The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland on the front of your neck. However, even though it is small, one must never underestimate the thyroid’s impact, as it produces hormones that play a crucial role in everything from metabolism and heart function to energy and brainpower. Hence, it is vital to know the symptoms that may indicate the onset of a thyroid disorder.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorder
1. Blood pressure may drop or rise
Thyroid hormones can influence blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism can send your BP through the roof—just like it does with your metabolism—while hypothyroidism can result in a low reading.
2. Faster Heartbeat
Our heart has thyroid receptors, too. An overactive thyroid revs up many of our bodily systems, including our heart. When we have too much thyroid hormone, it affects the heart, and one might experience symptoms of palpitations or a fast heart rate, and one may also feel jittery or have hot flashes. On the other hand, low thyroid function can slow our heart rate, thereby contributing to elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure.
3. Lower Bone Density
Generally, humans start to lose bone density with age, and an overactive thyroid can accelerate the process. Since excessive thyroid activity throws the body into a catabolic state, it can also weaken the bones, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
3. Weight fluctuation
One of the primary roles of thyroid hormone is to control your metabolism. If you’re producing too much thyroid hormone, your metabolism will speed up and you’ll lose weight. However, if you notice significant weight loss or gain, it’s advisable to consult your doctor. Conversely, if you have an underactive thyroid, the opposite will happen: Your metabolism slows down, and you can gain weight because your thyroid is signalling that your body needs less energy.
4. Hair loss
Changes in thyroid hormone status can affect our hair follicles. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can make our hair follicles freak out, resulting in hair loss.
5. Changes in Bowel movements
Both hypo- and hyperthyroidism can disrupt this movement. Too little thyroid hormone might result in constipation, while too much thyroid hormone can cause diarrhea. Unusual thyroid count may either slow down or speed up the movement of food through your digestive tract.
6. Mood Fluctuations
Underactive thyroid can overlap with depression. Since too little thyroid hormone causes our body’s systems to slow down, it can bring on symptoms of depression. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid may raise anxiety in individuals.
7. Irregular Periods
The thyroid also affects the activity of other hormones in the body, including reproductive hormones, which could lead to irregular periods as well as heavy or light periods. In some cases, women may struggle with infertility, miss their periods, or experience other conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
8. Difficulty Remembering Things
When our thyroid hormone levels are low, it can influence an individual’s ability to concentrate and to remember things. People with low thyroid function experience brain fog, citing forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, and mental confusion among the most common symptoms.
Morning Routines to Enhance Thyroid Health
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, particularly metabolism and overall health. Although medical intervention is typically required in cases of thyroid disorders, certain morning routines can promote thyroid health naturally.
1. Sun Exposure: Morning sun exposure may help individuals regulate the body’s circadian rhythms and provide the necessary vitamin D. A lack of vitamin D has been linked with an increased risk of thyroid disease, including hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
2. Consumption of Herbal Tea
Some herbal teas, such as tulsi and ashwagandha, may aid in thyroid health by alleviating stress and inflammation. Ashwagandha, specifically, has been found to regulate thyroid hormone levels.
3. Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique where oil is swished in the mouth to lower bacteria and toxins. This technique can also support oral health and reduce inflammation, which may benefit thyroid health.
4. Yoga and Meditation: Meditation and yoga can reduce stress and anxiety, which can worsen thyroid ailments. Some yoga poses, such as the shoulder stand and plow pose, also stimulate the thyroid gland.
5. Breakfast with Nutrients
A breakfast with nutrient-dense foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc can support thyroid function. Well-nourished thyroid-friendly foods are seafood, nuts, and seeds.
Bonus Tips
-
Maintaining the body’s hydration by drinking water throughout the day may help support thyroid function.
-
Continued stress can worsen thyroid conditions, so healthy stress management is necessary.
-
Sufficient sleep is essential to overall wellness, including proper thyroid function.
-
In case an individuals experiences above symptoms, one must get the thyroid levels checked.
By incorporating these morning habits into our daily routine, one can naturally support their thyroid function and achieve overall well-being.
Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
