More than 20,000,000 US citizens are suffering from a variety of thyroid illnesses. Of that number, just 40% are aware of their condition. It most certainly is not good news to learn that you have thyroid disease. But confirming your condition is a huge step first step toward getting better, so kudos on getting tested. It now means that you can start managing your disease early enough, mitigate its symptoms or even prevent them in the first place. So how can I control my thyroid with my lifestyle? What is a healthy lifestyle for thyroid patients? If any of these questions are racing through your thoughts, our compounding pharmacy is here to provide all the answers.

Check your weight

Can thyroid problems be caused by obesity? Studies in the NIH reports have found a significant correlation between being overweight and hypothyroidism in particular. Further reports published by the Medical Science Monitor also associate thyroid cancer with excessive weight.

In a nutshell, you want to do what you can to maintain a healthy body weight. You can find out if that’s the case by examining your BMI readings, with the ideal average spanning anywhere between 18.5 and 24.9. Of course, this can vary according to unique patient factors, so it’s important to discuss what your ideal body weight should be with your physician. All the same, you need to be more active and watch you eat.

Avoid stressful situations

Stress can only inflame your thyroid imbalance. When you’re stressed, the levels of cortisol in your body shoot up. This surge unleashes a chain reaction that affects the functioning of your thyroid glands in a way that suppresses the release of the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

So make your mental wellness a priority and don’t let any negative energy get pent up upstairs. Instead, find healthy outlets for stress through:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Spending time with friends (more so with a knack for making you laugh)
• Dance & other hobbies

Remember, stress is your number one enemy. Do your best to avoid it.

Cut back on liquor

Can I drink alcohol with hypothyroidism? Alcohol, more so in excessive amounts, causes the decline of the T3 and T4 hormones. It can also hamper thyroid function by affecting how the TSH hormone responds to its triggers. Overall, too much alcohol intake can increase the intensity of your imbalance and open the door for other health problems.

Thyroid imbalance and alcohol are not what you’d described as a “good combination.” If you’re in too deep and are struggling to cut down on your alcohol consumption, I recommend gradually lowering quantities and cutting back a little each day. While you’re at it, take lots of water to compensate for any dehydration which can also further worsen your condition.

Learn to sleep better

If you’ve had hypothyroidism, which is the most common type of thyroid imbalance, for a while, you may experience insomnia. The lack of sleep can drain you, mentally and physically, so much so that you start the day running on fumes, energy-wise.

Here are some tips to help you sleep better if your thyroid condition keeps getting in the way:

• Turn off all screens and lights during bedtime. Learn to love the dark
• Unwind before sleep. Read a calming book, soak in a warm bubble bath, soothe your mind with music or whatever else that floats your boat
• Eat about four hours leading up to bedtime. Also, eliminate caffeine and spicy ingredients from your dinner

Add anti-inflammatory foods to your diet

Thyroid imbalance affects each person differently, but the common symptoms across the board include pains and joint aches. You don’t have to live with these discomforts. Alleviate them by including more anti-inflammatory foods in your diet. We’re talking more fatty fish and leafy green vegetables, among others.

Besides simply quelling the pain, these foods can also lead to healthier liver function, with this organ also playing a key role in the conversion of T4 hormones to T3. The right diet can also ensure your thyroid gland is healthy by providing a steady supply of essential ingredients it needs to say in peak mode.

Start on a good supplement

Mineral and nutrient deficiencies can aggravate both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. A supplement can make up for any such shortages. However, not all supplements are advised for your condition because each need is different for every patient, kind of like how a shoe fits the wearer’s foot.

Some of the top supplements for hypothyroidism include:

• Vitamin B
• Vitamin D3
• Selenium
• Zinc

If you have hyperthyroidism, the same supplements may not be ideal for you although others cut across the board like Selenium and Magnesium.

Before you buy any supplement, check with your physician to get the green light. Once you get your doctor’s approval, look through the Bay Life Pharmacy supplement store to find what you need

Workout more often

Exercise is exactly what you need no matter the nature of your thyroid imbalance. It can help you sleep better, lower your stress levels, or even cope with cutting out alcohol from your life. All of which are key to a happier and problem-free life with thyroid conditions.

You don’t need to hit a gym if you’re not up to it. Taking part in sports such as tennis, basketball, or whatever else that gets your feet moving is another way to go about it. You may also just purpose to run or jog more. Whatever do, try to do about 30 minutes of exercise each day. However, exercise needs to be paired with a healthy diet for it to work and to avoid exacerbating any fatigue you may be feeling from your condition.

You’ve got this and we’ve got you!

Thyroid disease is not the end of the road. In fact, according to the American Thyroid Associate, there’s a cure for every type of thyroid disease. Working with a compounding pharmacy Florida can be especially advantageous in eradicating your condition. Here at Bay Life, for example, we can formulate dosages according to unique factors behind your condition, thus speeding up the road to recovery and minimizing your symptoms. We’d love to help you feel better so get in touch with us now to discuss and find solutions for your thyroid imbalance.