In today’s time, thyroid problem in most women is not just a hormonal imbalance but is emerging as a serious health crisis. Imagine that the army that protects your body, i.e. your immune system, suddenly considers its own glands as enemies and attacks them – such is the scary truth of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease.
Many recent researches show that the roots of this problem are deeply rooted in ‘hyper-fast’ lifestyle and never-ending mental stress.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease- Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are among the most common autoimmune diseases worldwide. These occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Due to this, the thyroid either works less (hypothyroidism) or starts working excessively (hyperthyroidism).
Dr. Harmandeep Kaur Gill, endocrinologist at Medanta Hospital, says that recent studies show that the cases of these diseases are increasing rapidly, especially in women. Behind which lifestyle related reasons, especially constant stress, are playing an important role.
Deep connection between stress and thyroid
Dr. Harmandeep says that continuous mental stress not only affects the mood, but it also has a direct impact on the immune and hormonal systems of the body. Due to stress, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis gets activated in the body, which increases the level of cortisol hormone.
Cortisol’s job is to help the body during short-term stress, but when it remains elevated for a long time, it disrupts the immune balance. In people who have a tendency to have thyroid-related autoimmune problems, the activity of thyroid antibodies can increase by 40 percent within a few weeks, making fatigue, swelling, and symptoms more severe.
Hashimoto Thyroiditis- In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, stress may cause frequent flare-ups of the disease, while in Graves’ disease, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, restlessness, and sleep problems may worsen. Stress also reduces the body’s healing ability, making complications like thyroid eye disease more difficult to manage.
Other lifestyle related reasons
Not only stress but these lifestyle habits also become the cause of increase in autoimmune thyroid diseases. In which these 4 reasons are main.
Eating habits: Too much processed food, too much sugar and lack of nutrition increase inflammation. Conversely, a diet rich in antioxidants, selenium, and iodine supports thyroid health.
lack of sleep: Poor sleep increases stress hormones and weakens the immune system.
Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyle affects metabolism by reducing the ability to tolerate stress.
Environmental Impact: Pollution, hormone-disrupting chemicals, and smoking have been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.
All these reasons together create a condition in which the body’s immune system starts attacking the thyroid gland.
How to increase body strength
Although genetic factors also play a role, adopting the right lifestyle can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases and may lead to better control in those already affected. Research based measures include these 5 things.
stress management: Meditation, yoga, and pranayama balance the HPA axis and may help reduce thyroid antibodies.
Balanced Nutrition: A diet rich in whole and natural foods, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients like selenium improves thyroid function.
regular exercise: Light to moderate physical activity improves mood, reduces stress and strengthens the immune system.
Good sleep: Deep sleep of 7-8 hours daily helps in maintaining hormonal balance.
Social Cooperation: The company of family and friends reduces mental stress and increases the ability to cope with the disease.
Advice-
The rise in autoimmune thyroid diseases reflects the reality of our modern lives. Which includes fast-paced life, constant stress and environmental challenges. In such a situation, it is very important to understand the relationship between stress and thyroid health. If lifestyle-related factors are addressed in time, people can improve their thyroid health as well as overall health.