Stress And Hyperthyroidism: A Relationship You Should Know

Stress and hyperthyroidism share a common link that you need to know.

As we already know, disorders associated with the thyroid gland are quite common among the population, however, what is not as well known is the possibility that factors as common as stress produce an alteration in this type of hormones.

Nevertheless, it is so. And without a doubt it is a fact that forces us to give even more importance to all those daily pressures that take away our calm and that, whether we want it or not, leave their impact on our body altering its functions and internal balance.

Below, we provide you with more information about this link so that we keep it in mind, so that we become aware of the importance of managing our day-to-day emotions and slowing down.

Stress and hyperthyroidism, how are they related?

Stress and hyperthyroidism are related through our adrenal glands. To better understand this link, we are going to delve into the mechanism of stress itself.

Stress and our immune system

We will begin by clarifying an important fact. Stress will only alter our thyroid gland if it is chronic, that is, when we go through those times where over 3 months or a year we drag the same state of nervousness, restlessness, vital and psychological anguish.

• When this happens, the stress that does the first thing is to stimulate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
• These two brain structures stimulate the adrenal glands.
• What happens next is this: our immune system is not only weakened, it is disrupted.
• Cytokines and inflammatory processes appear. In other words, our own defense system attacks us because it perceives that there is a threat, but it does not know where it comes from and reacts in the worst way: it attacks the organism itself.

Studies such as the one carried out at the University of Pennsylvania and   published in the journal  Thyroid Research , also show us that there is a relationship between levels of cortisol and TSH  (thyrotropin or thyroid stimulating hormone).

What happens next is that there is an alteration in the thyroid hormone. In fact, the most common is that the person ends up developing Graves Basedow disease.

Stress is therefore a risk factor for hypothyroidism.

Stress and hypothyroidism, what can we do to avoid the appearance of both conditions?

The alteration of the function of the thyroid gland is a condition associated with several factors. One of them, as we already know, is stress.

If so, is there a way to prevent stress-related hypothyroidism from developing? These would be some strategies:

Watch your diet

• In addition to a balanced diet, it is important not to skip any meals. In case of not having breakfast or not having dinner, for example, our metabolism could be altered.
• We must regulate the consumption of caffeine, sugar, drinks, sodas, chocolate, etc. They are foods that tend to intensify our stress.

Likewise, it is recommended that our diet does not lack the following vitamins and minerals:

• Selenium.
• Iodine.
• Zinc.
• Iron.
• Copper.
• vitamins A, B, C and E.

Sleep between 7 and 9 hours

As we all know, stress affects the quality of our rest. In turn, a bad night’s rest alters our health and our metabolism. Therefore, it is necessary that we change habits in order to rest a little better:

• We will be regular with our schedules: eat and go to bed always at the same time.

• We will have dinner 2 hours before sleeping.
• In the afternoon we must become aware of something very simple: slow down. It may be difficult at first, but mentalizing that once at home our body and mind must slow down is essential.
• Two hours before going to sleep, we will put aside computers and mobile phones.

Emotional management

Managing our emotions is not an easy task, we know it. However, it is always a good time to prioritize a little more. These would be some keys to achieve it.

• It is not convenient to leave the annoyance or worry that we feel today until tomorrow.
• Since stress and hyperthyroidism are related, we will try to deal with the small problems of the day to day before they become bigger.
• We will always focus on the present. Instead of asking ourselves why this and that has happened to us, instead of worrying about what may happen to us tomorrow, we will apply a simple strategy: what can I do now to deal with this problem?

• Facilitate emotional relief: talk to trusted people about what is stopping you sleep, keep a journal, play sports, release that anxiety on a day-to-day basis.

Also, don’t hesitate to ask for expert help to effectively manage these states. At our disposal we have very effective therapies to reduce stress.

Mindfulness

The Mindfulness is a meditation technique and a way to promote body-mind that proper bonding. Likewise, this study, like the one carried out at Boston University, reveals that this practice is very effective in reducing and managing states of stress and anxiety.

• The Mindulness  helps us to develop a fuller awareness and connected to our needs. 
• We manage to manage negative emotions, identify tensions, reduce them, improve breathing, focus …
• It would be highly recommended to practice at least one hour of Mindfulness a day, also remembering that this practice also extends to food and other areas of our life.
• It is simply about being more present, enjoying everything we do, listening to ourselves, taking life at a different pace, slower, more responsible.

Since stress and hyperthyroidism are related, let’s not hesitate to apply these simple strategies to take better care of ourselves.

Also, let’s not forget to carry out regular reviews and consult with good professionals to better manage stress.