It may be time to talk to your doctor about your thyroid if you find yourself ready to hit the pillow instead of the weights. Not all fatigue is related to thyroid health, but feeling too tired to exercise could be the first hint of thyroid concerns — especially when comparing your current fatigue level with previous levels of fitness and activity.
What causes poor thyroid function?
Stress is one of the most significant thyroid offenders. Chronic stress not only affects the thyroid but also elevates cortisol and increases adrenal activity. During stress, which is when peak thyroid productions are needed the most, normal thyroid levels drop. This adrenal/thyroid interference is linked to other health-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, obesity, unstable blood sugar levels and high cholesterol.
Bromine commonly found in some bakery products, pesticides, plastics, some soft drinks and medications, as well as fabric fire retardants, is a common offender. The bromine is a halide that interferes with the human body’s ability to use iodine properly.
Inflammatory foods can irritate the human immune system. Imbalance in the immune system can result in the body misinterpreting the thyroid’s function and turning it off. Common inflammatory foods are gluten found in wheat, rye and barley, as well as eggs, dairy and grains.
Signs of thyroid issues
- A heavy or tired head, especially in the afternoon.
- Falling asleep quickly, or as soon as sitting down.
- Weight gain that comes on easily or cannot be lost through normal diet and exercise.
- Hair loss or rough, scaly skin.
- Low basal temperature or high sensitivity to cold.
How to take care of your thyroid
Reconsider lifestyle choices and factors in life that are adding to stress levels. Everyone will always have some stressors in life, but managing them for health’s sake is not only doable — it’s necessary.
Take daily breaks to relieve the body of the constant feeling of pressure. Add weekly outings that you can look forward to and enjoy as quick getaways.
Minimize your exposure to toxins. Avoid all sources of bromine. Check the labels of over-the-counter medications, foods and personal care products. Investigate the ways bromine can show up on a label. The World Health Organization has banned potassium bromate in flour, but it still can be found in baked goods.
Eat foods that directly benefit the thyroid. Fresh, iodine-rich foods, such as sea vegetables and seaweeds like spirulina, wake, nori and comb, boost the thyroid function. Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin A are keys to hormonal regulation.
Finally, go back to your exercise plan. You may feel too tired to exercise but know that exercise directly stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete more thyroid hormones. Each exercise session will make the next one easier and easier.
Change the cycle in your favor as you feel increasingly energized.
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.