Always wake up early? It could be a sign of hidden condition that ‘destroys libido and triggers heart failure’
1. Seek medical advice - If you’re regularly waking up too early and experiencing other symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out thyroid conditions.
2. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule - Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body’s natural rhythm
3. Exercise regularly - Physical activity can help improve sleep quality, mood, and metabolism - all of which can support thyroid function.
4. 5-A-Day - A poor diet with low-nutrient foods is a key factor in thyroid disorders, as the thyroid relies heavily on essential nutrients to function properly. Add berries to your breakfast cereal or yoghurt, grab an apple or banana as a snack, throw an orange in your bag to cut up at lunch and finish with a juicy pineapple or papaya for dinner. Aim to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
5. Curb sugar and processed foods - Cut down on sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and processed foods. Swap them for natural sweeteners with a lower glycemic index like honey, maple syrup, stevia or coconut sugar but use them in moderation. Focus on whole foods - veg, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. These nutrient-rich foods help keep your blood sugar steady and support your thyroid, giving your overall health a boost.
6. Watch out for soya - Levothyroxine is a medication commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. The potential impact of soya on levothyroxine absorption remains a topic of discussion. While some studies show no effect, others suggest it may influence absorption, particularly in women. To be on the safe side, it's advisable to avoid consuming soya close to the time you take your levothyroxine. A gap of at least four hours between the two should help prevent any potential interference with the medication’s effectiveness.
7. Opt for healthy fats and nutrients that support your thyroid - Incorporate healthy fats into your diet with foods like avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil. These fats help with hormone production and keep blood sugar levels stable. Include iodine-rich foods like seaweed, seafood, dairy and white fish - like cod and haddock - to support thyroid health, and don’t forget selenium-rich options such as Brazil nuts, tuna, pork, eggs, cottage cheese and sunflower seeds. Make sure you're also getting enough vitamins B and D, either through food or supplements if needed, to keep your thyroid functioning well.
8. Find your perfect sleep temperature - Temperature regulation is a key factor for those with thyroid conditions, as fluctuating body temperatures can be a common issue. A cool room (around 65°F / 18°C) is ideal for sleep.
9. Go natural: A comfortable mattress is essential for restorative sleep, particularly for people with thyroid problems. Opting for natural, breathable materials that help create a toxin-free sleep environment, can be crucial in reducing inflammation and promoting better health. This is particularly beneficial for those with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, as it minimises external stressors that can aggravate symptoms.
10. Careful with Coffee - A study found that caffeine can interfere with thyroid medication absorption, leading to unstable thyroid levels. You should take your medication with water and wait at least 30 minutes before drinking coffee.