If you’re dealing with hypothyroidism and constantly feeling like your battery is running on empty, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into some natural ways to boost energy and get back to feeling like yourself again.
Understanding the Energy-Thyroid Connection
Why Hypothyroidism Causes Fatigue
Do you know that draggy feeling that seems to follow you around? There’s actually a scientific reason for it. Your thyroid is like your body’s energy manager, and when it’s underactive, everything seems to slow down – from your metabolism to your mental clarity.
The Role of Metabolism in Energy Production
Think of your metabolism as your body’s power plant. When your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones, this power plant starts running at a lower capacity. This is why you might feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Common Energy Zappers for Thyroid Patients
Let’s talk about those sneaky energy vampires! Things like processed foods, gluten, lack of sleep, and even certain medications can drain your energy tanks faster than you might realize.
Dietary Strategies for Boosting Energy
Energy-Boosting Foods for Thyroid Health
Good news! Your plate can be your best ally in fighting fatigue. Foods rich in selenium for thyroid health are particularly powerful – think Brazil nuts, wild-caught fish, and eggs (if you tolerate them). These natural powerhouses help your thyroid function at its best.
Foods to Avoid That Drain Energy
Here’s the real talk—some foods might be sabotaging your energy levels without you even knowing it. Processed foods, excessive sugar, gluten and eating raw veggies from the Brassica family (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts) can actually interfere with thyroid function.
Blood Sugar Balancing
Blood sugar balancing is one of the most important things you must incorporate if you’re looking to improve your thyroid function, feel comfier in your clothes and get the energy you’ve been craving. Did you know poor blood sugar management is also associated with poor brain health? Begin by tracking how much protein you get over 2-3 days. Believe it or not, most women I work with only get about 60g daily, which isn’t enough!
To support your blood sugar management efforts, aim for 100g of animal protein to start and work up to 1g per pound of ideal body weight (e.g., 135 lbs = 135g of protein divided throughout the day).
Stay hydrated with mineral-rich sources like adding a pinch of sea salt or even drinking nettle tea, which is high in potassium.
Last but not least, sleep is vital. If you aren’t sleeping, your blood sugar will be completely dysregulated. I mean, think about the last time you were tired. Were you craving something healthy? Probably not.
Natural Supplements and Vitamins
Essential Nutrients for Thyroid Function
Let’s talk about your thyroid’s favourite nutrients! Selenium is a superstar for thyroid health—it’s like your thyroid’s personal bodyguard, protecting it and helping produce hormones. If you’re really looking to be efficient, combining selenium with inositol is a powerhouse for lowering TSH levels. I also love using inositol in my patients who wrestle with anxiety for its calming effect. If you’re in the US, grab Thyrommune here. If you’re in Canada, the same product is listed under Thyronorm, which you can get here.
B-Complex Vitamins and Energy Production
Think of B vitamins as your body’s energy spark plugs. They help convert food into energy, exactly what we’re after! My favourite go-to is a methylated form by Objective Nutrients, which you can get here.
Supporting low or high cortisol
If you have high cortisol, my go-to will always be ashwagandha (which shouldn’t be used if you have the insulin-resistant form of PCOS, where testosterone is often high). If your cortisol levels are low, add ½ tsp of sea salt to 16oz of water daily. This will especially be helpful if you also wrestle with low blood pressure.
Lifestyle Modifications for Enhanced Energy
Gentle Exercise Options That Boost Energy
It seems counterintuitive, but movement creates energy! A great place to begin is by committing to walking 15 minutes after each main meal. This can do wonders for your blood sugar management efforts—there’s no need to train for a marathon here!
Stress Management Techniques
Stress is like kryptonite for your thyroid. Learning to manage it with techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even just taking regular breaks can make a huge difference in your energy levels.
Mind-Body Practices for Energy Enhancement
Breathing Exercises for Energy
Simple breathing exercises can be like a cup of coffee for your cells—they deliver fresh oxygen and help energize your entire body. Great resources include great apps like the Pause Breathwork app and Insight Timer.
Yoga Poses That Support Thyroid Function
Certain yoga poses can stimulate your thyroid gland and boost energy. Legs up the wall and shoulder stands are particularly beneficial because they allow for blood flow to the thyroid. If you are someone who sits most of the day, doing these gentle inversions can really provide the boost of energy that you need.
Working with Your Healthcare Provider
When to Seek Medical Support
While natural remedies like adaptogenic herbs and energy-boosting supplements can be helpful, sometimes you need professional support. When prescribed thyroid medication, you should speak with your medical doctor about adjusting your medications.
Getting Bloodwork
Getting labs run is vital because factors that can lead to fatigue are low ferritin and vitamin D levels – all of which are extremely common in cases of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.
Optimizing Medication Timing
If you’re taking medication and on desiccated thyroid medication, the shelf life is shorter than other medications. It may be worth speaking with your doctor to time your medication so that you take part in the morning and then again at noon.
Remember, boosting your energy with hypothyroidism is a journey, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself as you implement these changes and celebrate the small victories. With the right combination of natural remedies, diet, and lifestyle changes, you can improve your energy levels and quality of life!
