Thyroid, a very common ailment and medical condition, that is taking over many people – specially women – can be controlled by avoiding some things and following a healthy lifestyle. Your doctor must have already advised you on the medication, its frequency and dosage, besides educating you on how often to get blood tests done to check your thyroid levels. But here are a few things that you should not do if you are suffering from thyroid problem. Read them for your own good and don’t forget to share it with people who are suffering from hypo or hyperthyroidism.

Letting Stress Control You

Stress is not good for anyone in any form. Even a little bit of stress can cause ailments or lead to depression. Besides been proven to be detrimental to the human body, stress can also exacerbate an underlying thyroid condition and make it worse.

Stress makes your body produce the hormone cortisol, which interferes in thyroid hormone production. Learn to deal with stress through yoga, meditation, lifestyle changes, and diet to avoid being a victim of it.

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Ignoring Blood Tests And Check-ups

People suffering from thyroid should get their blood tests done for TSH level regularly, at least once in 6 months. Doctors usually advise blood tests once in 3-4 months to keep a check on the thyroid functioning.

Show your reports to a doctor and get his/her advise on further medication. Do not change your dosage on your own, as a wrong dose can play havoc with your thyroid functioning and health and can lead to sudden weight gain, hair loss, mood swings and lethargy.

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Not Taking Medicines Regularly

A thyroid patient is advised to take his/her medicines daily unless advised otherwise by the doctor. Not taking medicines daily can affect your thyroid condition and/or worsen it. Also, ensure you take your thyroxine or thyronorm (whatever medicine is prescribed to you) empty stomach in the morning and give a gap of at least 30 minutes before eating anything. Do not take your medicine with tea, coffee or any other food item; simply swallow it with a glass of water before starting your day.

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Excess Consumption Of Raw Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower etc are not good for people suffering from thyroid, if taken in excess quantities. These vegetables contain compounds known as glucosinolates, which interfere in thyroid hormone synthesis. Avoid taking too much of these cruciferous vegetables, especially in raw form.

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Smoking Regularly

Now smoking is something that is proven harmful to anyone and everyone. Tobacco does no good and its intake in any form can result in serious ailments. If you are a teetotaler, you have better chances of avoiding any disease but you still need to be careful of your environs. Smoking is not good actively as well as passively. Cigarette smoke contains a compound called cyanide that is an anti thyroid agent. This compound is very harmful and can directly affect iodine absorption and hormone synthesis. Stay away from cigarettes to avoid further progression of thyroid symptoms.

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Taking A Lot Of Soy Products

Though soy products are not unhealthy, it is advisable for people suffering from thyroid to consult their doctor before taking soy products, as they contain some compounds like phytoestrogens and goitrogenic that affect thyroid functioning and may interfere with the absorption of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Restricted soy products intake is fine but stay away from large quantities.

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Relating every symptom or ailment to thyroid

Some people, after being diagnosed with a thyroid condition, assume that all their following symptoms like minor aches, pains, weight gain/loss etc is thyroid related. They either ignore these symptoms thinking that they will go away on their own or try some home remedies or self help procedures to get rid of them. What they do not understand is, that not every symptom is a resultant of thyroid condition. Some problems may be too serious than you think and may aggravate further if not diagnosed on time. Always consult a doctor if you experience any pain, rashes, irregular menstrual cycle or even weakness and get yourself checked for it. Do not assume it to be thyroid related.

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Taking any supplements and medicines without consulting your doctor

With the increasing use of internet and easily available information, people have become smarter, or so do they assume themselves to be. For patients of any disease or disorder, it is necessary to consult a doctor before taking any medication or supplements. Not all supplements or medicines marked “natural and safe” are actually safe for everyone. Always tell a physician about your thyroid medication if you are being prescribed any medicines for any other ailments.

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