If you have thyroid disease, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, you might be hesitant about exercising. Thankfully, there are numerous benefits to exercising with thyroid disease, such as boosting energy levels and your mood. Before exercising, it’s important to take precautions, especially if your thyroid levels aren’t well-controlled.
If you have hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, the excess production of thyroid hormones increases your metabolism and heart rate. It’s important that your hormone levels are under control before exercising, as too much high-intensity exercise can lead to heart failure.
Meanwhile, hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This means you have a slower metabolism and heart rate. As a result, exercise can be hard on your heart if your thyroid hormones aren’t well-controlled.
If it’s been a long time since you last exercised, choose low-impact activities. These include activities such as:
- Walking
- Strength training
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Water aerobics
- Swimming
If you’re not sure about which activity is best for you, consider talking to your doctor or nurse practitioner. They will also be able to take your thyroid disease into account to help you find an activity that best suits your needs.
By Diane Alavie, Bsc. Phm
