Do you feel that losing weight with hypothyroidism is next to impossible? Well, it's high time we shatter those beliefs. Thyroid weight loss can be frustrating but not impossible. You probably find that hard to believe, so let me say that again -- hypothyroidism weight gain does not have to be permanent. Weight gain with hypothyroidism.
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in our body's metabolism. Weight loss with hypothyroidism can indeed be an uphill battle. But if you play your cards right, you will see your dream number on the weighing scale for sure. Let's discuss why hypothyroidism weight loss is stubborn, the suitable diet for hypothyroidism to lose weight, and the best ways to lose weight with hypothyroidism.
Let’s dive in!
Why is thyroid weight loss stubborn?
If you are a thyroid patient, you already know how hard it is to lose weight. Some of you might already believe that thyroid weight gain is an inevitable part of your journey.
But why is it so difficult to lose weight with hypothyroidism?
Well, the answer is in your TSH levels. Elevated TSH levels slow down your metabolism significantly. A slow metabolism makes it harder for your body to lose weight.
TSH levels can be elevated even before you show symptoms. So, if you notice any undesired weight gain, thyroid weight gain to be precise, you must get your thyroid levels tested. There are a whole bunch of other hypothyroidism symptoms to watch out for. It would be best if you reach out to a thyroid doctor to guide you on how to lose weight with hypothyroidism.
With hypothyroidism, it's common to feel tired and low on energy. Exercising when you are already tired doesn't sound like fun. At the same time, you might also crave sweets, which can contribute to your thyroid weight gain. You might also have specific resistance problems such as Leptin resistance and insulin resistance. Research shows that both can contribute to weight gain and make it harder for you to drop the extra pounds.
Traditional treatment focuses on treating only the symptoms with hormone replacement medications such as levothyroxine. So, the best way for losing weight with hypothyroidism is to treat the root cause of the disease. Treating isolated symptoms won’t help in weight loss.
Functional medicine thrives on diagnosing the root cause and solving your queries on how to cure hypothyroidism.
How does diet help prevent thyroid weight gain?
You might have heard the phrase ‘you are what you eat.' It's true -- our diet contributes to our well-being and health. So, our diet must be inclusive of the nutrients our body needs. Otherwise, it can lead to various deficiencies and health problems.
Similarly, several factors, such as a leaky gut, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and iodine deficiency, can contribute to an underactive thyroid. Certain foods can trigger your sensitivities, while some can correct your deficiencies. So, you must be mindful of what you eat.
There are numerous diets for hypothyroidism to lose weight. Thus, learning how to lose weight with hypothyroidism can be overwhelming.
Your diet depends on many factors, such as:
- Physiology
- Food sensitivity
- Your ability to absorb nutrients
- How your body metabolizes and stores carbohydrates.
Your diet must consist of high fiber intake, limited carbohydrates, and saturated fats. Doing all of this alone is not easy. It is best to consult an expert who can guide you at every step.
Besides, staying hydrated is one of the primary targets of anyone with hypothyroidism.
Which nutrients can aid hypothyroidism weight loss?
Iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral needed to make thyroid hormones. So, including an optimal amount of iodine is necessary for losing weight with hypothyroidism. Seafood (codfish, tuna, and shrimp) and iodized salt are rich in iodine.
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant known to activate thyroid hormones so your body can use them better. Fish (tuna), Brazil nuts, eggs, and legumes are rich in antioxidants that may protect the thyroid gland from free radical damage.
Protein-rich food
Protein-rich food such as tuna and salmon and plant-based proteins such as lentils and peas help maintain your blood glucose metabolism. Essential proteins fortify your immune system. If your target is losing weight with hypothyroidism successfully, proteins can help you keep your hunger at bay and prevent unnecessary munching.
Gluten-free grains
Gluten-free grains such as buckwheat and brown rice can help regulate hypothyroidism and weight loss. Bran oats are rich in fiber and assist you in detoxification.
Foods you must avoid in your diet for hypothyroidism to lose weight-
High glycemic index food
Refined grains and highly processed food are high in glycemic index. These foods can urge your body to produce more insulin and affect your metabolism contributing to thyroid weight gain.
Refined Sugar
Refined sugar affects your thyroid hormone secretion which contributes to hypothyroidism. It can also cause you to gain a few kilos and make your weight loss journey a struggle. So, toss it out of your meal plan for losing weight with hypothyroidism.
High-calorie diet and alcohol
A high-calorie diet and alcohol can trigger inflammation in your body that can cause weight gain due to hypothyroidism.
How to achieve weight loss with hypothyroidism?
If you are confused about where to get started on how to lose weight with hypothyroidism, we are here to make it easier for you. Here is a step-by-step guide to losing weight with hypothyroidism-
Start with a Diagnosis
A study by Jeevam health shows that 67% of people experience hypothyroidism symptoms and weight gain even after the lab reports group them as 'normal.' Moreover, 45% of them receive delayed diagnoses.
So, if you feel fatigued and notice undesired weight gain, get yourself tested for hypothyroidism. Prompt diagnosis means early treatment, and that can make losing weight with hypothyroidism a little easy.
Consider a holistic approach
While traditional treatment focuses on treating the symptoms with synthetic thyroid hormones, functional medicine offers a broader perspective. Functional medicine focuses on treating the root cause of the disease and eventually reducing and controlling your weight.
Exercise
Hypothyroidism patients feel tired and achy all the time. But you must exercise and move your body to speed up your hypothyroidism weight loss process. Not only this, exercise can improve your mood too. Basic cardio, such as walking, is highly recommended if you are starting.
Focus on controlling the condition
Even though weight loss is a significant concern for you, you must not shift your focus from the disease-- they are interconnected, remember? The main part is treating and controlling your hypothyroidism, which will eventually work on your metabolism.
Conclusion
Weight gain with hypothyroidism is natural. Controlling weight gain may seem tedious but it’s worth the effort. You must maintain a proper hypothyroidism weight loss diet. Hypothyroidism medication and daily exercise accompanied by a nutritious meal plan can help you shed quite a few pounds. However, you must be patient as weight loss with hypothyroidism can take time.
Need help with hypothyroidism and weight loss? Reach out to us.
