Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and decreased thyroid function. One of the common symptoms of people with Hashimoto’s is fatigue. While there is no cure for Hashimoto’s, there are several strategies that can help control fatigue and improve overall health. It is important to note that consultation with a health care professional is very important to develop a personalized approach. Here are some strategies that can help control Hashimoto’s fatigue:
Controlling fatigue caused by Hashimoto
Medication management:
You need to know that your TSH level is within the range of a healthy person without thyroid disease. You can know the amount of TSH in your body by going to the doctor and consulting a health care and medical specialist and taking a test, and if it is deficient, using thyroid hormone replacement drugs (such as levothyroxine) can help restore thyroid hormone levels and reduce fatigue. Appropriate dosage adjustment and regular monitoring are essential to ensure optimal thyroid hormone levels. You can also adjust the T3 and T4 hormones by checking more.
Anemia management:
In some people with Hashimoto’s disease, anemia is very common and makes people feel tired. To find out anemia, in addition to hemoglobin and hematocrit tests, ferritin, B12 and folate tests are also recommended. B12 is an essential vitamin needed for protein synthesis, cell reproduction, and normal growth, and it also helps produce melatonin and serotonin, which promote restful sleep and a positive mood. Ferritin is one of the most common deficiencies I see in people with Hashimoto’s, and in addition to fatigue, it can cause shortness of breath, restless leg syndrome, hair loss, insomnia, strange food cravings, and elevated reverse T3 levels. Vitamin B9 is an essential nutrient that occurs naturally in the form of folate, which plays a vital role in DNA formation and cell growth.
Stress management:
Stress can aggravate the symptoms of fatigue. Regular practice of stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness exercises, can help manage stress and improve energy levels.
Balanced diet:
A balanced diet plays an important role in managing fatigue. Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Avoiding processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive caffeine can help stabilize energy levels throughout the day.
Food sensitivities can lead to Hashimoto’s fatigue. People with Hashimoto’s are often allergic to gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, corn, and nuts.
Adequate sleep:
Make it a priority to get enough sleep every night. Establish a consistent bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment by darkening the bedroom, creating a quiet and peaceful environment, and maintaining the right temperature in the bedroom. Avoid using electronic devices before bed because blue light can disrupt the quality of sleep.
Regular exercise:
Regular physical activity can help fight fatigue. Start with light exercises such as walking, swimming or yoga and gradually increase it according to your strength and tolerance. Exercise helps increase energy levels, improve mood, and sleep better.
Mind-body techniques:
Techniques such as acupuncture, acupressure, and massage therapy may relieve symptoms of fatigue. These methods help promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall health.
Nutritional supplements:
In some cases, nutritional deficiencies can lead to fatigue. Consult a healthcare professional to identify and correct the defect. They may recommend specific supplements, such as vitamin D, iron, or B vitamins, to stabilize or regulate energy levels.
L-carnitine supplement is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body and helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria where they can be burned and used as fuel.
L-carnitine levels may decrease in hypothyroidism. Taking thyroid medication can increase the production of L-carnitine, and it may act as a vacuum to remove L-carnitine from the body, resulting in a total body deficiency.
The results of a recent study on L-carnitine supplementation for fatigue management in hypothyroid patients showed that L-carnitine may be useful in reducing fatigue symptoms in hypothyroid patients.
Manage your blood sugar:
Blood sugar imbalances can disrupt our energy levels and also cause anxiety. People with blood sugar imbalance often feel tired, weak or anxious during the day, such as “morning fatigue” or “afternoon rest”. Those with adrenal fatigue may also suffer from blood sugar imbalances. This is why balancing blood sugar levels should be a top priority for people who want to overcome fatigue.
Manage your body’s energy consumption:
Managing energy levels is very important when dealing with fatigue. Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and take breaks throughout the day. To save energy, prioritize activities and delegate as many tasks as possible to times when you have enough energy.
Get help from others:
Get help from friends, family, or support groups to help you deal with the challenges of living with Hashimoto’s. Sharing experiences and knowledge can provide emotional support and practical tips for managing fatigue.
Regular checkups:
Regular visits to your doctor or a health care professional are important to monitor your thyroid function, adjust your medication dosage as needed, and address new symptoms or concerns.
Remember, managing Hashimoto’s fatigue may vary from person to person. It is important to be under the care of a doctor or see a doctor regularly who can provide personalized guidance and support based on individual needs.
