Constipation is one of the most annoying symptoms of hypothyroidism. Constipation and pooping are the taboo subjects, and people feel embarrassed to discuss these subjects in polite society. Pooping seems like the easiest thing in the world to do, but when your body chemicals are disturbed by the hypothyroidism (a condition which develops when the thyroid gland becomes underactive and produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone), pooping becomes a big task and becomes unpredictable. Constipation can become a real pain for many people.
It can cause difficulty in passing stools, along with excessive straining, or a complaint of infrequent bowel movements. Pooping seems like the easiest thing in the world to do, but when your body chemicals are disturbed by the hypothyroidism (a condition which develops when the thyroid gland becomes underactive and produces an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone), pooping becomes a big task and becomes unpredictable. It is important to have bowel movements every day, ideally between three times a day and three times a week. You need to poop daily to get rid of toxins that can harm your body and cause more problems. This article will help you get to know some tips to manage constipation as well as some alternatives to help you get back on the track to a happier and healthier life.
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Thyroid and Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck below the voice box. It produces thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the bloodstream and then transferred to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones are helpful for the body to utilize energy and keep the body organs such as heart, brain, muscles and other body organs working properly. These hormones are useful in controlling the way every tissue in the human body uses energy. These are required to help each cell in your body’s organ to function properly.
Hypothyroidism can also be called a thyroid disease An individual having hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid, which means the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body function correctly. Low levels of thyroid hormones cause the body function to slow down leading to many health problems such as loss of energy, fatigue, dry skin, and memory issues.
Link between hypothyroidism and constipation
Since the thyroid hormone is responsible for producing energy and regulating metabolism for the entire body, so when thyroid level low down, many of the body’s functions slow down. Hypothyroidism slows down the digestion and is one of the major reasons for causing constipation. Furthermore, reduced thyroid function can affect digestive juice excretion. Hypothyroid patients are more likely to develop certain types of gastrointestinal problems. The liver is the most affected body organ that is affected by hypothyroidism, but it still not known how it translates stress on the liver into constipation.
Natural Remedies for Constipation relief
- Reduce the sugar intake- If your diet includes simple carbohydrates, grains, and processed food, this means your diet is loaded with sugar. Eating more than 25 grams of sugar per day can make your blood sugar level stay elevated. Too low or too high blood glucose level may weaken and inflame the gut lining and cause hormonal imbalance. It alters your overall body’s metabolism.
- Drink more water- Be sure to drink an adequate amount of water to hydrate your body. Aim to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. It is one of the best and natural constipation remedies.
- Do more Exercise- Exercise at least thrice a week. Increasing physical activity should be a part of constipation treatment.
- Increase fiber intake-Eating more fiber is a permanent constipation cure. Women should eat 28 grams of fiber daily while, a man, needs to consume 30 grams of fiber to address constipation. Eat more fiber-rich foods such as berries, whole grains, beans, broccoli, and kale, etc. One can also consult a dietician to develop a meal plan that works best to manage constipation.
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- Consider a laxative- You can get over over-the-counter oral laxatives for constipation relief. Always consider talking to a healthcare specialist about what would be best in your situation.
