Change your lifestyle to deal with thyroid problems

Change your lifestyle to deal with thyroid problems

Debarati S Sen, TOI 4th July 2013

In recent times, the prevalence of thyroid disorders in urban women in their early 30s has increased and is on the rise. Earlier, it was unusual for young women to have a thyroid affliction; it was an ailment that mostly scourged older women. “But now,” says weight management expert Dr Amrapali Patil, “Almost 30% to 35% of women belonging to this age group are affected.” She also claims the phenomenon is global.
    According to her, a healthy diet that has all the necessary nutrition and reducing stress in your daily life may minimize the chance of developing thyroid problems. An under-active thyroid can respond to natural remedies such as acupuncture, yoga, panchakarma, ayurveda, etc. And the following can help in hypothyroid states — seakelp, selenium, flaxseed oil, zinc and multi-vitamins. Dr Patil talks about some more tips that should be followed to deal with thyroid problems, along with your doctor’s prescription...
 

Following a low glycemic index diet (a diet that doesn’t enable the immediate pouring of sugar in blood) helps. Cut out energy-sapping foods such as those with sugar and fat content.
Also, regular exercise is crucial. Exercise not only enables weight loss benefits, but also releases ‘happy hormones’ in the body, thereby reducing stress levels, and helping you deal with low moods and depression. Strong tea, coffee and tobacco should be avoided when suffering from hyperthyroidism. Supplements having vitamins and nutrients such as riboflavin, lecithin and thiamin may help.