When the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid glands required by the body it is a state of hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormones aids in controlling growth, repair and metabolism. There can be many factors responsible for this condition such as hereditary, pregnancy, iodine deficiency, and side effects of any medication. Lack of iodine also can cause hypothyroidism. Losing weight becomes very tough for people who are suffering with an under-active thyroid gland. It’s very important to go to the doctor, as and when you see any abnormality in the body.
The under-active thyroid can lead to following symptoms:
1. Obesity
2. Disturbed menstrual cycle
3. Extreme fatigue
4. Hair loss
5. Anemia
6. Chronic constipation
7. Depression
8. Decrease in metabolism rate
9. Bloating
10. Feeling cold all the time
11. Joint pain
12. Dry skin
Losing weight becomes an issue. There is no best diet to treat thyroid, but it is required to do necessary changes in your eating habits and introduce exercise in your lifestyle. The below mentioned tips can help you in maintaining a healthy weight:
1. Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables
2. Eat complex carbohydrates: Avoid food with high glycemic index like corn, refined flour, white bread, junk food. They get stored in the body as fat. Eat more of oats, quinoa, and porridge
3. Control your portion intake. Use small plates. Maintain a food diary
4. Drink plenty of water
5. Exercise daily for about 45 minutes. Include strength training in your workout regime. It will also increase your metabolism
6. Avoid sugar and processed food item
7. Increase your fiber intake to fight constipation
8. Avoid skipping meals or starve yourself. This will further decrease your metabolic rate
9. Take your medication on time
10. Up your protein intake
11. Include zinc, iodine and selenium in your diet. If your are body is deficient in them. You can also include eggs, fish, legumes, chicken, diary products in your diet
12. Don’t take supplements without consulting your doctor
Food to be avoided:
1. Soy food like tofu
2. Processed and packaged food
3. Cruciferous vegetables like: cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, spinach
4. Gluten found in bread, rice, pasta, macaroni
5. Fatty food and fried products
6. Fruits like: peaches, pear strawberries
7. High sugary food items
8. Starchy plants like: sweet potatoes
9. Nuts and seeds like: peanuts, millets
10. Alcohol
11. Thyroid medicine and your caffeine has to have a gap of minimum 30 minutes
A balanced diet, regular workout and medication will control your hypothyroidism. Even if after trying everything eating healthy, timely medication, exercising you are still not able to lose weight. Its okay, just remember one rule – Be consistent. Try consulting a dietician and also a fitness consultant who can guide you well as per your body type.
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