Hyperthyroidism, also known as overactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormones. This can lead to symptoms like unexplained weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, nervousness, and irritability. There are several treatment options for hyperthyroidism, including medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Some natural and lifestyle approaches, like walking, are sometimes used as complementary therapies to help manage hyperthyroidism symptoms. But can going for regular walks actually help reduce hyperthyroidism? Let’s take a detailed look at the evidence.
What is hyperthyroidism?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It produces two main hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate metabolism and affect many vital body functions like heart rate, body temperature, and breathing.
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid becomes overactive and produces excess T3 and T4 hormones. Some common causes include:
– Graves’ disease – This autoimmune disorder causes the body to produce antibodies that stimulate the thyroid to secrete too much thyroid hormone. It accounts for most cases of hyperthyroidism.
– Thyroid nodules – Nodules or lumps in the thyroid can sometimes secrete excess thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
– Thyroiditis – Inflammation of the thyroid may cause it to leak excess thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
– Excess iodine – Consuming too much iodine through medications, diet or supplements triggers increased thyroid hormone production.
– Pituitary disorder – A tumor of the pituitary gland that secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can cause hyperthyroidism.
The excess thyroid hormones speed up the body’s metabolism, causing symptoms like:
– Unexplained weight loss
– Rapid or irregular heartbeat
– Tremors in the hands
– Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
– Sweating, sensitivity to heat
– Fatigue, muscle weakness
– Difficulty sleeping
– Thinning hair
– Diarrhea
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious complications like atrial fibrillation, heart failure, brittle bones (osteoporosis), and thyroid storm – a sudden worsening of symptoms that is potentially fatal.
How is hyperthyroidism treated?
There are three main medical treatment options for hyperthyroidism:
– Antithyroid medications – Drugs like methimazole and propylthiouracil inhibit thyroid hormone production and reduce thyroid levels.
– Radioactive iodine – Taking radioactive iodine by mouth destroys parts of the overactive thyroid gland and decreases hormone production. It usually leads to hypothyroidism over time.
– Surgery – Removing part or all of the thyroid gland is sometimes done when other treatments fail or a patient cannot tolerate medications. Thyroid hormone replacement is needed after surgery.
Other therapies may be used alongside conventional medical treatment to help manage hyperthyroidism symptoms, such as:
– Beta blockers – To control rapid heart rate and tremors
– Calcium/vitamin D supplements – To protect bones
– Anxiety medications – For nervousness and irritability
– Sleep aids – To treat insomnia
– Cooling vests/ice packs – For heat intolerance
– Low-intensity exercise like walking – To help symptoms without worsening them
Which brings us to the question – can going for regular walks help reduce hyperthyroidism?
Can walking help treat hyperthyroidism?
Some research suggests that low to moderate intensity aerobic exercise like walking may help improve hyperthyroidism symptoms when used as an adjunct to medical treatment.
One study had women with hyperthyroidism follow an 8-week supervised treadmill walking program for 30-45 minutes per day, 3 days a week along with their normal medication. The walking group showed significant improvements in heart rate, tremors, anxiety, depression, and heat intolerance compared to a control group.[1]
In another study, 50 patients with hyperthyroidism were prescribed beta blockers and randomly assigned to perform brisk walking for 30-40 mins daily or remain sedentary for 12 weeks. The walking group had greater reductions in resting heart rate and serum thyroid hormone levels compared to the sedentary group.[2]
There are a few reasons why walking may help in hyperthyroidism:
– Improves cardiovascular fitness – Walking regularly can strengthen the heart and help lower heart rate.
– Releases mood-boosting endorphins – Physical activity increases endorphins which can relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms common in hyperthyroidism.
– Fatigue management – Starting with short and gentle walks can help build stamina and fight fatigue.
– Weight management – Walking can contribute to weight stabilization in hyperthyroidism.
– Stress relief – The relaxing, repetitive nature of walking helps manage stress.
However, it’s important to start slow and avoid overexertion which can worsen hyperthyroid symptoms. Brisk walking or moderate hiking on flat, even terrain is ideal. Always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Tips for walking with hyperthyroidism
If you have hyperthyroidism and want to start walking, keep these tips in mind:
– Get medical clearance, especially if you have heart complications
– Start with 5-10 minutes of slow walking and gradually increase
– Walk on flat, even surfaces to avoid injury
– Use a heart rate monitor and keep your heart rate below 100 bpm
– Walk in cool, shaded areas to prevent overheating
– Stay well hydrated and stop if you feel dizzy/lightheaded
– Avoid vigorous exercise that overtaxes your heart
– Take rest breaks as needed
– Listen to your body and don’t overdo it – hyperthyroid symptoms may initially worsen with exercise
– Take beta blockers as prescribed to control heart rate
– Wear cooling vests or use ice packs if heat intolerant
– Walk with a friend for safety and motivation
Risks of exercising with hyperthyroidism
While moderate walking can help some hyperthyroid patients, there are some risks to be aware of:
– Cardiac complications – If hyperthyroidism has caused heart damage, like atrial fibrillation, intense activity can worsen symptoms.
– Heat intolerance – Exercise increases body heat production, which hyperthyroid patients may have difficulty coping with.
– Falls – Muscle weakness and tremors may impair stability and increase fall risk with rigorous exercise. Always walk on flat surfaces.
– Thyroid storm – Very strenuous activity could theoretically trigger this rare, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroid symptoms.
– Bone injury – Brittle bones from hyperthyroidism are vulnerable to fractures and stress injuries.
– Energy bursts – Some patients get temporary bursts of energy, allowing overexertion that leads to worse fatigue after.
To stay safe, take a cautious approach – start with short, gentle walks at an easy pace. Increase pace and duration slowly as tolerated, taking rest breaks as needed. Let your doctor guide you based on your individual health status.
Other complementary therapies
Along with walking, other complementary therapies that may help with hyperthyroidism symptoms include:
– Yoga – Gentle yoga poses, breathwork, and meditation can aid relaxation.
– Tai Chi – Slow, flowing movements paired with deep breathing promote mental calmness.
– Massage – Helps soothe muscle tension, anxiety, and headaches.
– Acupuncture – Can alleviate irritability, insomnia, tremors, and palpitations.
– Reflexology – Foot massage shown to reduce resting heart rate.
– Mindfulness meditation – Calms the mind and relieves emotional symptoms.
– Biofeedback – Uses breathing and visualization to gain control over involuntary bodily processes.
– Counseling/support groups – Help manage emotional aspects of chronic thyroid disorders.
However, always check with your doctor before starting new therapies as some may not be safe depending on your health status. These complementary options should not replace conventional hyperthyroidism treatment – they simply help manage symptoms.
Lifestyle changes
Along with walking and other complementary therapies, making certain lifestyle adjustments can help keep hyperthyroidism in check:
– Eat regular, small meals to prevent energy and glucose fluctuations
– Increase intake of fiber, lean proteins and anti-inflammatory fats like omega-3s
– Avoid excess sweets, saturated fats and caffeine
– Stay hydrated, especially with physical activity
– Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, massage
– Get adequate sleep by sticking to a regular sleep-wake cycle
– Reduce stress through mindfulness, counseling, support groups
– Take breaks and delegate tasks if feeling overwhelmed/irritable
– Use cooling techniques like fans, cold packs, cool showers to manage heat intolerance
– Wear loose, layered clothing to stay ventilated
– Apply sunscreen and protective clothing outdoors
– Use medications properly and monitor thyroid levels regularly
Conclusion
In summary, there is some evidence that engaging in regular, low to moderate intensity walking may help complement medical treatment and manage symptoms in hyperthyroidism. However, taking a cautious approach and following your doctor’s recommendations is crucial, as overly strenuous activity can be dangerous. If walking is well-tolerated, it offers cardiovascular, emotional, and metabolic benefits. Combine walking with other lifestyle changes like a hyperthyroid-friendly diet, stress reduction, adequate sleep, and proper treatment to get the best results. As always, speak to your healthcare provider for advice on the right exercise plan for you.