Thyroid Disorders
What causes hypothyroidism?
- Tiredness
- Unable to tolerate the cold
- Weight gain
- Puffy and pale face
- Brittle nails, thinning hair
- Dry, cool skin
- Muscle pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Poor attention span or memory
- Slow heart rate
- Heavier than normal periods
- Depression
What is Hyperthyroidism?
What causes hypothyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by immunologic conditions such as graves’ disease, thyroiditis, toxic thyroid nodules and toxic multinodular and goitre. Hyperthyroidism speeds up metabolic processes and results in symptoms such as:
- Goitre
- Breathlessness
- Eye problems
- Increased appetite
- Tremor
- Sweating
- Changes in bowel habits or menstrual cycle
- Difficulty sleeping
How can Bites Dietitians help?
Thyroid disease is usually treated with medication to help stabilise and regulate the production of thyroxine. Individuals with hypothyroidism have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as low production of thyroxine leads to a higher blood lipid profile, elevated blood pressure and increased level of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein. Our Dietitians can reduce these risks by conducting an analysis of your current diet and making suitable adjustments such as reduced intake of saturated fats and higher fibre intake can actively help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Thyroid disease can also have an impact on an individual’s weight due to the disease’s impact on metabolic function. Bites Dietitians will work with you and set realistic goals and expectations that are sustainable and achievable! Thyroid disease can make weight loss or weight gain difficult until thyroxine levels are stabilised, therefore, during this period our Dietitians will create a dietary prescription that ensures adequate levels of nutrients are consumed to manage your condition and symptoms. It may also be necessary to reduce your consumption of some foods in accordance with current evidence-based practices if they have been shown to interfere with your body’s ability to produce thyroxine.
Our Dietitians will ensure your diet is rich in nutrients that have been proven to optimize thyroid function and ensure that we do everything we can from a dietary perspective to reduce the impact of your thyroid condition on your everyday life.
An interesting fact about Thyroid disease and diet
Depending on the type of thyroid disease you have, taking an iodine supplement or consuming iodine in your diet could either be helpful or unhelpful! Eg. If you have a type of thyroid disease causing hyperthyroidism, taking an iodine supplement can actually worsen the condition.
How can Bites Exercise Physiologists help?
An interesting fact about exercise and thyroid disease
What improvements can you expect from a tailored exercise program?
Within about 2 – 3 weeks of following your plan you may begin to notice some of the following improvements:
- Increased energy levels
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved mood (reduced anxiety and/or depression)
- Improved weight status (weight gain or weight loss)
Helpful things to bring/remember before your first appointment
- Referral (If you have one)
- List of medications and dosages
- Recent blood tests / pathology results
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