Millions of Americans are estimated to have some form of thyroid dysfunction, women being five to eight times more likely. Many thyroid problems go undetected, but there are some symptoms that could point towards an overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid. Some overactive thyroid symptoms include: excess sweating, excessive hunger, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability, abnormal hearth rhythm, fast heart rate, puffy eyes, difficulty falling asleep, and irregular menstruation. Some underactive thyroid symptoms include: fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, puffy face, hoarseness, and muscle weakness. Most thyroid issues are due to an underactive thyroid.
Different ways in which you can help support your thyroid include good nutrition, supplements, good sleep, and exercise. Exercise can help manage hypothyroidism symptoms as well as increase metabolism. Regular exercise can help combat fatigue, weight gain, and joint stiffness. Shooting for low to moderate intensity exercise 5-7 days a week such as walking, biking, or swimming is a great goal that could make a huge impact. Adding in strength training is another good idea in order to build muscle to support the body and increase metabolism.
It is important to note that too much exercise can also cause harm. Overworking the body can lead to decreased thyroid function due to an increase in cortisol levels which causes inflammation in the body. High cortisol levels can decrease thyroid hormone production, and increase what is called reverse T3, which can slow down thyroid function.
If your thyroid is not functioning properly, chances are your cells are also not functioning at their best. A way to check the health of your cells and the health of your body is doing what is called an InBody scan. We have one at the clinic and it is a very simple way of checking the health of your cells and seeing if there are any underlying health conditions.
If you have any questions about thyroid health, exercise, or would like to set up an InBody scan, call the office today!
-Monica Sjodin, Exercise Specialist