thyroid
 

Many people are aware that they have a thyroid, but are unable to really say what it does. Since January is Thyroid Awareness Month, we thought it would be a good time to talk to you about your thyroid and how living a healthy lifestyle can prevent or manage any issues. Thyroid disease is more common than diabetes or heart disease. Thyroid disease is a fact of life for as many as 30 million Americans – and more than half of those people remain undiagnosed. (1) Ensuring that the thyroid gland is healthy and functioning properly is vitally important to the body’s overall well-being.

 

So, what is the thyroid?

 

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the base of the neck just below the Adam’s apple. Although relatively small, the thyroid gland plays a huge role in our body, influencing the function of many of the body’s most important organs, including the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin.

 

Your thyroid needs fuel to produce its hormone. This fuel is iodine and it comes from the foods we eat, like table salt, seafood, bread and milk. The hormones are produced and stored until we need them and when we do need them, our body regulates production based on how much or how little we need at the time.

 

 

Problems occur when your thyroid does not produce enough hormone. This would slow down all of your body’s functions, a condition known as hypothyroidism or under-active thyroid which causes a sluggish metabolism. Your thyroid could also produce too much hormone sending your systems into overdrive, a condition known as hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid which revs up the metabolism. These two conditions are most often features of an underlying thyroid disease. (1) There can be many reasons why your thyroid is not working well including not getting enough iodine in your diet or your own immune system mistakes the thyroid for a foreign invader.

 

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include but are not limited to:

 

  • Fatigue or muscle weakness
  • Weight Gain
  • Coarse, dry hair
  • Irritability
  • Hair Loss
  • Cold intolerance

 

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include but are not limited to:

 

  • Fatigue or muscle weakness
  • Rapid Heartbeat
  • Mood Swings
  • Anxiety
  • Rapid Weight Loss

 

If you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. A simple neck exam and blood test can confirm if you have a thyroid problem.

 

So, how can I use exercise to help treat, manage or even avoid a thyroid condition?

 

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are treatable, typically by medication. If you have the disease already, once your thyroid starts to function normally with the use of medications, a return to exercise is completely safe and can improve symptoms. People with hypothyroidism, for example, often experience fatigue and weight gain that doesn’t always abate with the use of thyroid medications. Exercise can help boost energy levels and control weight. (2)

 

  • Participating in low-impact exercise will get your heart rate up without putting too much pressure on your joints, which is important because joint pain is another common hypothyroidism symptom.
  • Resistance training builds muscle mass and building muscle can help counter possible weight gain from an underactive thyroid.
  • Hyperthyroidism can cause sleeplessness and low energy levels, both of which may be lessened with regular exercise.

 

Because some lifestyle habits can slow your thyroid, it is important to start or continue living a healthy lifestyle. If you have any questions on how to get started or maintain your exercise program, contact us!

 

References:

 

  1. “About you Thyroid”. Accessed 9, December 2015. AACE Thyroid Awareness. ThyroidAwareness.com http://www.thyroidawareness.com/about-your-thyroid
  2. “Uncontrolled Thyroid: Exercise, Diet Risks”. Accessed 11, December 2015. Cleveland Clinic. http://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/10/uncontrolled-thyroid-exercise-diet-risks/
  3. “The Hypothyroidism Workout”. Accessed 11, December 2015. Everyday Health. http://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/healthy-living-with-hypothyroidism/workout-plan/
  4. “Hyperthyrodism Overview”. Accessed 11, December 2015. Endocrine Web. http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hyperthyroidism/hyperthyroidism-overview-overactive-thyroid
  5. “Hypothryodism: Too Little Hormone”. Accessed 11, December 2015. Endocrine Web. http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hypothyroidism-too-little-thyroid-hormone

 

Brent

Brent

President, Personal Training Manager at Body By Brent LLC
Brent
Brent
Brent