Debun the myths

Thyroid disorders seem to be the order of the day, more so in women. Several myths are in vogue that are a bane to tackling the problem and leading a healthy lifestyle. And they need to be done away with. A few amongst them are…

It’s Making You Fat
Your thyroid may be a convenient scapegoat for noticeable weight gain; after all, it controls your metabolism, which affects how many calories you burn throughout the day an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) means a slower metabolism, and therefore a slower rate at which your body can convert food into energy. But in reality, a slow metabolism is pretty rare.

Sudden Weight Loss Means You Have an Overactive Thyroid
On the flip side, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or Graves’ disease can manifest itself with symptoms of weight loss, but not always. Some people actually gain weight while their thyroid is overactive. Other symptoms of hyperthyroid include a fast heart rate, high body temperature, and difficulty sleeping.

Only Women Get Hypothyroidism
It’s true that more women than men get thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism. That’s because it’s an autoimmune disease, which is more common in women thanks to the presence of estrogen.

You Don’t Need Medication
If you do have a thyroid disease, treating it is more complicated than swapping your potato chips for an apple. Sure, making more healthful food choices will impact your thyroid, but it can’t be treated with diet alone. If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid disease, make sure you check with your doctor to see what the best course of treatment is. Often times, it’s a mix of medication, healthy diet, and exercise.

You Can’t Take Thyroid Medication during Pregnancy
Pregnancy usually means giving up an exhaustive list of food and medicine for nine months: alcohol, sushi, caffeine, deli meat, aspirin, and ibuprofen. Luckily, thyroid medication isn’t one of them. Of course, get the go-ahead from your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant.