- Category : Autoimmune Disease, Hashimotos, Hormone, Immune System, Thyroid
How exercise can create problems in patients with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism
Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism affects the body in many ways, some of which the patient may not even be aware of. The example of Judy is typical – she suffers from Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. She only wanted to keep fit and also kick start her weight loss program so she started a grueling exercise regime, running and weight lifting for a couple of hours a day and six days every week. However, her efforts did not bear fruit; on the contrary, she gained weight and also felt constantly fatigued, was irritable and moody and often battling flu. She was actually stressing her body by over-exercising.
Over exercising can have negative effects on a patient of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism
If you suffer from hypothyroidism, beware of over-exercising. You can easily suffer from burn-out. Over-exercising can:
- Deplete hormones necessary for the functioning of the body
- Cause gradual bone loss
- Increase injuries
- Cause cramping of muscles
- Add to inflammation
- Increase healing time
- Affect cardiac function
- Affect blood flow
- Decrease the ability of muscles to use fatty acids as a source of energy
- Reduce endurance
All these problems can thwart the benefits of a vigorous exercise program in a person who has Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. It is imperative that the patient of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism space the exercise sessions so that there is enough recovery time and also not over-exercise to reap the benefits of exercising and not compromise thyroid health.
Importance of cortisol management
High and low cortisol levels can also have an impact on thyroid health. If you over-exercise, more cortisol is released in the body which is under increased physical stress. This can lead to muscle breakdown and bone loss, instead of helping build both. It can also lead to sugar cravings and to insulin resistance that is a precursor to pre-diabetes, so it can be dangerous.
On the other hand, low cortisol levels can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, lowered immunity, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, weakness, fatigue and dizziness. Both high and low cortisol conditions need proper management particularly in a patient of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
With different kinds of stresses on the body, whether internal stress and inflammatory conditions to work and family stress, to environmental stress, the body can easily take a hit when over-exercising is added to the mix.
Can increasing the thyroid hormone help?
While you may think increasing the thyroid levels will help balance cortisol and other hormonal levels, an increased dose of thyroid can easily lead to hormonal resistance. This in turn makes the Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism symptoms even worse.
Clearly, increasing thyroid levels is not the answer when over-exercising.
The benefits of exercise
This does not mean that exercise does not have any benefits. As long as exercise is done in moderation, particularly if you are a patient of Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, you can enjoy benefits like:
- More energy
- Better physical fitness
- Higher endurance levels
- Better immunity
- Good cognitive function
- Faster recover times between exercise periods
Symptoms of over-exercising
Sometimes you simply don’t know when you are over-exercising. After all, experiencing some degree of muscle soreness and pain is common after bouts of exercise. Each individual is different and what for one person is over-exercise, for the other may be under exercise. It really depends on your thyroid levels, your physical condition and even your age and gender. Among the symptoms that point to over-exercise are:
- Persistent tiredness
- Reduced strength
- Low stamina
- Frequent aches and pains in joints and muscles
- Slow recovery time
- Disturbed sleep
- Lowered immunity
One way to find out is by doing an adrenal salivary panel to check the cortisol levels. The other way to keep your thyroid levels in balance by taking the right dosage. Of course you should also explore alternative remedies to manage your Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Our Personal Thyroid Treatment Program is a great place to start
The Personal Program Thyroid Recovery Program is a Natural Treatment for Thyroid Problems
Our office utilizes nutritional supplements, Dietary modifications, Nutritional Counseling, Advanced Testing, Hormone and endocrine support formula, Dietary assessment, and lifestyle guidance.
Our Personal Thyroid Recovery Program Customized to the Individual. NO cookie cutter approaches.
The Personal Program Thyroid Recovery Program is a Natural Treatment for Low Thyroid function, Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s problems. Our office utilizes nutritional supplements, Dietary modifications, Hormone and endocrine support formula, and lifestyle guidance.
1.To Schedule a Free 15 minute Phone Consult to see if this program is right for you Fill out our online questionnaire
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3.Still have questions? Our Free 15 minute personalized Phone consult is a great place to start.
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Each person suffering with Thyroid symptoms problem has a different set of mechanisms or causes. Our office will customize a Thyroid Restoration Program based on your testing and tailored to your individual needs.
