6 Ways to Keep Your Thyroid Healthy as a Senior

The older we get, the more vulnerable we are to illnesses. Among several health conditions, thyroid conditions and diseases are more common in older people than younger ones. Such conditions can be developed without us knowing and may worsen should they go undetected.

It would help to be more mindful of your health if you’re a senior and at risk of thyroid-related diseases. Here is how you can keep a healthy thyroid as an elderly individual.

Commit to a Good Diet

How are your eating habits? The food we frequently eat affects our health and can put us at risk of a number of illnesses. However, generally speaking, most foods taken in moderation do not harm an individual’s thyroid.

The situation may differ, however, if you are already suffering from a thyroid disease or any other illnesses that can cause thyroid disease. For instance, if you are suffering from hypothyroidism, you may want to avoid, for example, fatty foods, particularly unhealthy fats, due to their tendency to disrupt thyroid hormone production.

If you need to have a thyroid-friendly diet, you can consume some foods and dishes to ensure a healthy thyroid. You would want to eat meals rich in iodine, which assists in the thyroid’s hormone production. Examples of food you can eat are dairy products, eggs, and roasted seaweed.

Should you be at risk for thyroid conditions, you may want to start a diet that can help prevent them. However, it would help if you also considered factors like allergies and food you could not consume due to other health conditions. It is recommended you consult a doctor or dietician for this.

Hydrate When Thirsty

Drinking water is crucial for our survival. Going on without drinking water can lead to severe consequences for the body, such as seizures and kidney problems. While this is not necessarily a concern due to water availability, some people, such as older adults and people suffering from hypothyroidism, may need to look after their hydration habits.

There is a link between hydration and hypothyroidism. The latter decreases hormone production, which can then decrease metabolism. Drinking water, alongside adequate exercise, can assist with your metabolism. Drink immediately if you feel thirsty.

Exercise as Much as You Can

Exercise may be intimidating to older adults, but it would still be best to move around the best you can. While it may be harder to work out or move the older you get, it helps prevent or delay severe ailments and conditions you are prone to. In this case, exercising can help anyone suffering from thyroid problems.

It can be difficult to exercise when struggling with an illness; hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, insomnia, and weight gain. This can be more concerning for people over 60, but there are still exercises you can do. Simple activities like walking can help deal with some of the symptoms of your condition.

If you want to make the most out of exercising or working out, it’s best to consult with your doctor or a professional trainer to get a physical regimen that can work for you.

Attend Regular Checkups

Always show up to your doctor’s appointments. If you have concerns with your thyroid health or any thyroid disease, it greatly helps to know your well-being status and ways to improve your health. You can also ask for advice about living with your health conditions. Moreover, you must get the prescription regularly if you are on prescription drugs.

Keep Up With Your Medication

If you are prescribed medication for your condition, remember to take them according to the dosage provided by your doctor. This is especially if you have to take prescription medicines. When you get your prescription, buy your medication as soon as possible, especially when running out. 

However, it is understandable that this is easier said than done. Prescription medication can be expensive, and not everyone can immediately afford medication. 

If you find it challenging to buy your medications, you can seek cheaper options. One such option is a prescription coupon, which you can get in pharmacies or online. The latter can provide discounts for as low as 80%. There are also a variety of options, so if you need, for example, a Synthroid Coupon, you can find and use one at certain drugstores.

Find Ways to Alleviate Stress

Stress and thyroid complications have a connection to each other. When you’re stressed, the hormone cortisol is released, and too much can hinder the release of thyroid hormones. Should this escalate, it can lead to illnesses like hypothyroidism.

The more stress you feel, the more it can harm your thyroid and the rest of your body. Stress can be hazardous when experienced by elderly people, as this can likely affect their physical well-being, especially if they have a chronic condition like heart disease. It can also cause mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.

So if you can be prone to stress, you must seek ways to be as stress-free as possible. Such ways can vary depending on the individual. You can do calming activities like reading or painting or visit a therapist to discuss the things that have been stressing you. A sound mind can help lead to a healthier body.

In Summary

Having a thyroid condition can be challenging in old age. Always maintain a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. If you find your condition challenging to bear alone, do not hesitate to ask for help from a loved one or a medical professional.