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Low thyroid? Here's how to overcome fatigue

Plus a common hypothyroidism myth, busted.

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When it’s working properly, your thyroid—a hormone-producing gland at the base of your throat—is an unsung hero of metabolism regulation, affecting the body’s energy usage, temperature, heart rate and more. When you have hypothyroidism, however, the gland may not produce enough hormone, which slows metabolism and may cause fatigue.

According to Rachel Nutting, PA-C, aShow More

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Take your meds the right way

Standard treatment for hypothyroidism and its symptoms consists of a daily dosage of synthetic thyroid hormone, which is identical to the hormone naturally produced by your body. According to the National Institutes of Health, taking the proper dose of synthetic thyroid hormone every day canShow More

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Get moving

Because weight gain is a symptom, rather than a cause, of hypothyroidism, exercising for general health is a smart move to combat fatigue. “Exercising increases energy, decreases stress and can help manage weight, which is often a concern of people with hypothyroidism,” says Nutting.

The goal is atShow More

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Focus on energy-sustaining foods

Though there is no specific hypothyroidism diet, maintaining a healthy diet is essential for staying ahead of the condition. Fruit, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats should all be on the menu every day, says Nutting, while processed or sugary foods should be kept to a minimum. “EatingShow More

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Stress less

Stress isn’t a symptom of thyroid disease, but trying to keep up with your regular life when you’re fatigued could produce anxiety in even the most well-adapted person. “If you have hypothyroidism, talking about stress reduction is important,” says Nutting. “Stress itself can make you more tired.”Show More

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Reset your sleep schedule

Getting on a good sleep schedule is invaluable for fighting fatigue, says Nutting. Shoot for seven to nine hours a night. “Set a regular time to go to bed and wake up every day,” she advises. A consistent sleep schedule reinforces your sleep-wake cycle, leaving you feeling more refreshed eachShow More

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A common myth about hypothyroidism

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you may have heard that iodine supplements can help cure you. While it’s true that iodine deficiency can suppress thyroid hormone production, the popularization of iodized salt has basically eradicated that threat in developed countries. “A lot ofShow More

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