Do you feel exhausted all the time? Have you put on loads of weight in all the wrong places? Your hair has lost its sheen and your once flawless complexion has become dull and lacklustre. You might be suffering from hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland (that regulates our metabolic rate and the functioning of various body systems) fails to produce or secrete as much thyroxine (T4) as your body needs. “T4 regulates essential functions of the body such as heart rate, digestion, physical growth, and mental development. An insufficient supply of this hormone can slow life-sustaining processes and damage organs and tissues in every part of the body, leading to life-threatening complications,” explains Dr Shirish Seth.
According to a recently conducted survey, women are 10 times more likely than men to suffer from this disorder. But you can fight this disorder with some natural remedies.
Change your diet
Nutritionist Naini Setalvad says T4 is produced from iodine drawn from food. “An iodine-deficient diet can cause hypothyroidism. Adding iodine to table salt and other common foods helps eliminate iodine deficiency,” she explains.
She suggests you should avoid foods like cabbage, yellow turnips, peanuts, peaches, soybeans and spinach that interfere with T4 production.
Special foods
According to Setalvad, some alternative treatments can strengthen the thyroid gland. “A seaweed called bladderwrack or Fucus vesiculosus can improve thyroid function and relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism. This can be either be taken in a capsule form or added in tea,” she explains.
She also recommends organic foods as research shows that pesticides and other chemicals in food interfere with glands, giving rise to hormonal problems. “Include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and sprouts in your regular diet. Choose fish over other kinds of meat and use cold-pressed organic oils such as sesame, olive or ground nut oil,” the nutritionist adds.
Exercise right
Regular exercise is an important factor in the treatment of hypothyroidism. “Exercise increases tissue sensitivity to the thyroid hormone and stimulates thyroid gland secretion. A strenuous exercise regime of 15-20 minutes every day will be beneficial,” says Setalvad. She also recommends simple yoga exercises like Sarvangasana and Ujay breathing as they regulate functioning of the thyroid gland.
You can perform Sarvangasana with the following tips.
Lie straight on your back with your legs together and your hands by your sides with your palms resting on the ground.
Inhale and raise your legs to a 30-degree angle. With practice move this up to a 60-degree angle and then to 90 degrees.
Exhale and come back to the original position slowly.
Sarvangasan is usually recommended for sturdy individuals who can balance their body weight. It’s not advisable for senior citizens and pregnant women.
Setalvad suggests practising ujay breathing for 20 minutes on a daily basis for maximum benefits. All you have to do is:
Follow these diet and fitness tips regularly for a slimmer and fitter you.
BDST: 1616 HRS, APR-24, 2014
