Thyroid Wellness: Lifestyle Support

About thyroid conditions

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that makes hormones controlling how the body uses energy. In an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), it makes too little hormone, which can cause tiredness, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin and low mood. In an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), it makes too much, which can cause weight loss, a fast heartbeat, anxiety and feeling hot. Both are diagnosed with blood tests and treated by a doctor.

Where lifestyle care fits

Thyroid conditions need medical treatment, often lifelong thyroid hormone tablets for hypothyroidism. Natural care cannot replace that. What lifestyle care can do is help with the things people often still struggle with: energy, weight, sleep, mood and stress.

How a lifestyle plan may help

• Diet. Balanced, regular meals and help with weight. Iodised salt in normal amounts; no need for special "thyroid diets" without medical advice. See Naturopathy & Lifestyle Disorders.
• Yoga and activity. Gentle, regular movement for energy and mood. See Yoga Therapies.
• Weight care. See Weight Management.
• Sleep and stress care. See Mental Well-Being & Sleep Care.

What the research says

There is no good evidence that yoga, diet or herbs can treat thyroid disease on their own. Regular activity, healthy eating and good sleep support general well-being in people with thyroid conditions. Natural care at Arogyam Sutra is complementary. Please keep seeing your doctor, keep taking prescribed medicines, and tell the clinic about every medicine and supplement you take.

Further reading

• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), NHS
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), NHS