Are You Aging Or Do You Have A Thyroid Imbalance?

Are You Aging Or Do You Have A Thyroid Imbalance?

I just thought my sheer exhaustion was caused by working too many hours and being on my feet ten to twelve hours a day. My stress was through the roof while I was going through my divorce which also led to heart palpitations. When I went into my doctor for a routine check, I never thought that she would tell me I had a thyroid imbalance. I just thought I was aging!

As you age, so do the systems within your body. Symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and mental fogginess don’t show up all at once. They increase gradually, sometimes even taking years to appear. Therefore, they are ignored or misinterpreted as common aging.

An estimated 20% of women over 60 have some form of thyroid dysfunction that many blow off thinking its just part of growing older. Thyroid problems don’t cause aging, but symptoms can be mistaken for aging. The great news is there are ways to manage your thyroid problem, feel much better and age wonderfully.

What Does The Thyroid Do?

Your thyroid is an endocrine gland that plays a key role in regulating growth and normal function of the body. The thyroid can affect your heart rate, your emotional state, your feelings of tiredness and hunger. It can also affect the condition of your skin and hair. It pretty much influences most cells in your body. So, its a pretty big deal!

Thyroxine T4 converts to T3 which regulates your body’s ability to turn food into energy and affects the rate of tissue growth. As we age, our thyroid gland releases less T3 and T4 hormones which means that as we age, we have a greater chance of having a thyroid problem. Stress, diet, and age can make your thyroid hormones fluctuate, but with the help of proper diet and a doctor’s help, we can return these levels to normal.

Hypothyroidism vs Hyperthyroidism

Hypothyroidism-is the most common imbalance. In your have hypothyroidism your thyroid is underactive.

Hyperthyroidism– is an overactive thyroid.

Here are the symptoms of each imbalance:

What Can You Do For Thyroid Imbalace?

There are a few things that you can do to get your thyroid back in balance so that your body will function at its best and you will feel better.

Work With Your Doctor– The most important thing you need to do is work with your doctor and follow their advice for thyroid supplements and lifestyle changes you may need. This is a process that takes time for your body to react.

Adjust Your Nutrition-Add vegetables and fruit to your diet. Uncooked cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower disrupt the function of your thyroid. You can enjoy these vegetables steamed however. If your iodine levels are low, incorporate sea vegetables including Nori or seaweed to your diet.

Eat Lean Proteins and Healthy Fats– Eat skinless poultry, 90% lean ground beef, pork, fatty fish, beans, nuts, and berries

Decrease Stress– Stress disrupts your endocrine system including your thyroid while sleep and exercise support the health of your endocrine system. Add a gentle exercise such as yoga to your routine. Daily meditation eases stress and allows you to sleep better. These three things- stress, sleep, and exercise all support your thyroid function.

The Last Thing You Need to Know About Thyroid Imbalance

If you are beginning to see some of the symptoms, consult with a doctor to be tested. Don’t believe that your symptoms are simply and act of aging. You deserve to feel well and there are steps you can take to manage your thyroid.

Having a thyroid imbalance doesn’t need to affect your happiness or ability to live a healthy life. In fact, by addressing this issue, you will have more energy, feel good, and feel better about yourself for years to come!

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