Steps On How To Lose Weight While Having Hypothyroidism

By Jennifer Vu

Doctors have known for a long time that there is a complicated relationship between thyroid disease, metabolism, and weight gain. It is the thyroid hormone that regulates the metabolism in both humans and in animals. People with overactive thyroid glands (hyperthyroidism) have higher metabolic rates, while those with non-functioning thyroids have lower metabolic rates (hypothyroidism), and are often left wondering how to lose weight while having hypothyroidism.
While more predominant in women over the age of 60, the condition of hypothyroidism spares no age group. People living with the sluggish metabolism of hypothyroidism are no doubt, often frustrated with their efforts to combat excessive weight issues.
Currently diagnosed in more than 27 million Americans, hypothyroidism is a condition widely undiagnosed or under-diagnosed and definitely a condition that is under treated. So, how then, do people living with hypothyroidism go about losing weight?
Step #1:
The first step to successfully learning how to lose weight while having hypothyroidism is to visit your doctor. A visit to your doctor will ensure you are properly diagnosed before you begin any major changes to your lifestyle. A quick blood test will determine your levels of thyroid hormones as well as your level of free T3 and T4 thyroid-stimulating hormones. The American Thyroid Association says that a result of TSH of 2.5 mIU/L or greater suggests hypothyroidism.
Step #2:
If your doctor decides to prescribe thyroid hormones, it is imperative that you follow his or her instructions exactly. Eating certain foods can interfere with the absorption of your medication, which in turn, means it will not work properly. If your doctor says you must avoid combining diary, calcium or iron with your medication, then you will need to create a schedule where you eat at least fours hours apart from taking your meds.
Your doctor may also explain that eating common goitrogenic foods such as lima beans, certain raw vegetables, and legumes can also interfere with the absorption of your thyorid medication and instead, certain foods will need to be cooked. Doing your homework on how to make your thyroid medication work best will go a long way to effective weight loss.
Step #3:
Eat breakfast. This is not a time to just do your best, but is a time to 'just do it'. That means eating balanced, calorie-controlled meals at all times. This is a key factor for those wanting to learn how to lose weight while having hypothyroidism. Your meals should consist of 20 g to 30 g of healthy protein throughout the day, which studies show, is an effective way to curb hunger for longer amounts of time over fats and carbohydrates. Aim for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of food, especially first thing in the morning when your body needs protein more than any other time of the day.
Step #4:
Cut out the refined sugar products and bad carbohydrates. Instead, you need to eat foods that are high in fiber. Refined foods only provide your body with empty calories that will surely stunt your weight loss efforts. Eating fiber is an excellent way to deal with hypothyroidism-induced constipation. Your goal should be to consume between 25 g and 30 g of fiber each day.
Step #5:
Now that you have your medication and food schedule sorted, you will need to implement exercise. A 15-minute walk a few times a day can be enough to begin boosting your metabolism. You can mix your exercise choices by walking up a flight of stairs (instead of taking the elevator), a light jog around your park, or even walk the dog to the corner store. The important thing is to get up and get moving.
Not only will exercise help boost your metabolism, it is also a good way to keep your digestive system in working order, not to mention burn those unwanted calories.
Jennifer Vu is a public health expert and she usually writes about topics concerning health issues such as weight loss, yeast infection, hypothyroidism. She is now mainly writing for best diet for hypothyroidism to lose weight [http://bestdietforhypothyroidism.com/] blog.
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