5 Tips for Dealing With Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common medical condition in which the thyroid does not produce enough of the necessary thyroid hormone. It’s commonly referred to as an underactive thyroid. Living with hypothyroidism can be stressful, but these tips can help you better manage this chronic health condition.
1. Work With a Qualified Healthcare Provider
It’s essential to work with a healthcare provider who specializes in thyroid management. Your doctor can prescribe medication when necessary to help your body generate enough of the crucial hormone. This will help alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism. You’ll also need to follow your doctor’s instructions, which may entail steps like getting regular blood work done.
2. Talk to a Nutritionist
Working with a nutritionist to educate yourself about nutrition is another great way to deal with hypothyroidism. It’s vital to eat a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables daily. This can help alleviate some of the symptoms of the condition and prevent additional weight gain. However, it’s a good idea to avoid certain foods, like cabbage and turnips. These block the production of your thyroid hormone.
3. Eat Cleaner
Many people’s diets are full of sugar, fat, and chemicals. Processed foods are not suitable for your body, including your thyroid. They can make the side effects of hypothyroidism worse. For example, you may feel more sluggish or gain more weight. When you eat a clean diet that isn’t full of processed foods, you’ll feel a little bit better.
4. Manage Stress Effectively
Stress can make almost any medical condition worse, including an underactive thyroid. Learn positive stress management techniques like yoga and meditation to help prevent stress before it happens. Take the time to practice deep breathing exercises to cope better when life gets off balance. This can instantly help you feel better.
5. Get to a Healthy Weight
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nearly one in three American adults are overweight, and more than two in five are obese. If you’re not at a healthy weight, making that a goal can help you start feeling better. Overweight people need more thyroid hormone for their body, which can result in a more severe case of underactive thyroid. This is because your thyroid can’t keep up. Being overweight can also knock your hormones off balance, impacting your thyroid.
Living with an underactive thyroid can be challenging, but it’s not hopeless. These tips and tricks can help give you more energy and enable you to find relief from many symptoms. Working with a healthcare practitioner can get you the rest of the way there. Contact Comprehensive Medical Weight Loss to schedule an appointment today. Our team can help you manage your hypothyroidism more effectively for a better quality of life.
