Beware! Overactive Thyroid Can Break Your Bones; Know How
New Delhi: Those who suffer from an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism happen to have a slew of symptoms that speed up the body's metabolism. This in turn causes drastic and unwanted weight loss, hand tremors, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and a high risk of bone and joint-related diseases including osteoporosis. Known as a silent disease, mainly in women, osteoporosis displays no obvious signs but causes drastic bone density loss which can lead to brittle and easily breakable bones. This means that many people are unaware of any bone health issues until an injury occurs as a minor slip can also lead to a fracture. Even though the doctors say weak bones are attributed to low levels of calcium and vitamin D, a few more important factors like your thyroid are also important. How thyroid affects bones? According to the British Thyroid Foundation, hyperthyroidism, mostly associated with weight issues regulates the metabolism of the entire body, including the bones. Any disturbance in thyroid hormone levels disrupts the balance of bone dissolution and replacement at various molecular levels. Studies say too much thyroid hormone, thyroxine in your body speeds the rate at which bone is lost, and if it happens too fast the osteoblasts may not be able to replace the bone loss quickly enough. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, hyperthyroidism is an important cause of secondary osteoporosis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3169869/ Ways to maintain bone health with hyperthyroidism According to health experts, apart from ensuring adequate intake of minerals and vitamins, there are a few sure-shot ways to optimize your bone health while dealing with an overactive thyroid: Take care of your diet Nutrition plays an important factor in governing bone health, so, it is important to eat a diet high in vitamin D and calcium Exercise It is important to undergo 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every day, like going for a walk, swimming, cycling, jogging, etc. However, doctors say if you are at high risk for fractures, you should consult a certified physical trainer and your doctor before beginning a regimen. Make some lifestyle changes Maintain a healthy weightIf you smoke, quit Do not consume alcohol Get your checkups done routinely Do not neglect thyroid It is very important to pay attention to your thyroid and stick to the medications that have been prescribed. How to prevent bone breakage, injuries Apart from taking supplements to prevent fractures and other bone-related issues, there are a few important steps you should take: Keep your place organized to avoid tripping Always keep the bathroom floor dry Invest in non-slippery tiles Keep items within easy reach Avoid using carpets that are easy to slip on Install grab bars or handles Wear shoes with anti-slip soles Use stairs carefully Take steps slowly and carefully Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
Friday, May 12, 2023 at 7:36 am