Hypothyroidism is defined as a condition where the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough hormones for the body. A person said to have hypothyroidism has an “underactive thyroid” gland.
The American Thyroid Association lists the common causes of hypothyroidism as autoimmune disease, thyroid removal and radiation treatment. Less common causes are congenital hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, some medicines, too much or too little iodine, damage to the pituitary gland and some rare disorders such as amygloidosis or sarcoidosis.
As a person continues to suffer from hypothyroidism, they will experience fatigue, dry skin, forgetfulness or depression, constipation, and yes, weight gain. Of course, the only way to find out if you have hypothyroidism is to be tested. Once tested and hormone levels are regulated, weight loss may occur naturally, but what if it doesn’t?
For some, it took a long time to get a diagnosis of hypothyroidism because the symptoms appear slowly and over an extended period of time. In such a case, a person would end up having more weight gain. Remember, the thyroid hormone affects the metabolism -– slowing it down drastically. Therefore, a person is burning fewer calories and doing less as a result of fatigue and achiness.
So, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, make sure that you are prescribed the proper amount of medicine for treatment. If you are not, your hormones will not level out as normal and you will maintain excess weight. This may mean adding T3 (a secondary thyroid hormone) if necessary. Next, be mindful that some supplements can block thyroid drugs. This includes supplements such as calcium, vitamins with iron and even some antacids or calcium-fortified orange juice. Additionally, break your meals into smaller and more frequent ones. This gives your system time to do its job at a healthier pace.
In regards to meal planning, it is good to decrease breads, pastas and starches in general. Try to limit refined sugars to the bare minimum. On the other hand, do increase your veggies. Due to hypothyroidism causing depression, some have subjected themselves to antidepressant therapy –- at least temporarily -– and thereby received the extra fortitude to tackle their weight problem.
Finally, develop an exercise program. This should be done under the discretion of your health team. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So it goes with weight loss –- one step at a time.
Resources: American Thyroid Association, Thyroid.About.com
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer who enjoys writing poetry. Please take the time to check out her latest book of poems at:
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/red-toenails/6181258