Hypothyrodism Diet & Exercise

Hypothyroidism is the result of too little circulating thyroid hormone in the body. Also called "underactive thyroid," the condition affects both sexes and all ages, but is more common in women over 50. The most prevalent type is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland believed to be caused by autoimmune factors. Diet and exercise are important aspects of managing hypothyroidism.

Features

Some of the most prominent features of hypothyroidism include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, menstrual problems, headaches, slow pulse and speech, constipation and coarse, dry hair. Hypothyroidism can give rise to allergies, low immune function and depression.

Treatment

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a simple blood test. An elevated TSH and low levels of the hormones thyroxine, also called T4 and triiodothyronine, known as T3, are signs of deficiency. In healthy people, 93 percent of the hormone produced is T4, which is then converted to the more active form of T3. Some people have a conversion problem. While the standard treatment is to replenish T4 with the popular drug, Synthroid, some people feel better with combination T4 and T3 supplementation. Drugs such as Armour thyroid or Nature-throid supply both hormones. T3 in the form of Cytomel can also be given along with T4.

Diet

Mary Shomon in "Living Well With Hypothyroidism" explains that many people with thyroid deficiency also become insulin resistant, due to the slowing down of the body's ability to process carbohydrates. Some symptoms attributed to hypothyroidism may actually be side effects of blood sugar swings due to insulin resistance. Shomon recommends a low-glycemic diet of low-fat proteins, low starch vegetables and fruits and certain grains.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends foods high in antioxidants such as blueberries, cherries and tomatoes to fight free radicals. Foods with B-vitamins and iron such as fresh vegetables, sea vegetables and grains create energy and stamina.

Life Extension endorses these supplements: the amino acid tyrosine, a thyroid precursor, selenium to remove toxins from the body and DHEA to enhance metabolic functioning. Essential fatty acids fight inflammation and vitamin C bolsters immune function.

Many sources recommend staying away from soy products and foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, sweet potato, turnips, millet and canola oil, known as goitrogens, because they interfere with thyroid function.

Exercise

Mary Shomon says many thyroid patients have trouble losing weight and believes exercise is essential. Borrowing from the book "Body For Life," she recommends an exercise program of 20-minute interval aerobics along with leg raises, push-ups and leg lunges to build fat-burning muscle. If working out is not something you enjoy, any activity you do enjoy such as walking, tennis, swimming, weight-lifting or bicycling several times a week will work.

Lifestyle

Since hypothyroidism affects the strength of the respiratory muscles, a program of deep breathing is helpful. Both yoga and meditation are forms of exercise employing deep breathing while reducing the stress that accompanies hypothyroidism.

Bodywork and aromatherapy can bring calmness and relaxation. Herbs such as Siberian ginseng and astragalus support the immune and endocrine systems.