Hashimoto's: Modifying Your Exercise To Benefit Your Thyroid

Written By Aixa Goodrich
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If you have Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism you might be struggling with weight gain.  Perhaps you exercise and eat less, but still are unable to maintain your weight.  We all know that exercise should be part of your normal healthcare routine.  It reduces stress, decreases your chances of heart disease, depression, diabetes, and can even improve your immune function. 

You might think that by beginning an extensive exercise program, you can shed the extra pounds.  Although, if you have an auto-immune dysfunction your exercise program needs to be modified.  With a condition like Hashimoto, over-exercising can cause the body to break down faster than it can repair itself and recover.  In other words, intense and/or frequent exercise could worsen an already slow functioning thyroid gland.  

You see, when you exercise intensely and take your body beyond a certain threshold, your body perceives itself under stress and produces cortisol which increases inflammation.  It alters immune function and signals the pituitary gland to slow down or stop creating thyroid hormones.  It may seem counterintuitive but slowing down on exercise and resting more could improve your health and your thyroid function, especially if you are experiencing extreme soreness, joint pains, and you are gaining weight while exercising and eating less.  These could be signs that you may be adding more stress to your body through exercise than benefiting from it.

The good news is, there are effective ways to get moving and incorporate exercise into your life.  Try introducing some restorative yoga to your exercise routine and incorporating Pilates.  Both are good for strengthening the core, easing lower back discomfort, and joint pain.  About three to four times a week, you may also want to include some walking and stretching into the mix.  The key is to listen to your body and modify your plan as needed so that you do not overdo it.   

Would you like help with creating an exercise plan that’s just right for you? If so, book a call with me today - https://bit.ly/2BC1ZXX. I would be happy to work with you and put a plan together to improve your health. I’m here for you. I know your struggle, I hear you, and I feel you. Unfortunately, this is not going to get better on its own. Let me help you add years to your life and life to your years.

Watch my full video on this topic here:

Aixa Goodrich
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