An underactive thyroid – also known as hypothyroidism – can be a frustrating ailment to weigh you down. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing, storing and releasing hormones into the bloodstream.
If you have an underactive thyroid that means your thyroid gland is not producing the necessary amount of hormones. Common symptoms of this condition can include fatigue, an increased sensitivity to cold, depression, muscle aches and weight gain.
It is vital to get it treated as soon as possible to avoid lifelong complications that could later arise like heart disease.
While there are many medications and treatments that you can utilize to treat the ailment – such as levothyroxine and Cytomel Tabs (liothyronine or T3) – there are plenty of things you can do on your end to treat the condition.
Healthy Eating
Yes, we are all familiar with the whole ‘you need to eat healthy’ routine and essentially treating your body like a temple. But one of the potential causes of an underactive thyroid is said to be a lack of dietary iodine, commonly found in fish and dairy products. Try to maintain a healthy and consistent diet of these foods including fruit, vegetables and protein-based foods. Because weight gain is one of the most common symptoms of an underactive thyroid, you should have small, but regular meals throughout the day. You can therefore maintain a healthy diet while keeping your energy levels stable.
Exercise
Exercise is another common tip for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But fatigue and depression are major issues with this condition. But exercise will release endorphins that will allow you to work off the stress while also maintaining high energy levels.
There are three main types of exercise and activities you can and should be doing with this condition. Walking or light running, which boosts your cardio. Weight lifting to build up your strength and yoga to provide you with some flexibility.
It should be noted that while regular exercise is expected, you should not go over the top. A brisk walk should not become a sprint, don’t suddenly lift tons of weight as if you’re trying to be Superman and don’t try to make yourself so flexible you could join a cirque du soleil. You could risk exacerbating your symptoms, like, for example, sprinting could add to the ache in your joints. So, discuss with your doctor how to put together an exercise plan that doesn’t push you too hard.
Massages, Meditation and Relaxation
Sometimes, the best way to deal with a physical balance is to find a good mental balance. Taking up yoga and meditation or submitting yourself to a massage will give you a sense of calm. A massage can work wonders on those joints and meditation can balance out the low mood brewing as a result of the condition.
Beauty sleep is also a heavy necessity. You’re going to feel frequently fatigued so you’re going to need to make sure you get your eight hours a night, with the possibility of micro naps during the day.
Of course, this is something you will need to discuss with your doctor, ensuring you do enough to keep you stable and fight off the underactive thyroid, but not so much you end up worsening the symptoms. But once you have a proper schedule worked out, you can chip away at the ailment bit by bit.