Tame your THYROID

Could this common condition be the reason why youre feeling so tired?

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We all have those days when we’d rather veg out on the couch. However, if you constantly feel lethargic or have low energy for more than a few weeks, it could be related to a thyroid problem.

“Your thyroid produces hormones which help turn food into energy, so if there’s an imbalance in these chemicals it can wreak havoc on energy levels,” says endocrinologist Dr Kiernan Hughes.

“When there’s too much of these hormones, it results in a condition known as hyperthyroidism, whereas too little causes hypothyroidism,” adds naturopath Karina Francois. “Both can leave you feeling sluggish, but it’s more common with hypothyroidism.”

The effects of thyroid disorders include unexplained weight gain, swollen legs and brittle nails to name a few. Yet Francois says the majority of conditions can easily be treated with medication and dietary changes.

“At the end of the day, your body is like a machine,” she says. “If you put the right fuel into it, it generally responds really well.”

WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM?