Nutrition and Thyroid Health

    "I can't lose weight because I have thyroid problems". You have probably heard this complaint time and time again from others. Although some may eye roll this comment and chalk it up as an "excuse" to getting healthy, your friends are actually not wrong. It's estimated that nearly 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition in their lifetime which can lead to excessive weight loss or gain. In fact, more than half (60%) of folks with thyroid disease are unaware they even have an issue. Although the exact cause of disease formation is unknown, the thyroid has a profound impact on our body's metabolism which can cause a slew of problems if not managed. Facts About the Thyroid  The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. Although small, this gland affects [...]

Exercise and Thyroid Health

  The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones that help our bodies regulate things like body temperature, weight, energy levels, and more. If the hormone production gets out of balance, it can affect all these areas.  Hypothyroidism occurs when not enough thyroid hormone is produced. Hyperthyroidism refers to when there is too much. Exercise can help manage symptoms that come with an over or under-active thyroid. However, it is important to engage in the proper frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT Principle) of exercise as recommended by your doctor. Benefits Exercise has a long list of health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease, which thyroid conditions typically increase. The right exercise routine can also help relieve various symptoms of thyroid disease. Exercise can improve mood, metabolism, and energy for those managing hypothyroidism. Regular activity can help those battling hyperthyroidism by [...]

Thyroid Awareness Month

  Happy January and Thyroid Awareness Month! New Year’s resolutions are usually weight oriented.  So let’s talk about one of the many reasons people have challenges with weight gain.  Thyroid tests are not routine for most doctors to order. The best way to tell if your thyroid is working correctly is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of thyroid disease.   Thyroid diseases are relatively common, affecting up to 20 million Americans. Allow us to give you some basic facts about this important little gland. The thyroid gland is a relatively small gland that is found in the neck right below our Adams Apple.  To appreciate the importance of thyroid health, we must first understand hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that provide signals to the rest of our body to keep us alive and functioning well. The thyroid gland [...]

Sleep and Thyroid Health

  The thyroid is a small gland that produces hormones needed for regulating how the body uses energy. When these hormones are out of balance, they can impact multiple body functions, including sleep. The hypothalamus in the brain releases thyrotropin, which helps to control the body’s circadian rhythm. According to Sleep Foundation, “thyrotropin stimulates the thyroid to trigger the release of thyroid hormones. If the thyroid is overactive or underactive, this can interfere with thyrotropin production and your overall circadian rhythm.” When the sleep-wake cycle is affected, then numerous sleep issues can arise. Hyperthyroidism and Sleep Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland overproduces hormones. Overactive thyroid affects sleep by causing frequent wake periods that stem from feeling nervous, irritable, or an increased need to urinate. It can also cause night sweats. These nighttime disruptions make it hard to fall asleep, [...]