It is well-known that people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. But did you know that being overweight or obese is also linked to an increased chance of getting the disease? This is according to a new study from Taiwan, published in the European Journal of Endocrinology.
The researchers analyzed the medical records of 19,315 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and compared them to 94,918 patients without the disease. They discovered that having the following traits increases your chances of developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:
- A family history of the disease
- A history of gout or arthritis
- A history of asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- A history of heart disease or stroke
- A history of diabetes
- A history of depression or anxiety
- A history of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
- A history of alcohol abuse
- A history of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- A personal history of breast cancer
- A history of radiation exposure
- A diet higher in calories
- A lack of physical activity
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for many other chronic diseases. This includes heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. So it makes sense that being overweight or obese increases your chances of developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is important to note, however, that not all people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are overweight or obese. So you might not have this disease just because you are big or small. But it is still something to consider.
Eat Healthy
It is no secret that patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have an increased risk of certain illnesses. But what is probably more important is that they have an increased risk of becoming obese or overweight. This increases their chances of developing diabetes and heart disease. So it is very important that they watch what they eat and stay active. According to the study, the patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were less likely to be physically active and more likely to be obese or overweight. This suggests that increasing their physical activity level and reducing their obesity may help them fight off the disease. It also means that diet plays an important role in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Here are some tips to help you lose weight with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:
- Consume more vegetables and fruits and less meat and processed food
- Avoid fast food and food high in sugar content
- Eat more nuts and seeds
- Consume more fish and seafood
- Drink more water
- Exercise daily
- Reduce stress
It is well-known that people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have an increased risk of developing other diseases. But the fact that they are also at risk of becoming overweight or obese is an important piece of information to keep in mind. Eating healthy and being active can help reduce this risk. Avoiding stress and alcohol also helps reduce this risk.
Manage Your Mood
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to manage your mood. If you have a history of depression or anxiety, it would be wise to seek treatment before you develop these problems due to the illness. Also, if you are already taking medication for these problems, do not hesitate to ask your doctor if there is anything else you can try.
There are many different types of treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Some treatments are focused on decreasing inflammation. Others are focused on replacing lost thyroid hormones. Still others are focused on strengthening the immune system in order to prevent the disease from coming back. Your doctor will likely be able to recommend an effective treatment plan for you.
Try New Things
It is important to stay involved in new things and try new things. This can help keep your mind active and avoid depression. If you are already feeling down, it can be hard to be motivated to do anything. But by staying active and seeing the benefits of doing new things, you may be able to boost your mood enough to get moving again.
There are many ways to stay motivated. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to find something you are passionate about. If losing weight is a concern for you, look into joining a gym. Many gyms offer free weights and other amenities that can help you work out while motivating you to keep moving.
If you have kids, becoming a parent can be a real motivator. Similarly, if you are motivated by helping others or making a difference, there are numerous ways to contribute to a greater good. You may decide to start a blog, become a social media personality, or volunteer for a nonprofit organization.
Get Enough Sleep
For most people, sleep is important in order to maintain a healthy mind and body. In addition to helping the body produce hormones that reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and regulate appetite, sleeping also promotes the body’s natural detoxification process. While sleep is important for everybody, it is even more vital for those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. People with this disease should get at least seven hours of sleep each night in order to maintain a healthy weight. If you are not getting the sleep you need, it may be affecting your health in un-detectable ways. Many factors can cause sleep apnea, snoring, and restless leg syndrome. Some of these factors include:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Cancer
If you are noticing any of these symptoms, it might be time for you to see your doctor. The good news is that most of these conditions can be treated effectively. So by getting the proper diagnosis and treatment, you may be able to regain your health and lose the weight once and for all.