Expert Advice
Acella Pharmaceuticals is partnering with Heather Procknal, NBC-HWC-CHC, to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post is sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition routine. Acella Pharmaceuticals does not endorse, promote, or sponsor any products or brands mentioned in this article. The views expressed here are those of the author.
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, may make some days feel like an uphill battle. Understanding this condition is a good first step toward navigating everyday life. Continue reading to arm yourself with information that may help you live more confidently.
Understanding Your Body: Introspection, Education and Self-Awareness
Living with hypothyroidism demands ongoing introspection, and this happens by developing a deeper understanding of your body. Recognizing the subtleties of how your body reacts to different foods, stress levels, and routines may provide invaluable insights.
Education about the disease is equally critical, as it may empower you to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options. Self-awareness helps you notice symptom patterns and triggers so you can turn everyday experiences into opportunities for better health management.
A simple way to help track hypothyroid symptoms is with a journal. Journaling about your mood, energy levels, sleep habits, food and exercise can give you and your health care provider a better view of your habits and overall health.
If the thought of journaling or tracking all of this feels daunting, start with one area, such as food tracking, and add more as you get into the habit of logging your food and symptoms. My article on How to Break the Cycle of Emotional Eating contains tips on how to get started journaling. As you identify foods that cause your symptoms to flare, you can modify and tailor your meals with careful planning.
Nutrition and Meal Planning
Eating a well-balanced diet may be helpful to manage hypothyroidism effectively. Incorporating a variety of essential nutrients may support your overall wellness.
By planning your meals ahead of time, you can avoid fast foods and less healthy options. Instead, focus on whole, unprocessed foods and incorporate lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals.
Here are ten tips for making meal planning easier!
Ultimately, nutrition and meal planning are about making informed choices that bolster your health and well-being. This change may give you a sense of control and empowerment over your nutritional needs. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized nutritional advice.
Creating a Personalized Exercise Regimen
Managing hypothyroidism involves adopting healthy habits, particularly in your exercise routine. This doesn't just mean hitting the weights at the gym; activities can vary from a brisk walk and gentle stretching to a yoga session. What matters is moving your body. Remember, consistency is your friend here. Gradually build up a routine that complements your lifestyle and daily commitments.
Before embarking on any new exercise plan, please consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it's suitable for your specific health condition. The goal is to support your health without causing undue stress to your body.
Improving Sleep Hygiene for Better Rest
Improving sleep hygiene is helpful for those navigating daily life with hypothyroidism because quality rest may influence overall health.
Establish a regular bedtime routine to signal your body it's time to wind down. This can include activities such as reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation exercises. Aim to keep your bedroom environment conducive to sleep by maintaining a cool, quiet, and dark setting.
Limit exposure to blue light emitted by screens at least an hour before bedtime, as it can interfere with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. Also, consider reducing caffeine and sugar intake in the evening. If sleep issues persist, consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and tailored advice.
Bring It All Together
Navigating everyday life with hypothyroidism requires understanding, patience, and a proactive approach to personal health and wellness. Implementing these strategies may lead to a more balanced life, even when you’re dealing with the complexities of hypothyroidism.
- Recognize and understand your body's signals and symptoms through self-awareness.
- Embrace nutrient-rich foods and thoughtful meal planning.
- Consult with healthcare providers to create an exercise regimen that aligns with your lifestyle and condition.
- Improve your sleep hygiene to help combat common symptoms such as lethargy and low energy.
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Note that DTE products, including NP Thyroid®, have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION, INCLUDING BOXED WARNING & INDICATIONS
Important Risk Information
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- NP Thyroid® is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, NP Thyroid® should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of NP Thyroid® in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of NP Thyroid® with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of NP Thyroid® may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with NP Thyroid® therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to NP Thyroid ®. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- NP Thyroid® should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Indications
NP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
NP Thyroid® is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.
Revised
10/2023
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