BLOG 32 THE THYROID

BLOG 32 THE THYROID

The functioning of the thyroid gland plays an important role in our metabolism, which of course is related to our fitness journeys. It’s amazing to think that such a small gland located right below our Adam’s apple produces hormones that enter our bloodstream which then control our metabolism. Over the years, clients have been mentioning more and more on their medical intake questionnaires, symptoms related to having hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Our bodies depend on the functioning of the thyroid for our metabolism. Simply put, “The functioning of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body that can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acidtyrosine to make T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy)” (http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works). This means, “Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism” (http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/how-your-thyroid-works).

Hypothyroidism is having an under active thyroid gland. There is not  enough production of the needed hormones. Women over age 60 seem to be the culprits of this. To put it best, “Hypothyroidism upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in your body. It seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but, over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease” (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/basics/definition/con-20021179).  Having hypothyroidism is common in older aged people, so sometimes one might associate fatigue or weight gain with aging, and ignore the symptoms. One’s metabolism is certainly slowing down and other signs may include (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/basics/symptoms/con-20021179) : “Fatigue, Increased sensitivity to cold, Constipation, Dry skin, unexplained weight gain, puffy face, hoarseness, muscle weakness, elevated blood cholesterol level, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints, heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods, thinning hair, slowed heart rate, depression, and impaired memory”. I do have a number of clients who take medication to help with this. We know that a slow metabolism can affect your fitness goals, so it is important to know how well your thyroid is functioning.

On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid. Too much of the hormone thyroxine is produced. I have had clients come to me with this condition too, in which they want to put weight or muscle on due to their metabolic level. In summary, “Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism significantly, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, and nervousness or irritability” (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/basics/definition/con-20020986). Medication can be used to reduce the production of the hormone. Just like hypothyroidism, the symptoms aren’t exactly direct and often times might be thought of as related to other illnesses. There are quite a few symptoms which include the following (http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/basics/symptoms/con-20020986): “Sudden weight loss, even when your appetite and the amount and type of food you eat remain the same or even increase, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute — irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or pounding of your heart (palpitations), increased appetite, nervousness, anxiety and irritability, tremor — usually a fine trembling in your hands and fingers, sweating, changes in menstrual patterns, increased sensitivity to heat, changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent bowel movements, an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which may appear as a swelling at the base of your neck, fatigue, muscle weakness, difficulty sleeping, skin thinning, fine, brittle hair”.

The number of people with thyroid conditions is pretty shocking. 1 in 13 people or 20 million Americans have a thyroid condition (http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/t/thyroid/stats.htm). Causes can be related to inflammation of the thyroid, cancerous growths in the thyroid, nodules that can develop and alter the chemical balance, an autoimmune issue, taking lithium, if the thyroid has been removed, or excessive exposure to iodide which is a dye used before X-rays or in some medications (http://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-thyroid-problems-basics?page=2)/.  

All we can do is do the best we can with the body we are given. Next time you have a physical, ask to have your thyroid levels checked. Some clients are frustrated with the actions of their thyroid in relation to weight loss. We just have to remember the scale isn’t the only measure of progress and our overall fitness level. Clients still lose inches, body fat, and lower their BMI with these conditions, so focus on the positive and continue to be proactive. Onward we go!!!!