Exercise
for thyroid diseases is important to restore insulin levels and improve
metabolic function. Thyroid patients must turn to lifestyle changes
such as exercise, alternative therapies or complementary medicine
besides standard treatment to cope with symptoms of thyroid problems.
How Exercising helps Thyroid Patients
Regular exercising helps improve cardiovascular system by stimulating
production and secretion of thyroid hormones. A study published in
Hormone Research found significant increase in basal thyroid hormone
concentrations in the cyclists examined for thyroid levels. The aerobic
activity increased the circulating levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronine
and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the cyclists, improving their
thyroid function.
According to The Hormone Foundation,
exercises help in production and secretion of thyroid-stimulating
hormones, which are controlled by the thyrotropin-releasing hormone, a
hormone released by the hypothalamus. The activity streamlined the basal
metabolic rate, bone growth, vitamin metabolism and the cells’
sensitivity to other hormones such as epinephrine besides protein
synthesis to improve thyroid function.
Besides moderate
cardiovascular exercises, strength and weight training exercises should
be added to one’s routine if the doctor permits. These help tone muscles
and improve bone strength, improving insulin resistance besides
maintaining a healthy weight.
Exercise Intensity and its Effects on Thyroid Hormones
Exercising when suffering from a thyroid disease has several positive
effects on the thyroid function, though thyroid disorders are
characterised by intolerance to exercising. Therefore, a patient should
always be careful.
A study published in Neuroendrocrinology
Letters suggested that exercises performed at the anaerobic threshold
(70 percent of maximum heart rate) increased the rates of T3 and T4. The
levels of T3, however, began falling with the increase in exercise
intensity beyond moderate level.
Medications or the standard
treatment of most of the thyroid conditions can be complimented with
exercise. According to the website Thyroid Health, hypothyroidism
patients can cope with some symptoms such as weight gain, depression and
low energy levels, while hyperthyroidism patients can deal with
sleeplessness and low energy levels with regular exercise.
Considerations for Exercise
The thyroid conditions make individuals easily fatigued because they
cause the muscles and joints to ache more than in a healthy individual.
Moderate exercise is a must for a thyroid patient as respiration may
become impaired or a heart problem may be triggered. Low intensity
exercise, such as walking or running, is recommended for individuals
with Graves' disease to prevent bone damage.
Thyroid patients
are advised not to exercise without consulting a doctor as there is a
high risk of shortness of oxygen supply and the muscles finding it
difficult to strengthen.
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