what is shoulder stand posture for hypothyroid please explain this exercise and how it will reduce my weight

Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid is a condition where the thyroid gland is not functioning at its peak and therefore does not produce sufficient levels of hormones necessary for different body functions. The main function of the thyroid gland is to regulate the body’s metabolism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid vary from patient to patient and sometimes may even take long to fully develop. Early symptoms may include feeling weak and getting fatigued easily. However, as the body’s metabolic rate keeps dropping other symptoms crop up.

Hypothyroidism is more common among women than among men. However, some men also suffer from an underactive hypothyroid. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in women appear slowly. Fatigue and weakness are the main signs. Menstrual cycles are disrupted. Blood flow may be very heavy or very irregular. Sensitivity to cold weather is common. Nails get brittle. Constipation is another sign. Women with hypothyroidism tend to gain weight and as the condition worsens extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain is also common. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in men range from fatigue, constipation, heart complications, weight gain, and sensitivity to extreme temperatures to skin disorders. Symptoms of hypothyroidism like weight gain and headaches are common to both men and women.

TSH levels or levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone are important in determining how well the thyroid gland is functioning. Elevated TSH levels indicate that a person may be suffering from hypothyroidism. TSH levels above 4.0 are a sure sign of hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in pregnancy are often detected by checking the TSH level of the expectant mother. This is normally a standard practice during pregnancy and pre-natal healthcare. It is important to immediately treat symptoms of hypothyroidism during pregnancy as it may lead to complications such as premature birth, miscarriage, eclampsia and pre-eclampsia. Symptoms of hypothyroidism after pregnancy are quite common if the mother suffers from postpartum thyroiditis. They however disappear a few months after childbirth.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism in children are similar to the symptoms experienced by adults. However signs in children may also include poor growth, poor muscle tone, delayed mental development and delayed onset of puberty. The main symptom of hypothyroidism in infant is yellowing of skin or jaundice and symptoms of hypothyroidism in toddlers include lethargy, excessive drowsiness and poor body growth and delayed growth of teeth. Obesity, late puberty, hoarse voice, slow speech and dry and pale skin are symptoms of hypothyroidism in teenagers and adolescents.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism and treatment for the condition go hand in hand. A hypothyroidism symptom checklist will be of good use to establish if you are suffering from the condition. It is important to get the condition treated immediately as it may lead to further complications such as heart problems, infertility, mental health problems, goiter and birth disorders in babies born to mothers with this condition. Treatment essentially includes taking some sort of prescribed medications. However a hypothyroidism diet is also important for patients. This diet is rich in fiber, good carbohydrates, good fats, vitamins and minerals. Selenium is also important in this diet. Eating small and frequent meals is necessary for hypothyroid patients. Exercise also has a key role to play in the treatment of this condition as it boosts blood circulation, ups metabolism and also regulates production of the thyroid hormone. Light exercises are preferred to heavy and high intensity workouts.

Yoga is also very beneficial for hypothyroid patients. Yoga postures or yoga asanas, pranayam or the yogic breathing technique and meditation in yoga are very good for treating this condition or reducing complications caused by it. The shoulder stand or the salamba sarvangasana is a yoga asana that could be practices by patients. Benefits of the shoulder stand are manifold. Apart from helping in weight loss, upping the blood circulation and increasing metabolism, this asana by its very nature reverses the effects of gravity. More blood flows to the head and neck where the thyroid gland is situated. This then stimulates the gland and normalizes its functioning. To perform this asana, you need to lie on the floor on your back. Use a yoga mat to prevent injury. Breathing should be normal. Then gradually lift your legs and then your hips of the floor and bring your legs over and above your head. Gradually straighten your back and straighten your limbs as well. Your hands should support your back and when you reach an advances level, they should be as close as possible to the shoulders. This pose may be held for a while and then the limbs should be lowered gradually.

This is the principal shoulder stand benefit for hypothyroid patients. The relation between the shoulder stand and the thyroid is well known. However, other asanas useful for patients are the wind relieving pose or the pavan muktasan, the sirsasan or the head stand and the paschimottanasan or the seated forward bend pose.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism after a thyroidectomy, that is, surgical removal of a part of the thyroid gland are quite common as this kind of surgery may halt the production of thyroid hormones. Other causes include autoimmune diseases, treatment for hyperthyroidism, radiation therapy, medications, genetic factors, birth defects, pituitary disorder, iodine deficiency and pregnancy. Fortunately, this condition if diagnosed at the right moment can receive the appropriate treatment. Diagnosis is relative simple. Thyroid function tests can be performed by your doctor to establish this condition and synthetic thyroid hormone is often administered to treat hypothyroids. It is important however to establish the right dosage suited for each patient.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are different. If weight gain is common in hypothyroid patients, sudden weight loss marks hyperthyroidism. However symptoms such as fatigue, sleeplessness and change in menstrual cycles for women are symptoms common to both conditions. Hypothyroidism not only affects humans, but also animals. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in dogs include weight gain, loss of hair, skin diseases and lowered activity levels. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in cats are most commonly observed if they are suffering from endocrine problems and lead to heart and kidney failure.

Submitted by A on June 15, 2011 at 08:41

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