There are numerous things that can go wrong with your thyroid. Here's just a small sample:
- Goiter, an enlargement of the gland that can easily be removed.
- Thyroid Cancer, which can also usually be removed.
- Hyperthyroidism, when the thyroid makes too much hormone.
- Hypothyroidism, when it isn't making enough.
Usually, medications can get hyperthyroidism under control; however, removing a portion of the gland is sometimes required. Keep in mind that if you suffer from hyperthyroidism, it's best to ask your doctor about any vitamins or supplements you might be taking. Some vitamins and supplements contain iodine.You'll want to avoid iodine, given that you're trying to slow your thyroid and iodine just stimulates it.
On the other side of the fence, there's hypothyroidism. There are two primary causes of this condition. First, it can occur when you've had a hunk of your thyroid removed to deal with something like cancer, a goiter, or ironically, hyperthyroidism. The second most common cause of hypothyroidism is a swelling of the gland that leaves most of its cells dead. Often, the cause for this is called autoimmune thyroiditis, when the body's own immune system turns on the thyroid, causing inflammation. There are several symptoms of hypothyroidism, including:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Depression
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
Often, people who are having problems losing weight will instantly point at their thyroids. It's a fine thing to check—a simple blood test usually does the trick—but keep in mind that you'll most likely have some of those other symptoms as well.
If you do have hypothyroidism, it's usually easily treatable with medication, often a synthetic form of the T4 hormone. Keep in mind, though, that getting the treatment just right is a little bit of a guessing game. It might take your medical professional a few medications to find the right one, and even when he or she does, it can take a couple months for your hormone levels to get back to normal. And even then, patients often find that losing weight remains difficult. There could be many reasons for this, including other medications you're taking, such as antidepressants or steroids. Stress can also play a factor, as can depression or other hormonal imbalances. But this is no reason to give up on fitness. Even though your metabolism is impaired, it's still there and you'll benefit from exercise by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Proper medical treatment plays a major role in treating thyroid issues, but there are also two important things you can do.
Exercise. The main problem with hypothyroidism is that your metabolism has slowed down. The simple fact is that muscle takes more energy than fat to maintain, so if you exercise, you raise even a slow metabolism. Also, working out can help you deal with some of the other problems associated with the condition, including depression. So whether you choose a 20 minute workout, 45 minute aerobic workout, or just training with weights, make exercise a priority, but remember to consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Diet. Obviously, a healthy, calorie-controlled diet can still help you lose weight, or at the very least, it can help prevent additional weight gain. Additionally, numerous studies point to some foods containing goitrogens, naturally occurring substances that interfere with thyroid function. Avoiding large amounts of these foods, particularly raw, isn't a good idea. Your nutritionist should be able to provide you with more information about goitrogens. Here's a partial list:
- Soybean-based foods, such as tofu and soy milk
- Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard, rutabaga, and turnips. (Note that if your thyroid is healthy, these veggies are all still good for you. Nice try.)
- Millet
- Peaches
- Peanuts
- Pine nuts
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment