Understanding low metabolism caused by hypothyroidism

An individual’s bodily performances are highly affected by the phase of his or her metabolism. Relatively unnoticeable for some people, metabolism plays a major role in the strength and endurance of the body. It is for this reason that patients with hypothyroidism easily notice the difference they encounter with their bodies.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a kind of disease that occurs in the thyroid gland. This butterfly-shaped gland is found in the neck area or just below the Adam’s apple for men. Although left unnoticed and hardly popular, the thyroid gland is a silent organ that is responsible for the body’s important function—secreting hormones.

The thyroid gland secretes the hormone thyroxine. When a patient has hypothyroidism, there occurs a dysfunction in the thyroid gland which, in turn, contributes to the low production of the said hormone.

What does hypothyroidism have to do with metabolism?

Metabolism is a crucial and innate process of one’s body. It involves the digestion and processing of bodily chemicals needed to absorb nutrients one get from food and water. Metabolism is also the process by which food is converted to energy that people need to do their day-to-day activities. Without the process, food will not be processed into energy.

Since hypothyroidism affects the secretion and production of the hormone thyroxine, the body’s metabolism process is eventually slowed down. This means that the patient would not have proper supply of energy that came from the processed food in the body.

How can one be affected by hypothyroidism and slow metabolism?

Hypothyroidism in itself does not affect a person’s strength and energy. Instead, the ailment’s effect on the body’s metabolism becomes the culprit.

Once a person has hypothyroidism, he or she can’t be sure of a replenished energy and strength. This would still be the situation even if the person afflicted with hypothyroidism maintains a good diet. Treatment for hypothyroidism mainly circles in on its effects on metabolism. As long as the individual’s body is able to process food to energy, there would be a guarantee that he or she can lead a normal life even with the presence of the disease.