Thyroid Weight Loss Diets & Exercise

According to Marcella Pick, OB/GYN, NP, one of the most significant symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain, and difficulty shedding extra pounds, due to a slow metabolism (see References 1). Following your treatment plan and making small changes in your diet and exercise routines may be all you need to drop that extra weight.

Causes

• Your thyroid gland is just below the Adam's apple, in front of your neck. Hormone production by the thyroid can affect whether you have a high or low metabolic rate. If the thyroid releases adequate amounts of these hormones, your system functions normally. If not, chemical reactions in the body are out of balance, resulting in hypothyroidism.

Risk Factors

• Hypothyroidism seems to occur most often in women over 50, and risk increases as you get older. You have an increased risk of developing hypothyroidism if you've experienced treatment with radiation to the neck or upper chest; previous thyroid surgery such as a partial thyroidectomy; treatment with radiation to the neck or upper chest; or having a close relation such as a parent or grandparent treated for an autoimmune disease (immune system responds against normal body processes).

Symptoms

• You may think your symptoms are just part of the aging process, but as your metabolism slows you may experience constant fatigue, constant cold, swollen Joints, hoarseness, depression and weight gain.

Diagnosis

• Since hypothyroidism mainly affects older women, many doctors order blood tests when they perform annual examinations.

Treatment

• Hypothyroidism is generally treated orally with daily doses of synthetic thyroid hormones, to keep hormone levels regulated, and increase energy. After taking the oral medication for one or two weeks, you'll notice your energy level improving, and as a bonus, you may lose some of the pounds that you gained, if you're also eating a healthy diet.

Increase Fiber

• To continue losing weight, eat whole grains that keep you feeling full longer, so you eat less. Ingesting fiber is helpful for constipation, which is common in hypothyroidism. If you prefer, take your fiber in pill form, but it's better to eat tasty whole grain foods such as oatmeal, beans, whole wheat, and rice. Whole grains keep blood sugar levels stable, and you'll feel more energetic

Small Meals

• If you have hypothyroidism, eating several small meals throughout the day will boost metabolism levels. Aim for 300 calories at each meal. You'll not only lose weight, but your insulin level will be more balanced, eliminating energy crashes. Drink eight glasses of water a day, and concentrate on eating more fruits and vegetables, and fewer carbohydrates such as breads and pastas. Small amounts of lean protein such as turkey or chicken are ideal for this type of diet.

Foods to Avoid

• Avoid starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn. Fruits and vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, peaches, pears, strawberries, and radishes should be avoided as they may increase your chances of developing a goiter.

Exercise

• Hypothyroidism sufferers may not feel like exercising, so start out with light exercise such as walking or yoga, to tone up the muscles. Do some walking every day, even if it's just around the block. As you feel more energetic with treatment, you can walk faster, and increase your distance. Take a yoga class by yourself or with a friend. Yoga postures promote a healthier body, aid digestion, and increase energy. When you feel more energetic, go swimming. Swimming exercises all your muscles, and if you swim consistently, you'll feel much healthier, and probably be at least a few pounds lighter. Avoid pools with too much chlorine. Swimming in a natural source of water such as a natural spring or natural waterfall is recommended by many naturopaths.