How to Deal With Anxiety From Low Thyroid
The thyroid gland makes the thyroid hormone, TSH which regulates the production of T4. When T4 levels drop too low, an overabundance of TSH will release into the bloodstream to try and balance it. However, if TSH is regularly overproduced in this way, it eventually results in hypothyroidism or a low functioning thyroid gland. Those with low thyroid or hypothyroidism present with a host of problems, including anxiety, panic attack and/or depression. Medication is used to bring levels back to normal.
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Instructions
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Go to the doctor and get tested to find out if your anxiety is a result of low thyroid functioning. Once you're sure that this is the problem, act positively to lower or eliminate it. Start keeping a journal to record the source of your anxiety as it occurs. Your notebook will remind you of your triggers in case you forget.
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Remove triggers from your diet once you've identified them; for instance, if you eat pastries on Saturday and on Sunday you're anxious, check your diary. If pastry isn't there from a previous time as causing a problem, record it and then add it to your "do not eat" list. When the thyroid doesn't function properly and needs medication to support it, foods that once caused little or no problem now make you anxious; therefore it is wise to eliminate them from your diet.
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Limit or avoid refined carbohydrates, sugar and junk food since people with low thyroid function find it difficult to metabolize these foods. Also, junk food remains in the system longer and produces a negative effect on the brain whereas healthy eating lifts mood. Opt to eat fruits, vegetables, quality protein, nuts and fiber.
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Get regular exercise. Working out not only keeps your weight down, it also enhances mood by increasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the bloodstream. When the amount of thyroid hormone is too low, the pituitary gland starts to work harder to produce more; this can cause anxiety. When the TSH level increases to normal, metabolism is reestablished and the pituitary gland levels off; this lessens anxiety.
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Take a B complex vitamin, which acts on the nervous system reducing stress levels; when T4 is low, energy levels drop producing a strain on the body and nervous system as it tries to regain balance. B vitamins reduce this stress, helping the person feel less anxious.
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Add vitamin A to your food plan. Low thyroid is an autoimmune disease, which means that immunity is harmfully affected and needs a boost. Vitamin A increases immunity along with a multivitamin and decreases anxiety or worry.
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