Thyroid function is essential for many very important systems in our body. Thyroid controls energy, metabolism, GI health, mental health, sensitivity to cold and heat, vision, and even menstrual cycles. Thyroid affects our cellular health in many ways.
Hypothyroid means the thyroid is under active and common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, irregular cycles, and many other symptoms. The common lab that is checked for thyroid function is TSH, the “thyroid stimulating hormone” that comes from pituitary in the brain to tell the thyroid how hard to work. A high TSH may mean the thyroid is under active.
Hyperthyroid happens when the thyroid is overactive and TSH is low. This condition is much less common.
Maintaining healthy lifestyles such as regular exercise, healthy eating, good sleep, and stress reduction can maintain good health. Exercise is important and various forms of exercise may improve overall health.
While there are no studies that show exercise improves overall thyroid health there is evidence that daily yoga improves low thyroid related symptoms such as constipation, fatigue, and weight loss. Exercise also can improve our bodies’ cells sensitivity to thyroid hormones that circulate in the blood. The same amount of thyroid hormone can do more work after exercise than before.
***If you are having symptoms of either hypothyroid or hyperthyroid do not start exercising until your health care provider tells you it is ok! ***