Can exercise help with hyperthyroidism?
Physical activity can be a confusing topic when you have an overactive thyroid. On one hand, we know it’s a must for your overall wellbeing. But on the other, some forms of exercise can be risky.
So can exercise be beneficial for hyperthyroidism, and what should you watch out for? Let’s take a closer look at this controversial topic.
The benefits of exercise
We already know that exercise is great for your health. But did you know it has specific benefits for people with an overactive thyroid?
Some of the reasons to include regular physical activity include:
Improved sleep quality and quantity - this can help ease insomnia related to hyperthyroidism
Bone density support - excess thyroid hormone can deplete bone density, but exercise can help to prevent this loss
Improved mood - both anxiety and depression can occur with hyperthyroidism, but physical activity can alleviate these and support a healthy mood
Increased stress tolerance - physical activity is great for stress management, which is often a struggle for those with an overactive thyroid
Increased energy levels - it’s common to feel ‘tired but wired’, but the good news is exercise can boost your energy levels naturally
Cardiovascular health - heart issues are a massive issue in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, but regular physical activity can support your heart health
Potential drawbacks
While physical activity has a host of benefits, we also need to be cautious when it comes to an overactive thyroid.
Why? Put simply, your body and metabolism are already in overdrive before you even get out of bed in the morning! By adding exercise on top of it, you risk speeding things up even further.
The biggest concern is the increase in both your heart rate and body temperature. If these are not closely monitored, you could be in danger of a serious health episode. In extreme cases, you could even go into heart failure if your hyperthyroidism is not well-controlled.
Does this mean you shouldn’t exercise? Let’s not go that far! All it means is that you need to be aware of what to watch out for when exercising.
Warning signs to watch for
The good news is that if you’re aware of the signs of a hyperthyroid flare, you can easily spot the warning signs while exercising. The most common signs that something is not right can include:
A rapid heart rate and palpitations
Intolerance to heat
Struggling to exercise or complete your workout (exercise intolerance)
Muscle weakness and tremors
Feeling anxious, worried or irritable
Dizziness
It’s also critical that you cease exercise if you experience any chest pain. If the pain doesn’t settle after you stop exercising, seek immediate medical attention - it’s better to be safe than sorry.
If you work with a personal trainer, make sure they are aware of your condition and what to watch out for. Sometimes it is easier for someone else to spot your symptoms before you become aware of them.
Exercise options for hyperthyroidism
What if you want to move regularly, but aren’t sure if your thyroid is under control? You still have options to keep active without risking your health. Start with:
Yoga
Pilates
Gentle walks
Swimming
Low-intensity cardio options such as cycling and elliptical
Tai chi
Low-intensity strength training (make sure to leave plenty of rest time between sets to keep intensity low)
As your control over your thyroid improves, you can start to introduce moderate-intensity options or increase the intensity of your physical activity. High-intensity options should only be considered in those who have adequate control of their hyperthyroidism, and you should still monitor closely for symptoms.
NEWLY DIAGNOSED AND NEEDING TO NAVIGATE THE WORLD OF AN OVERACTIVE THYROID?
I cover what you need to know to manage an overactive thyroid naturally in my course, the Hyperthyroid and Graves’ Disease Recovery Program.
This comprehensive program includes:
6 modules covering the most important information you need to understand your overactive thyroid and how to support it naturally
Resources on thyroid testing and which tests will give you the best overview of your thyroid function
Steps to help you identify triggers and avoid thyroid flares
6 restorative Naturopathic Yoga sessions
Thyroid meditations
A BONUS 4 step gut healing protocol (because many of the triggers for your thyroid are found in the gut!)