People with Poor Metabolism Are More Prone to Thyroid Nodules

Most patients with thyroid nodules do not experience obvious symptoms. In fact, many nodules are discovered during routine physical exams or ultrasound screenings. So what type of body condition is more likely to develop thyroid nodules? A study found that individuals with poor metabolism are more susceptible to developing these nodules.

Poor Metabolism Increases the Risk of Thyroid Nodules

Researchers divided 2,678 individuals undergoing physical exams into three groups based on their metabolic syndrome indicators: a normal group, an abnormal group, and a recovery group. During health check-ups in 2022 and 2023, they tracked the prevalence of thyroid nodules in each group. The cumulative detection rates were 18.8% in the normal group, 27.5% in the abnormal group, and 24.7% in the recovery group.

After adjusting for multiple confounding factors such as age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, staying up late, insomnia, physical activity, and family history, the risk of developing thyroid nodules in the abnormal and recovery groups remained significantly higher—2.011 times and 2.006 times higher than the normal group, respectively.

The study concluded that changes in metabolic syndrome indicators are positively correlated with the development of thyroid nodules. These indicators could serve as potential predictors for thyroid nodules.

Metabolic syndrome is not a single disease but a cluster of conditions caused by the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors. It involves disorders in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and is characterized by a range of clinical manifestations including central obesity or being overweight, high blood lipids, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high uric acid, fatty liver, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Six Signs That May Indicate Poor Metabolism

Although a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome requires a doctor’s evaluation, early signs of poor metabolism can be identified. The following six symptoms may suggest that your metabolism is declining:

Digestive Issues

Slowed metabolism can impair digestive function, weakening gastrointestinal motility and reducing the efficiency of nutrient absorption. This may lead to constipation, bloating, or diarrhea.

Recommendation: Take a 30-minute walk after meals to stimulate digestion. Increase fiber intake, eat on a regular schedule, and avoid overeating.

Frequent Fatigue

Although the brain accounts for only 2% of body weight, it consumes 20% of the body's energy. It is highly sensitive to metabolic changes. When metabolism slows down, you may feel constantly tired even with little exertion.

Recommendation: Moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, can help activate your metabolism. Pair this with whole grains and lean meats rich in B vitamins for an energy boost.

Weight Gain

A slower metabolism means less energy is burned, and excess calories from food are more likely to be stored as fat, leading to weight gain.

Recommendation: Combine strength training with aerobic exercise to increase calorie consumption and muscle mass. Every kilogram of added muscle can increase basal metabolic rate by about 50 kcal/day. Choose low-fat, low-sugar, high-fiber foods to support weight control.

Dry Skin

Sluggish metabolism can slow down skin cell turnover, causing buildup of the outer skin layer and reducing moisture retention, which makes skin rough and dry. This is especially noticeable in individuals with thyroid dysfunction.

Recommendation: Drink 1,500–1,700 ml of water daily to maintain skin hydration.

Mood Swings

Slower metabolism may affect the synthesis and release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Inadequate energy supply to the brain can lead to emotional instability, anxiety, or depression.

Recommendation: Practice meditation and deep breathing to reduce cortisol levels and relieve stress. Increase outdoor activity and consume more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Cold Sensitivity

Body temperature is regulated by the heat generated through metabolism. When this “heating system” becomes inefficient, extremities such as hands and feet are the first to feel cold.

Recommendation: Get more sunlight exposure to warm the body and boost vitamin D synthesis, which indirectly supports metabolism. Include warming foods like ginger and cinnamon in your diet.

Diagnostic Criteria for Metabolic Syndrome

Once metabolic syndrome develops, it signals an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is often the first warning sign, and if left unchecked, it may lead to coronary artery disease or stroke, posing serious health threats. Below are the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome:

• Abdominal obesity: Waist circumference ≥90 cm for men and ≥85 cm for women
• Elevated triglycerides: Fasting triglycerides >1.7 mmol/L
• Low HDL cholesterol: Fasting HDL cholesterol <1.04 mmol/L (women) or <0.9 mmol/L (men)
• High BMI or blood sugar: BMI ≥25, fasting blood glucose >6.1 mmol/L and/or postprandial glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L, or a confirmed diagnosis of diabetes
• High blood pressure: Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or diagnosed hypertension

A diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is made when any three or more of these criteria are met after medical evaluation.

Maintaining Metabolism Through Diet

Adjusting dietary habits is an effective way to maintain metabolic health. For those with metabolic syndrome or at high risk, the following dietary recommendations are advised:

• Ensure adequate hydration: Drink at least 2 cups (about 200 ml each) of water upon waking, and aim for 1.5–1.7 liters of water daily.
• Eat breakfast on time: Skipping breakfast can cause excessive secretion of ghrelin (the hunger hormone), leading to overeating later.
• Eat slowly: This helps improve satiety, enhance insulin sensitivity, and reduce total calorie intake. Try chewing more and prolonging mealtime.
• Consume tea or coffee in moderation: Monthly tea intake of 50–250 grams is beneficial, with green tea being ideal. Limit coffee to 1–4 cups per day (no more than 400 mg caffeine). Avoid consuming coffee immediately with meals to prevent interference with the absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamin B6.

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