5 Ways Stress Can Worsen Thyroid Problems

5 Ways Stress Can Worsen Thyroid Problems

Emotional stress is what everyone thinks of when “stress” is mentioned, but stress comes in many different forms. This can be caused by over-exercising, lack of sleep, an argument with a friend, or consuming too many sweets. The adrenal glands do not differentiate between any of these stressors. Whether it's drinking too much coffee or having a final exam, the adrenal glands respond in the same way - by telling the adrenal glands to secrete hormones.

Our adrenal glands actually secrete almost 50 hormones, but we are most interested in the hormones adrenaline, DHEA and cortisol. These hormones work to keep our body's response to stress in check by having aanti-inflammatory and antioxidanteffect. These adrenal hormones work when there is swelling and inflammation, threat of mental or physical danger, infection, and autoimmune disease. But the adrenal glands have their limits. They run out of steam and produce less and less of their hormones as the body repeatedly asks them to respond to chronic problems such as:Thyroid diseases.

When the adrenal glands can't keep up, the effects can be far-reaching. Some symptoms and signs ofAdrenal fatigueare:

• Allergies

• Asthma

• Fear

• Autoimmune diseases

• Chronic fatigue

• Cravings for salty or sweet foods

• Recurrent coughs, colds, flu

• Fatigue

• Confusion, poor memory

• Hypoglycemia

• Insomnia

• Low sex drive

• Blurred vision

• Headache

• Rely on coffee or energy drinks

• Feeling bloated

• Trouble falling or falling asleep

• Dizziness (positional – from sitting to standing or from lying down to sitting)

• Weight gain

Thyroid functionis closely linked to our adrenal health. Part of a thyroid treatment plan should include adrenal support for the following5 reasons::

1. Nebennierenermüdung führt dazu, dass die Schilddrüsenrezeptoren der Zellen ihre Empfindlichkeit gegenüber Schilddrüsenhormonen verlieren
2. Nebennierenermüdung kann die Umwandlung der Schilddrüsenhormone T4 in T3 verringern
3. Nebennierenermüdung schwächt die Barrieren des Immunsystems im Darm, in der Lunge und in der Blut-Hirn-Schranke
4. Nebennierenermüdung hemmt die Absorption von Schilddrüsenhormon in Zellen
5. Nebennierenermüdung stört den Austausch zwischen Hypothalamus und Hypophyse mit der Schilddrüse

What can you do to help adrenal fatigue?

Here are some “do’s” that can help you avoid or support adrenal fatigue. Start better managing your blood sugar levels by:

• Essen Sie innerhalb einer Stunde nach dem Aufwachen ein proteinreiches Frühstück.
• Vermeiden Sie Koffein, Alkohol, Nikotin und Energy-Drinks.
• Halten Sie niedrig glykämische Snacks in der Nähe. Wir empfehlen Joghurt, Nüsse, rohes Gemüse, Oliven, Gurken und hart gekochte Eier. Iss alle 2-3 Stunden etwas, egal ob du hungrig bist oder nicht.
• Vermeiden Sie Süßigkeiten
• Essen Sie eine lebensmittelallergenfreie Diät

Exercise and the adrenal glands

Our adrenal glands need the right kind of exercise. It is crucial for reducing high cortisol levels. Sports that require repeated, short bursts of energy, like weightlifting, burn sugar and can put even more strain on the adrenal glands.

The type of exercise that burns fat is calledAerobic exercise. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, long, slow runs, rowing, and non-competitive cycling.Burning fat with these exercises can lower cortisol levels.

Adrenal health is critical in any thyroid treatment plan. Assessment of the adrenal glands is part of a functional medicine thyroid exam.

Inspired by Dr. Frank P Lanzisera