Hypothyroidism - Nutritional Tips For Weight Loss And Having More Energy

By Shannon Sanford

It is estimated that 27 million people have Hypothyroidism. This is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones to meet the body's needs.
Lab Tests:
Blood tests that are used to measure thyroid hormone levels include TSH, T3, and T4. Many times people are unaware that they have the disease because the lab tests are not always accurate.
Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weight Gain
• Hair Loss
• Constipation
• Dry Skin
• Puffy Face
• Intolerance to Cold Temperatures(Cold hands and feet)
• Depression
• Brain fog
• Hoarse voice
• Irregular Menstruation
• Infertility
• Muscle Stiffness and Pain
• Edema
• Poor Digestion and Circulation
• High Cholesterol
• Hormonal Imbalance
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty Sleeping

Tips For Weight Loss and Having More Energy:
1. Take your medication. Based on my experience, the majority of people require lifetime medicine to treat this disease. Synthroid appears to be one of the safest and most effective ones to use.
2. Eat lots of protein. People with thyroid problems generally require more of these types of foods. Lean meats such as fish, turkey, or chicken breast are great choices along with limited amounts of lean meats like beef. Other good options are milk, cheese, and nuts. Eating protein in the morning helps improve memory and sleep; reduces jitteriness, agitation, and mood swings; and can boost your energy.
3. Cook with Coconut Oil. We have frequently heard that this type of oil is not good for us. However, it has actually been known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. There are many additional benefits as well. The important thing to remember is to choose one that is organic and of a very good quality.
4. Include the following Vitamins in your diet:
-Vitamin A. For many years, we have heard that we should not eat saturated fats. However, foods such as egg yolks, butter, cream, and whole milk are naturally high in this essential nutrient. People with autoimmune problems need more of them to stimulate the metabolism and to provide hormonal nutrients. Everything in life requires balance, so I'm not advocating eating tons of fats. However, they are needed to support your thyroid.
-Use B12 on a regular basis. All of the B vitamins are important, and it may be difficult to get enough of them in your daily food supply. Therefore, you may consider adding a capsule. Some alternatives include a liquid complex if you can't metabolize a pill form. You can also take an injection. Signs of deficiency include: Numbness and tingling in your hands, arms, legs or feet; tremors; poor reflexes; tongue soreness; leg pain or difficulty walking with balance; weakness; breathlessness; memory issues; irritability; confusion; brain fog; or depression.
-Consume C. This is critical for adrenal function. It is important to make sure that bioflavonoids are included to sustain the antioxidant activity.
-Increase D if needed. People who are overweight tend to have lower levels. This supplement also supports the immune system and supports muscle strength.
-Add E if appropriate. This substance can enhance vitality and is a good anti-inflammatory. It can sometimes interfere with certain medications, so be sure to check with your doctor first. Natural vitamin E, (in the form of d-alpha tocopherol), is the most recommended type.
5. Include the following minerals in your regimen:
-Strengthen with Calcium. Many of us don't consume enough in our dairy products. It can help with weight loss as well as stronger bones. If you choose to add a capsule, it is best that the calcium has boron added with it so that the body can easily absorb it.
-Enhance your life with Magnesium. This mineral is required for over 300 reactions in the body. In fact, most people are deficient. It is also used for the conversion of T4 into T3. A diet high in refined food and caffeine encourages magnesium loss.
-Include iron if needed. Unfortunately, thyroid problems can sometimes cause anemia. Be sure to check with your doctor.
6. Drink your water. It is important to stay hydrated. If possible, drink eight glasses of water a day.
7. Spice it up. Turmeric is a spice that you can find in your local grocery store. It is grown in India and tropical regions of Asia. The main ingredient is Curcumin. A study found that curcumin might be an effective way to treat aggressive papillary thyroid cancer. (Elsevier Ltd., "Curcumin Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis in K1 Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells", NCBI, Pubmed.gov, US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, August 15, 2013, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23561205)
8. "To carb or not to carb"? One thing I have learned about health is that we are all different. Many times it takes trial and error to find out what will work for our own bodies. Some people with hypothyroidism need more carbs than most people. On the other hand, having too many carbs, (especially bread and gluten products), might actually make others feel worse. Test it and see which one makes you feel your best.
Last Things To Consider:
There are more supplements that might also be helpful for this type of disorder. Likewise, many of the items listed can also help with other health conditions.
Over the years, I have come to realize that not all vitamins and minerals are created equal. Sometimes, better quality ones are found at health food stores. Other retail establishments can sometimes add unnecessary fillers and things that can be detrimental or ineffective.
So if you are having any unusual warning signs, you might want to look them up for more information. Find a guide that can tell you the number of milligrams to take for each supplement and the best type to take. The book can also tell you if your choices will counteract with certain medications that you might be taking.
Time Factor:
The general rule of thumb is to take any nutritional products and medications at least two hours apart. However, there are some supplements that cannot be taken at all with medicines. So always check with your doctor first.
Be Proactive:
You can definitely start feeling better and seeing improvements in your body mass index. It will take a little time due to the nature of this condition, but don't give up. The key is to become an active participant in taking care of yourself. Go to the doctor, keep your blood work checked, and discuss any potential interactions before changing your routine. If you already have the majority of the symptoms for this disorder, even though the blood work indicates that you don't, listen to what your body is telling you. Nothing is more important than your health. Take charge of it today!
Shannon Sanford has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. In addition, she has been studying health and nutrition for over 30 years. She may be contacted at: https://www.elance.com/s/edit/treasured/ or https://www.linkedin.com/pub/shannon-sanford/16/7b8/73/ for additional information and for writing projects.
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