Feeling Ill? Don’t Self Diagnose

Posted on: 22 May 2016

Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease that eventually leads to hypothyroidism in most cases. Hypothyroidism frequently leads to weight gain, and even with a precise balance of medication for your thyroid hormone requirements, that weight can be hard to lose. Here are a few tips to help you take charge of your weight loss along with the support of a local weight loss center.

Exercising With Hashimoto's Disease

Although many people think that losing weight means hitting the gym really hard right from the start, this isn't the best plan for those with Hashimoto's disease. You need to be sure that you aren't exceeding your current comfort level and physical capabilities, because the inflammation that comes with Hashimoto's disease can lead to intense pain and discomfort if you overexert yourself. You should aim for a balance of cardiovascular and strength exercises along with your stretches.

Considering Cardiovascular Exercise Options

Because your thyroid hormones also regulate things like your heart rate, blood pressure and more, cardiovascular exercise is important for patients diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease. Start slow so that you don't stress your system. You can work your way to longer exercises and more intense regimens as you build up stamina and adapt to the workouts.

As the fast walk pace starts to become easier, increase the intensity. Add short bursts of jogging speed, then run for progressively longer times. This will help you build up gradually. It's important that you do it in stages, though. Otherwise, you'll likely cause fatigue and increased inflammation.

Adding Strength Training Programs

Strength training is important for preserving muscle tone, but if you have an autoimmune disease, you need to be careful not to stress your muscles too much. Inflammation can be intensified by worn out, fatigued or stressed muscles.

Start with light weights and focus on repetition. Then, as the repetitions become easier, increase the intensity or change the angle of the lift. Use hand weights or ankle and wrist weights so that you can adjust the weight at will.

When you work with a weight loss center to regain control of your body weight, it's important that you balance the diet and nutrition changes with these exercise tips. The activity levels will help your body naturally burn calories, and with your thyroid hormones balanced out, you may be able to shed a few of those extra pounds. Talk with your local physician weight loss center today for more tips to lose that weight.