Are you struggling to lose weight? Do you lack energy or find it hard to get out of bed every morning, even after a long night of uninterrupted sleep? Are you forgetful, or do you struggle to concentrate during the day? Waning thyroid function may be the culprit.
If left unchecked, undiagnosed or untreated, this condition can develop into hypothyroidism or, depending on the root cause, something as severe as Hashimoto’s disease.
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Thyroid dysfunction
Hypothyroidism, also referred to as an under-active thyroid, is an endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland does not create enough of a thyroid hormone called thyroxine.
While the disease is most common among women, it can affect anyone, with nearly 5 out of 100 Americans aged 12 years and older1 afflicted with hypothyroidism, although most cases are mild or have few obvious symptoms.
Hypothyroidism can occur due to an imbalance along the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which means the thyroid gland is not stimulated properly, or due to a failure of the thyroid gland to function properly.
This is often associated with the adrenal fatigue and cortisol dysregulation associated with chronic stress and an unhealthy lifestyle but has also been linked to other auto-immune diseases. Thyroiditis, which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, can also result in sub-optimal function.
As thyroid hormones regulate energy metabolism, insufficient thyroxine may slow various metabolic functions.
This may result in lethargy and brain fog, uncontrolled weight gain, cold intolerance, joint and muscle pain, dry skin, thin, brittle hair or fingernails, constipation, bradycardia (slow heart rate), high cholesterol, or a puffy face, feet, and hands.
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Supporting thyroid function
You can support optimal thyroid function by following a healthy and active lifestyle. This approach should include a balanced diet that consists mainly of whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Including iodine-rich foods in your diet, such as seaweed, fish, dairy, and iodized salt, can also assist thyroid function as the thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, uses iodine to produce the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
It may also help to limit foods that may interfere with thyroid function, such as cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, soy products, and peanuts.
Regular exercise and physical activity are also crucial to help boost your metabolism, regulate hormone levels, and maintain a healthy weight.
Additional ways to boost thyroid function include stress management, regularly using techniques like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce stress levels, and prioritising adequate sleep to allow your body to recover and regulate hormones.
You can also improve your metabolism and balance thyroid function with a supplement formulated to support weight loss, burn fat and increase your energy levels.
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Seek medical advice
If you suspect that you suffer from poor thyroid function or hypothyroidism, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised medical advice and a treatment plan, which may include thyroid medications.
Your doctor may prescribe regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and identify any potential problems early on.
References:
- Patil N, Rehman A, Jialal I. Hypothyroidism. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2020. Updated August 10, 2020. Accessed January 5, 2021. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519536
Author: Pedro van Gaalen
When he’s not writing about sport or health and fitness, Pedro is probably out training for his next marathon or ultra-marathon. He’s worked as a fitness professional and as a marketing and comms expert. He now combines his passions in his role as managing editor at Fitness magazine.