The thyroid
gland is a small gland located at the front of the neck just
below your Adams apple. The thyroid glands function is to
run the body’s metabolism by secreting thyroid hormones called
T3 and T4. When the gland fails to secrete these hormones,
we are diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder called Hypothyroidism.
The thyroid
gland is controlled by another gland located in the brain called
the Pituitary gland, which produces the Thyroid Stimulating
Hormone (TSH). When our thyroid gland decreases the production
of T3 and T4, the pituitary gland will try to compensate by
releasing more TSH thus causing an elevated TSH.
Understandably,
those with Hypothyroid Disorder will have typical symptoms
of slow metabolism such as:
Weight gain
|
Loss of coordination
|
Increased cholesterol
|
Depression
|
Hair Loss
|
Irritability
|
Fatigue
|
Decreased Libido
|
Constipation
|
Muscle cramps
|
Memory Loss
|
Cold intolerance
|
Dry skin
|
Irregular menstrual cycles
|
Muscle weakness
|
|
Of course
symptoms will vary according to each individual. Why is exercise
of vital importance to those of us with hypothyroid disorder? First
of all slower metabolism causes higher susceptibility to carbohydrate
absorption, simple sugars such as pasta, white rice, potatoes,
sweets and the like. This combined with fatigue, lack of energy
and for some, the rare case of increased insulin resistance
is the perfect combination for weight gain among other problems
such as diabetes, heart disease etc.
Moderate
exercise on a regular basis, 4 to 5 times a week for
at least 30 minutes a day will increase the body’s metabolic
rate. Increased metabolic rate will decrease fatigue and increase
insulin uptake to help burn more calories, which in turn will
decrease appetite. Exercise will also increase Serotonin uptake
in the brain, relieving many symptoms of depression caused
by hypothyroidism. In other words, exercise can counter-act
many of the risk factors listed above caused by hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroid
Disorder is easily managed by taking daily thyroid medication
prescribed by your Physician. Medication combined with regular
exercise allows those of us with hypothyroid disorder to live
a very normal, healthy and active lifestyle.
