Yoga and exercise for thyroid disorder

Yoga and exercise for thyroid disorder

Exercise is recommended - with timing sense. Untreated hypothyroidism makes exertion exhausting and can strain muscles; untreated hyperthyroidism stresses a heart that is already racing. The sensible sequence: start or resume exercise as treatment brings hormone levels toward normal, then build steadily. Once controlled, thyroid patients can exercise exactly like anyone else.

What helps most:

• Aerobic activity - brisk walking, cycling, swimming - 30 minutes most days. It counters the weight gain and low mood of hypothyroidism and protects the heart.
• Strength training twice a week - preserves muscle and bone (important because both thyroid excess and excess thyroid-medicine doses thin bones).
• Flexibility and stretching - eases the muscle aches and stiffness common in hypothyroidism.

Yoga specifically: yoga is a good supportive practice for thyroid patients - gentle asanas, relaxation and pranayama reduce stress, improve sleep and support regular routine. Some poses are traditionally said to "stimulate the thyroid" (shoulder stand, plough pose, fish pose). Treat that as tradition, not therapy: no yoga pose has been shown to normalize TSH or replace medication. Avoid strong neck-compressing inversions if you have a large goiter, neck discomfort or untreated hyperthyroidism. During uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, skip vigorous practice until the heart rate is controlled.