistance of thyroid receptor cells to thyroid hormone and weaken the immune system. Ensure stress is managed through breathing techniques, yoga, meditation and moderate exercise, such as jogging, to prevent stress worsening symptoms. Ensuring enough time is spent recuperating is also essential.
Supplements
Some supplements can cause issues for those living with hypothyroidism, so always do your research before introducing new supplements. Supplements that claim to boost thyroid function are rarely ever backed up with solid evidence, and some contain a dangerous excess of thyroid hormones. Similarly, iodine supplements should be thoroughly researched before consumption, as these can also have a dangerous excess that can cause a rapid decline in thyroid function.
Weight
Fluctuating weight causes hormones to dip and spike, which in turn worsens symptoms for hypothyroidism suffers, so it is important to keep an eye on weight, ensure healthy diet and include exercise as part of everyday life. Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, which can have a negative effect on hormone levels and therefore worsen symptoms. This also means the body requires a higher level of thyroid hormone, another cause for symptoms to worsen, so keeping weight at healthy levels is crucial for symptom management. Ensuring weight is regulated can also help prevent thyroid cancer.
Sleep
Sleep is important for recuperation and strength. The body releases many hormones at night, so good quality sleep can help alleviate some symptoms of hypothyroidism. Furthermore, fatigue can cause symptoms to worsen, so ensuring proper sleep to avoid fatigue can help prevent severe symptoms in some cases.
