Weight Loss Tips and Articles

A thyroid imbalance means that the thyroid gland is not working properly, and this can affect many different aspects of your health. It is a fairly common problem, suffered by thousands of people.

There are two common imbalances of the thyroid; too much of the thyroid hormone being produced, called hyperthyroidism, and not enough of the hormone, which is called hypothyroidism. These are two completely different conditions, with very different treatments. The hormone released into the body by the thyroid gland acts as a regulator of the function of the body’s organs and tissues, controlling metabolism. This is why so many parts of the body are affected by thyroid dysfunction, like the heart rate, blood sugar, fluid balance, muscle tone, appetite, growth and energy levels.

People with hyperthyroidism, an over active thyroid, may experience hot flushes, palpitations, increase in appetite, weight loss, insomnia, shortness of breath, diarrhea and an enlarged thyroid gland, among other symptoms.

Those with an under active thyroid, hypothyroidism, may have brain fog, low temperature, weight gain, constipation, fluid retention and an irregular menstrual cycle as some of their symptoms, as the decline in the thyroid hormone affects all parts of the body. Extreme tiredness is caused because the body isn’t completely digesting food and so nutrients aren’t being made available to the body.

Stabilizing thyroid function may take time for some patients, because the correct balance needs to be found. Medication is the most common treatment given by doctors, in the form of thyroxin, or T4, for hypothyroid patients and anti-thyroid medication for hyperthyroidism. However, there are steps that you can take to help yourself to manage your symptoms and aid your recovery.

Hyperthyroid patients should focus on eating larger quantities of green vegetables, especially cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower, mustard greens, spinach and kale. Also beneficial are beans, peas and other legumes. Eat more calories to help with your weight loss by increasing your intake of good carbohydrates like whole grain breads and cereals. Increase your calcium intake to reverse the possible weakening of your bones, and eat more lean protein to help to build up your muscles again.

It is a sensible part of a nutritious diet to limit extra sugar and unhealthy saturated fats, but this is especially the case with thyroid problems. Also avoid stimulating drinks of caffeine, (coffee, soda, tea) and alcohol, which may have an adverse effect on the immune system. Include probiotics, in the form of yogurt or supplement daily, to maintain a healthy gut.

If your doctor has diagnosed an under active thyroid, you can help by increasing iodine in your diet. You can get kelp or seaweed as a supplement; kelp is the richest source of iodine. Other foods rich in iodine include bananas, garlic, potatoes, oats, yogurt, eggs, meat, fish and seafood, radishes, parsley and iodized table salt.

Often deficient in thyroid patients are zinc, tyrosine, selenium and vitamins E, C and A; all these are available as supplements. Boost the immune system with green tea, blueberries, extra beef, sweet potatoes and mushrooms. Have regular exercise, proven to boost the immune system and to help you feel good.

Would you like to learn more about thyroid gland and diet? Read other articles at thyroid disease

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