While it’s no alternative for thyroid replacement medication, exercise can help you manage symptoms of hypothyroidism and boost your health in the long run. But it’s very vital to take some provisions when exercising if you have hypothyroidism. Here’s what to do and what to avoid.
Do and don’ts for thyroid patients:
In the case of the thyroid, the thyroid gland is solely responsible for the metabolic function of the body. Therefore, when the thyroid poses a problem, the entire body get suffers. A thyroid patient may encounter depression, weight gain, fatigue, low body temperature, hair fall, poor light sensitivity, and lack of stamina. It is vital to know how to approach the treatment of thyroid as well as the important do and don’ts for thyroid patients.
The Dos
1. Check thyroid regularly
It is vital to check thyroid levels regularly- whether you do it at home or via a lab test, it is up to you. At times, a doctor may completely rely upon the blood test for diagnosis and overlook thyroid dysfunction. This may leave many people undiagnosed. Therefore, it is important to have an open and clear discussion with your doctor and seek clarity.
If you want to test your thyroid levels at home, all you will need is a glass basal thermometer. You can check your temperature daily for 10 minutes. Take precautions as per your temperature.
2. Drink a lot of water
Thyroid patients must consistently drink distilled water. This is because chlorine, fluoride, and bromine levels are very low and it is iodine-free which helps the thyroid to function properly. Distilled water also certifies cleaning the liver and kidneys of toxins.
3. Eat selenium, tyrosine, and antioxidants rich food
Thyroid patients must have foods with Vitamin B such as crab, shellfish, brazil nuts, kidney, and liver. These foods include Selenium- an enzyme that converts T4 to T3. Tyrosine-based food incorporates almonds, sesame seeds, oats, etc. Antioxidants-rich food contains all fresh vegetables and fruits. These kinds of food will lower inflammation and help enhance health.
The Don’ts
1. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol
Thyroid patients, if they smoke or drink alcohol, should put a stop to this right away. This is because alcohol is a depressant and it puts down the thyroid gland functions. Tobacco or smoking is equally deadly as it blocks the iodide ratio and synthesis of hormones.
2. Say no to macronutrients
Fats, protein, and carbohydrates are the big macronutrients. They play a major role in thyroid regulation in the body. However, being on a low-carb diet can adversely affect the thyroid. Even diets that are non-fat or trans-fat pose discomfort to thyroid patients.
3. Stay away from sugar and caffeine
Caffeine likely shows to stress the body and so does sugar. Having caffeine in smaller quantities is good as it helps to control inflammation, as it helps to opens up the blood vessels. However, having more than the recommended amount of caffeine can alter the TSH levels produced by the pituitary glands.
4. No self-medication
Most of the times’ thyroid patients struggle to understand what’s happening to their body and therefore they turn to surf on internet for reference. The internet with its wide range of unverified sources tells different stories and patients get carried away and start to relate everything happening in their body to be a thyroid problem.
It is recommended that one should be familiar with the symptoms and conditions that are thyroid-related but talk with a certified doctor and get a proper prescription before an individual decide his/her own treatment.
Conclusion:
The above mentioned are some Do and don’ts for thyroid patients!
There are some foods that don’t fit neatly into do or don’t categories. For example, soymilk and soy sauce are good sources of iodine, but soy products and your thyroid hormone may not mix. Even, Whole-grain bread is rich in vitamin B12 but can affect how you absorb your medication.
Always discuss any concerns you have with your doctor or a nutritionist. He or she can also give you advice on how and when to take vitamins and medications so that they won’t interfere with your thyroid pills. Always take your thyroid medicines in the prescribed format!
If you are one of those who just started taking thyroid medication, give it time to work. It might take several weeks to feel a difference. Also, work closely with your doctor to find the right dose. It may take a little time, trial, and error before you find what works best for you. If you stop taking your medication, your body’s functions will begin to decline and symptoms will return.
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