Unavoidable and ubiquitous in our daily lives, stress is also the main factor contributing to the development of thyroid disease. Long-term exposure to the accelerated pace of life and negative stressful situations can lead to burnout syndrome.
In conditions of stress, in order to somehow protect the body, our adrenal gland increases the production of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol has a number of functions, the most important of which are the effects on the regulation of sugar levels, blood pressure and the body's immune response.
In people with reduced thyroid function, chronic stress can further worsen the clinical picture and make treatment more difficult. Chronically elevated cortisol levels reduce the production of thyroid hormones, and reduce their conversion from inactive to active form. An additional decrease in thyroid hormones also adversely affects the regulation of body weight, so even in addition to diet and physical activity, it is significantly more difficult to lose unwanted pounds.
The ineffective ways we often try to reduce the effects of stress (overeating, excessive drinking of coffee, regular consumption of alcohol and nicotine) not only do not solve the cortisol imbalance, but create additional health problems. Cortisol is a hormone that controls our hunger, digestion, blood pressure, wakefulness and sleep, physical activity and capacity to cope with stress.
Although we cannot avoid stressful situations, it is important to develop good ways of dealing with stress in order to reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. One of the best ways to reduce stress is regular physical activity and adequate relaxation exercises. It is also important to sleep enough, devote enough time to yourself and your needs, and listen to the messages your body sends us - don't push it beyond the limits of endurance, advises the Croatian Teaching Institute for Public Health "Dr. Andrija Štampar", reports Ordinacija.hr.
Four 4 simple steps to self-examination of the thyroid gland
- Stand in front of the mirror so that you can clearly see your neck, pay attention to the Adam's apple and collarbone area.
- Tilt your head back so that your chin is pointing up and you can still see the area where the thyroid gland is located.
- Drink some water and while swallowing observe the said area and see if there is anything unusual such as a bump or swelling.
- If you notice anything out of the ordinary, be sure to see your doctor - it might not be anything serious, or it might be thyroid disease.
Thyroid hormones are necessary for the proper functioning of all body cells. They are very important for:
- Proper metabolism. They promote heat generation, stimulate protein synthesis, stimulate the breakdown of fats, affect sugar levels, heart rate.
- They contribute to sexual function in both sexes and maintenance of pregnancy.
- They stimulate the ability to learn and remember, affect emotions.
- They are also crucial for the development of the nervous system in the fetal period.
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