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Hyperthyroidism and a Healthy LifestyleHyperthyroidism also known as an overactive thyroid is a condition of excessive thyroid hormones in your body. This condition seems to be most common with women than with men. The thyroid hormones regulate your metabolic rate and therefore in the case of hyperthyroidism lead to a faster metabolic rate. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism shows in a number of ways including weight loss, uncomfortable feeling of restlessness, frequent bowel movements, sweating, heat intolerance, shaking hands, nervousness, rapid heart rate, fatigue, low concentration, weak muscles and to women irregular menstruation and infertility. Even if you are never diagnosed with overactive thyroid and you don’t have a family history of hyperthyroidism, a few of the above mentioned symptoms should send you straight to your doctor for thyroid tests. The symptoms may not be very noticeable initially or with lower levels of excessive thyroid hormones, which can make the diagnosis not so obvious. Older patients in their 70s also tend not to show the symptoms of hyperthyroidism even when the condition exists. This could be because some of the medication commonly used by people in this age group may interfere with the hyperthyroidism symptoms. I’ll emphasise the importance of seeing an endocrinologist whenever you are diagnosed with any form of hormonal imbalance. Please check with
www.hormone.org (opens in new window)
for the one close to you.
To deal with hyperthyroidism or any other condition, one needs to definitely change their lifestyle. The first culprit is always our diet. Every food that is generally labelled "bad" will make your condition worse. Patients with an over-active thyroid usually have to take more calories to compensate for the high metabolic rate and enough protein to build your muscles. For protein patients must always be careful and choose the organically produced animal products. Unfortunately the animals are given way too much hormones these days, which can worsen your condition. The weight loss doesn’t mean people are free to eat junk. The bad foods can worsen your condition. Have a habit of preparing your own food to ensure the right ingredients. For your animal protein intake, use organic eggs, meat, poultry, and low fat soft cheese. Make sure you get your pulses as part of your vegetable protein. Be generous on your yellow fruits, organic dairy, fish and vegetables. It is very wise to supplement with the right vitamins and minerals to meet your daily health needs if you can't get enough of them from your food. Take some vitamin A, B complex, C, Calcium and phosphorus. Take foods in or closest to their natural state to get optimum nutrients. Most processed foods have too limited health benefits and a lot more harmful preservatives for our bodies. Stay away from sugar and foods with added sugar and even artificial sweeteners, coffee, carbonated drinks and refined oils. Use more of the good oils like olive oil, nuts and seeds and the recommended eight glasses of water per day. Avoid any drugs, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. Medical Treatment Hyperthyroidism is treated by anti-thyroid medication and the radioactive iodine, which slows down the thyroid hormone production. The surgery can be done to remove part of the thyroid gland. The most useful treatment of all is learning to listen to your body. You’ll notice when there is a need to consult, take a vitamin or do some tests.
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