Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and tips to treat

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and tips to treat

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance (you can't tolerate cold temperatures like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido

Each individual patient may have any number of these symptoms, and they will vary with the severity of the thyroid hormone deficiency and the length of time the body has been deprived of the proper amount of hormone.

Hypothyroidism is completely treatable in many patients simply by taking a small pill once a day. However, this is a simplified statement, and it's not always so easy. There are several types of thyroid hormone preparations and one type of medicine will not be the best therapy for all patients. Many factors will go into thetreatment of hypothyroidism and it is different for everybody.

But What Should You Eat?
While there isn’t a hypothyroidism diet, you should focus your meals around veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. And to keep your energy levels stable, you can eat small meals throughout the day.

Weight gain is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, so eating well can also help you maintain a healthy weight. Some foods (eg, high-fiber foods) and supplements (eg, iron, calcium) can affect how you absorb levothyroxine, so talk to your doctor about these foods and supplements.

Walking, Weight Lifting, and Yoga
You already know how good exercise is for you, but are you doing enough of it? If you are, are you mixing it up enough? Exercise can boost energy, decrease stress, and help you maintain a healthy weight (all important benefits, especially if you have hypothyroidism).

Work in the 3 types of exercises: aerobic (aka cardio), strengthening, and flexibility. Exercises to try: Walking, light weight lifting, and yoga. Talk to your doctor before trying a new exercise program.

From Meditation to Massage
Have you been told to relax lately? If so, you were probably thinking, ‘How can I relax when I have a million things to do?’ Well, it’s time to make yourself a priority.

Having a chronic disease—even if it’s being treated and monitored by your doctor—can be stressful. It can take a toll on your overall health. To combat stress, pencil in a weekly massage or schedule a daily 5-minute session of deep breathing or meditation.

Go to Bed Early Tonight
If you have hypothyroidism, you probably feel tired throughout the day. What helps? Establishing a sleep schedule and sticking to it helps. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day—including weekends. In general, the sweet spot for sleep is between 7 and 9 hours.

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, talk to your doctor about other ways to help you drift off into dreamland.
The lifestyle tips in this slideshow are part of any healthy lifestyle. And although there’s no cure for hypothyroidism, taking your medication in addition to incorporating these lifestyle changes can help you lead a healthy life.

5 Foods to Help Relieve Mild Symptoms
There’s no such thing as a hyperthyroidism diet, but what you eat matters. Hyperthyroidism—when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone—can’t be prevented or treated though diet alone. It’s often treated with prescription medication, so see your doctor immediately if you have hyperthyroidism symptoms. But by eating certain foods, you can limit some mild hyperthyroidism symptoms. This slideshow shows you 5 foods that may help ease hyperthyroidism symptoms.

an Berries Boost Your Health?
From strawberries to blueberries to raspberries—the choice is yours. Berries pack a powerful punch because they’re bursting with antioxidants, which keep your immune system strong. Eat a serving of berries every day.

Cook with Cruciferous Veggies
Broccoli is part of the goitrogen family—foods that can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone your thyroid gland produces. Foods that belong to this group are known as “cruciferous” foods. Not a broccoli fan? Other cruciferous veggies include cauliflower, kale, and cabbage. Eat one or more servings of these veggies a day.

Vitamin D and Omega-3s for Thyroid Health
Salmon contains vitamin D—an essential nutrient that works with calcium to prevent bone loss. Salmon also carries a megadose of omega-3 fatty acids that keep you healthy. Your body doesn’t naturally produce these fatty acids, so you have to get them from food. If you’re not into fish, get your vitamin D from eggs and mushrooms and your omega-3s from walnuts, olive oil, and flaxseed oil. Eats foods with these nutrients daily

Who Says Turkey Should Be Reserved for Thanksgiving?
Turkey is an excellent source of protein—important because your body needs protein for energy and to build and maintain muscle. Weight loss is a common hyperthyroidism symptom, so eating enough protein can help ensure you stay at a healthy weight. Don’t eat meat? No problem—you can get protein from beans and nuts. Just try to eat protein at every meal.

Get More Dairy in Your Diet
Untreated hyperthyroidism can eventually weaken your bones and may lead to osteoporosis. To prevent this, get 3 servings a day of calcium from yogurt or other dairy foods, such as cheese and milk.