On the journey to health, hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) is like a hidden mountain with far-reaching and complex implications. In particular, hypothyroidism brings a slow digestive system, often in the form of constipation, which brings a lot of trouble to the daily life of patients. Constipation not only affects mood and quality of life, but is also a silent distress signal from the body.
1. The art of adjusting the internal clock
People with hypothyroidism tend to feel exhausted, and this state is most likely related to a disturbance in biological rhythms. The biological rhythm or biological clock is an important regulatory system within the human body, which affects sleep, wakefulness, eating, and many other physiological processes. When biorhythms are disrupted, many functions of the body are also affected, including intestinal peristalsis. Therefore, establishing regular lifestyle habits, especially maintaining regular sleep and wake times, is essential to adjust the body's clock and promote gut health. In addition, reasonable meal timing, regular exercise, and adequate sunlight exposure are also important factors in reshaping biological rhythms.
Second, the delicate balance of probiotics
The intestinal tract is known as the "second brain" of the human body, and its internal microecological environment has a non-negligible impact on the health of the whole body. For hypothyroidists, the balance of the intestinal microbiota may be disturbed due to changes in hormone levels in the body, which can lead to constipation. In this case, supplementing with probiotics or consuming probiotic-rich foods (such as yogurt, kimchi, etc.) can be an effective strategy. Probiotics can help rebuild the balance of intestinal flora and enhance the healthy function of the gut, thereby relieving constipation to some extent.
3. Water and fiber: a combination of two swords
Among the many ways to relieve constipation, ensuring adequate water intake and moderate fiber intake are arguably the most basic and important. Water helps soften stools, while fiber increases stool bulk and stimulates intestinal peristalsis. For patients with hypothyroidism, it is particularly important to increase water and fiber intake. This can be achieved not only through direct drinking water, but also through the consumption of foods rich in water and fiber, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
4. Gentle exercise: activates the flow in the body
Proper exercise can promote blood circulation and enhance intestinal peristalsis, which can help relieve constipation. It is especially important for people with hypothyroidism to choose an appropriate, gentle form of exercise, as their physical strength and endurance may be affected by hypothyroidism. Low-intensity exercises such as walking, yoga, tai chi, or swimming are not only less taxing on the body, but can also effectively promote the "flow" inside the body and help improve constipation.