Would you know if your thyroid gland
slowed its production of thyroid hormone? The symptoms of decreased
thyroid hormone synthesis, known as hypothyroidism, are hard to spot.
About 10 million Americans have thyroid disease and many others are
undiagnosed, under-diagnosed, or under-treated. Many times the
symptoms—including weakness and fatigue, weight gain, persistent
constipation, or thinning hair—are often mistaken as other illnesses or
simply the progression of aging, hence its nickname by physicians as
“the great mimicker”.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of the front of your neck and plays a key role in the endocrine system, which creates, distributes, and regulates hormones in the body. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland, T3 and T4, regulate the body’s metabolism by providing cells with energy they need to function. When your thyroid does not produce enough of these hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset and many times results in a slowed metabolism.
The clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism are directly related to this metabolic disturbance—most notably being weight gain. If levels of thyroid hormones are low, you burn fewer calories per day. An underactive thyroid makes every calorie count more, sometimes double. It makes losing weight a slower and more challenging process.
Here are six things to consider if attempting a weight management program when you have an underactive thyroid:
1. See your physician
2. Avoid foods that hinder thyroid hormone absorption
When taking thyroid hormones, it’s important to avoid certain foods and nutrients that can interfere with absorption.
For example, dietary calcium or iron can inhibit thyroid hormone absorption. For this reason, many doctors recommend taking thyroid medication immediately upon rising and two to three hours apart from consuming calcium- or iron-containing foods. Be sure to do your research as some calcium- and iron-containing foods and supplements may be surprising such as antacids, calcium-fortified orange juice, and multivitamins.
It’s also important to avoid foods that can interfere with thyroid function, which are designated as goitrogenic foods. Common goitrogenic foods include non-fermented soy foods, legumes such as lima beans, and raw cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Preparation methods, such as cooking or fermentation, reduce the amount of goitrogens in these foods.
2. Eat balanced meals with quality protein
3. Choose calories wisely
4. Get moving, even if it is only for a short time
5. Make sure you are getting sufficient vitamins and minerals daily
6. Get enough quality shut-eye
It is possible to reach your weight-loss goals even if you have hypothyroidism. Take the necessary steps to improve your health, stay consistent, and have the right attitude.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of the front of your neck and plays a key role in the endocrine system, which creates, distributes, and regulates hormones in the body. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland, T3 and T4, regulate the body’s metabolism by providing cells with energy they need to function. When your thyroid does not produce enough of these hormones, the balance of chemical reactions in your body can be upset and many times results in a slowed metabolism.
The clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism are directly related to this metabolic disturbance—most notably being weight gain. If levels of thyroid hormones are low, you burn fewer calories per day. An underactive thyroid makes every calorie count more, sometimes double. It makes losing weight a slower and more challenging process.
Here are six things to consider if attempting a weight management program when you have an underactive thyroid:
1. See your physician
2. Avoid foods that hinder thyroid hormone absorption
When taking thyroid hormones, it’s important to avoid certain foods and nutrients that can interfere with absorption.
For example, dietary calcium or iron can inhibit thyroid hormone absorption. For this reason, many doctors recommend taking thyroid medication immediately upon rising and two to three hours apart from consuming calcium- or iron-containing foods. Be sure to do your research as some calcium- and iron-containing foods and supplements may be surprising such as antacids, calcium-fortified orange juice, and multivitamins.
It’s also important to avoid foods that can interfere with thyroid function, which are designated as goitrogenic foods. Common goitrogenic foods include non-fermented soy foods, legumes such as lima beans, and raw cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Preparation methods, such as cooking or fermentation, reduce the amount of goitrogens in these foods.
2. Eat balanced meals with quality protein
3. Choose calories wisely
4. Get moving, even if it is only for a short time
5. Make sure you are getting sufficient vitamins and minerals daily
6. Get enough quality shut-eye
It is possible to reach your weight-loss goals even if you have hypothyroidism. Take the necessary steps to improve your health, stay consistent, and have the right attitude.
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