MANAGEMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism develops when there is insufficient thyroid hormone production by the thyroid gland. 

Let’s get knowing thyroid better.

This butterfly-shaped gland has a control over various metabolic activities including the rate at which you burn calories or how fast your heart beats.

When your thyroid levels are out of balance, so are you. Too much or too little hormone discharge in this gland can spell trouble for your overall health and well-being. Excessive thyroid hormone production is called Hyperthyroidism. 

Depending on how much or how little hormone your thyroid makes, you may often feel restless or tired, or you may lose or gain weight. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid diseases, especially right after pregnancy and after menopause.

VARIOUS SYMPTOMS:

Risk of developing thyroid increases with age. Because hypothyroidism develops slowly, its symptoms are not immediately visible. Though the symptoms vary from person to person they may include:

  • A sudden change in body weight
  • Increased intolerance to cold
  • Fatigue
  • Pale, dry skin
  • Dry, thinning hair
  • Constipation
  • Memory impairment
  • Depression
  • Muscle cramps
  • Poor mood
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Modest weight gain

TREATMENT: A MILD BALANCE

Hypothyroidism is usually controlled with daily doses of the hormone replacement drug Levothyroxine, a synthetic version of thyroxine. If you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your doctor will measure your hormone levels (free T3 & TSH) about 6 weeks after you start hormone replacement therapy and continue regular monitoring to ensure your drug dosage is adequate. Most people see their symptoms improve within 2 weeks of starting therapy, although in severe cases it may take several months before symptoms lessen.

DIET APPROACH:

A natural key to curing most of the health issues, balanced diet

  • A diet rich in protein, calcium, magnesium and iodine supports thyroid function. You must receive all vitamins such as Vitamin B, A & C and Selenium.
  • Include foods rich in fibre like fruits (apple, pear, papaya, grapefruit, pomegranate) and vegetables (carrot, spinach, drumstick leaves)
  • Good quality of protein should be a part of the diet like sprouted pulses, low-fat milk and milk   products, etc
  • Drinking enough water per day is very important.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

  • Make sure your Iron and Vitamin B12 levels are in check.
  • Go for 45-60 minutes of physical activity. Combination of aerobic and non-aerobic activities should be added to enhance metabolism levels.
  • If you’re into yoga, weave in Sarvangasana followed by Matsasana and Ardhmatsyendrasana (under guidance only) into your regime. 
  • Neck movements at a slow pace in all directions should be done every day.
  • Desirable TSH level for maintenance for weight is between 0.5 to 2.4