Importance of Exercising in Hypothyroidism

Increased fatigue, weight gain and muscle weakness are some of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism causes the body metabolism to slow down, and therefore it comes as no surprise that most patients feel lethargic and drained of all energy.

How can exercise help hypothyroidism?

While medications can definitely help to treat hypothyroidism, it is important to maintain an active lifestyle, even when the lack of thyroid hormones leave you totally exhausted. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, the first step in ensuring a healthy and active lifestyle is to understand how thyroid hormones affect your body. The thyroid hormones not only regulate energy use in our body, but also govern our essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, temperature, body weight and so on.

Therefore, even though the body metabolism has slowed down due to hypothyroidism, it is necessary to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

What types of exercises can be done?

As long as you do not suffer from any other disease, and your thyroid is under control, you can attempt any of the standard exercise routines that a healthy person pursues.

If you have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or have just begun exercising, it is advisable to check with your doctor on how to proceed. The basic exercise routines recommended to beginners are low-impact aerobics and strengthening exercises. These will prevent the aggravation of any muscle pain that you may already have. Here are a few ways to exercise and stay healthy even if you are suffering from hypothyroidism:

Low intensity walking: Walking

is one of the easiest exercises for beginners. It makes it easy for one to transition from a state of fatigue to an active and fit lifestyle. Regular walking for 30 minutes to an hour everyday helps in building stamina and also kick-starts the body’s metabolism.

Strength training: Lifting weights (under supervision) can help in toning the muscles and regaining lost muscle strength. It also helps to relieve the pressure on joints and preps you for a fit lifestyle.

Yoga: Yoga postures not only helpful in alleviating stress and anxiety, but also stimulate circulation to the neck and thyroid area. Yoga exercises, when performed in the right manner under the guidance of a certified professional, can make a dramatic difference to the health of patients with hypothyroidism.

Swimming: Swimming is a great low-impact cardio exercise, which is particularly helpful for patients who are suffering from joint pain and swelling.

Benefits of exercising in Hypothyroidism.

Weight Loss: Once the metabolism is slowed down due to hypothyroidism, it leads to weight gain. Exercising regularly can help you in shedding this accumulated weight.

Maintain a healthy weight: Once the ideal body weight is achieved, cardio exercises as well as muscle strengthening exercises ensure that your weight, along with your metabolism, is stabilized.

Increase in muscle mass: Regular exercise can help in rebuilding and regaining muscle mass. This can also lead to decrease in joint pain as the strengthened muscles extend their support to joints.

Improved energy levels: Incorporating of strength training and low-intensity cardio can boost energy levels and take away feelings of sluggishness.

Relieve Depression: Maintaining an active lifestyle through regular exercise leads to release of adrenaline and endorphins. This keeps anxiety and depression at bay and also helps you form a positive outlook towards life.

While exercise can have multiple benefits in patients with hypothyroidism, it is important to undergo a complete evaluation and take up exercise only after advice from your treating physician. And finally, if you are struggling with fatigue and weight gain, and suffer from hypothyroidism, a combination of medication and exercise can transform your life.

It’s true that healthy lifestyle is the key to leading a healthy life in the future, but there’s no taking away from the fact that timely check-ups are just as important in ensuring your well-being in the long run. To book your Thyroid Profile, call 9205478479 or visit www.apollodiagnostics.in